100+ Free TBAS Practice Questions
Pass your USAF Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
On a helicopter, anti-torque pedals counteract:
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Key Facts: TBAS Exam
9
Subtests
USAF AFPC
1-1.5 hr
Test Length
AFPC TBAS info
PCSM
Score Use
Composite input
Free
Exam Fee
USAF administered
AFPC
Test Owner
Air Force Personnel Center
Pearson VUE
Delivery
Authorized testing sites
TBAS is administered by AFPC for USAF rated-track applicants and produces inputs to the PCSM composite alongside the AFOQT pilot score and self-reported flight hours. The exam uses 9 psychomotor and cognitive subtests and has no fixed pass/fail cutoff; instead, performance flows into the PCSM score used by rated boards.
Sample TBAS Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your TBAS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1An aircraft on a heading of 090 degrees turns right by 90 degrees. What is the new heading?
2Which heading corresponds to due west on a 360-degree compass?
3If true north differs from magnetic north by 10 degrees east variation, an aircraft flying magnetic heading 100 is on what true heading?
4On a 4-quadrant compass (N, E, S, W) which quadrant contains a bearing of 220 degrees on the 360 scale?
5An aircraft holds heading 010. The pilot turns left 30 degrees. What is the new heading?
6Which compass heading is the reciprocal of 075?
7If you are flying north and a target bears 045 relative to your nose, the target is in what quadrant relative to your aircraft?
8Magnetic heading 200 with 5 degrees west variation gives what true heading?
9What is the heading 60 degrees clockwise from 330?
10When converting from a 4-quadrant bearing of S30W to a 360 heading, the value is closest to:
About the TBAS Exam
The TBAS is the U.S. Air Force's psychomotor and cognitive battery used to help compute the Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score. It combines directional orientation, reaction-time and psychomotor exercises, pattern recognition, aviation basics, multi-tasking, math reasoning, and PCSM context into a single computer-based test that runs about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Questions
9 scored questions
Time Limit
~1-1.5 hours
Passing Score
Feeds PCSM composite (no fixed cutoff)
Exam Fee
Free (U.S. Air Force AFPC)
TBAS Exam Content Outline
Directional Orientation
Compass headings, true vs magnetic, and 360-degree vs 4-quadrant directional problems.
Reaction Time & Psychomotor
Eye-hand coordination, divided attention, joystick/rudder concepts, and instrument scan.
Pattern Recognition & Matrices
Spatial relationships, paper folding, mental rotation, and matrix reasoning.
Aviation Basics
Cockpit instruments, flight controls, airspeed/altitude/heading, and attitude indicator basics.
Multi-tasking & Attention
Concurrent task handling, threat prioritization, and situational awareness.
Math Reasoning
Mental math, percent, ratios, and time-distance-fuel calculations.
Aircraft Systems Familiarization
T-6, T-1, and T-38 trainer aircraft basics plus fixed-wing vs rotary distinctions.
PCSM Context
How TBAS combines with the AFOQT pilot composite and flight hours into the PCSM score.
How to Pass the TBAS Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Feeds PCSM composite (no fixed cutoff)
- Exam length: 9 questions
- Time limit: ~1-1.5 hours
- Exam fee: Free
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
TBAS Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a passing score on the TBAS?
There is no fixed pass/fail TBAS cutoff. The TBAS produces inputs to the PCSM composite alongside the AFOQT pilot score and self-reported flight hours; rated boards then evaluate PCSM and the rest of the package.
How long is the TBAS?
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours at the testing site. The TBAS uses 9 psychomotor and cognitive subtests delivered on a computer-based platform.
How does TBAS feed the PCSM score?
The PCSM composite combines the TBAS, the AFOQT pilot composite score, and the applicant's self-reported flight hours. Candidates can raise PCSM through additional flight hours even without retaking the TBAS.
Who takes the TBAS?
USAF rated-track applicants pursuing pilot, RPA, CSO, or ABM positions take the TBAS as part of their PCSM computation. Scheduling normally runs through an Air Force base education center or recruiter.
Can I retake the TBAS?
Retake timing is set by AFPC and your rated board cycle. Because the TBAS feeds PCSM, many applicants also raise PCSM by logging more flight hours instead of retesting. Confirm current retest rules with your base education center.
What aircraft does the TBAS reference?
Aviation basics on the TBAS draw on USAF undergraduate flight training aircraft such as the T-6 Texan II, T-1 Jayhawk, and T-38 Talon, plus general fixed-wing vs rotary-wing concepts.