Yedidya, FEAST Test Expert at JobTestPrep.
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About the FEAST Eurocontrol Test Structure
The FEAST (First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test) is a challenging screening test for Air Traffic Controller applicants, provided by Eurocontrol. Like the ATSA Test, the FEAST measures essential abilities expected of ATC candidates:
- FEAST 1 - A series of timed aptitude tests that require high attention and accuracy.
- FEAST 2- Two simulations (the DART and the Multipass Test) that assess multitasking in an ATC-related environment.
- FEAST 3- A personality questionnaire.
The number of FEAST tests you receive may change depending on your Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). In addition, you may be asked to complete additional tests, like the Wonderlic Assessment given by Nav Canada.
FEAST I Test Questions
The FEAST 1 is a series of 11 aptitude test sections that assess logical reasoning, attention to fine detail, memory, spatial orientation, and knowledge of the English language.
As mentioned, this test takes 2.5 hours- you will have a 10-minute break between each test session. On the real test, these short breaks will be invaluable for you, since questions can drain you out.
For example, on memorization question you'll have as little as 6 seconds to memorize complex numbers and variants:
Take a close look at the gauges above, we'll get back to this question later.
Below are FEAST Test Examples and explanations for each section of the test:
Cube Folding
Try the following sample question from the Cube Folding test, an infamous part of the FEAST that many candidates find extremely difficult:
Which of the possible options represents the cube in its folded form?
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If you rotate cube (C) 180 degrees clockwise so the purple facet is above the red facet, you can see that the green facet is to the left of the red facet like in the unfolded cube, making it the correct answer.
Answer (A) is incorrect because the red and dark blue facets are on opposite sides and can’t touch.
Answer (B) is incorrect because the purple and light blue facets are on opposite sides and can’t touch.
Answer (D) is incorrect because in the unfolded cube when the red facet it above the light blue facet, the green facet is to the left of the red facet and not to its right like in cube (D).
Did you spot the correct answer? On the FEAST test, you'll have 1 minute to answer each of the questions in this section.
Shortcut: Every facet of the 3d cube will never touch its opposite facet. Once you imagine the cube folded, you can eliminate answers where two opposite facets seem adjacent. More tips for solving cube questions are available in our FEAST Preparation pack.
In the FEAST test, you are directed to fold the cube so that its facets are moving away from you. This form of folding is less intuitive for most people and therefore takes some time to get used to. Practice greatly helps mentally rotate the cube in this direction and recognize its new form easily.
Conflicting Paths
Here, you will see many triangles, representing airplanes pointing in different directions. You'll then have to determine if two triangles are expected to collide or not- if two triangles point toward each other, it means that they are headed for a collision.
Determine whether there is a pair of triangles facing each other in a conflicting path
a. Conflict
b. No Conflict
The correct answer is 'No Conflict' as there are no triangles pointing towards each other (Meaning there are no aircraft at risk of collision).
Even though this may look easy, on the actual test you will have 5-7 seconds per question. Scanning the whole screen and making a decision within that time is no easy task. Practicing these questions helps cut down the time it takes to scan and recognize whether there is a conflict.
This test measures your visual perception and ability to quickly recognize any possible conflicts ahead, an extremely important ability of Air Traffic Controllers. Note that in the actual FEAST test, the design and procedure may differ slightly.
Spatial Orientation
Here is a sample of a different type of question, in which you'll need to determine the location of a certain shape in relation to the presented character. The character could be placed in different orientations, so you'll have to picture the shape as the character sees it.
This question might seem easy at first sight. In fact, if you had enough time, you could probably answer 100% of these questions correctly.
However, you'll only have less than 2 SECONDS to answer questions in this section. With the image changing so quickly, that's a pretty tough challenge. So, make sure you are super concentrated when starting this test.
Gauges Memorization
Memory is one of the core cognitive abilities measured in FEAST by several sub-tests. Here, you'll be tested on your ability to remember highly detailed gauges.
Remember the first image on this page? Try to recall which of these images appeared in it:
On the actual test, you'll be given just a few seconds to memorize the exact gauges that appeared earlier.
TIP: The challenge in this task is remembering its details. To do that fast enough, try to repeat the numbers the pointers point at. If the pointers point at a scale mark with no number on it, look at the closest number and try to memorize it.
Symbols Memorization
A similar memory test only with distracting math questions. You will be presented with 12 symbols you have to memorize. Then, you'll be given 15 simple math questions. After determining if the answer to each math drill is true or false, you'll be asked to recall the exact symbols presented beforehand.
Number Recall
This memorization task requires remembering auditory information. Specifically, you'll be asked to listen to an audio recording with a number embedded in a sentence. You will then be asked to select the correct number that you heard in the sentence out of four possible options. Sounds easy? this number can be as high as 9,000,000.
Flight Strategy Test
Flight Strategy Questions will test your ability to organize flight paths according to the presented diagrams and given limitations. Here's an example of a flight strategy question from our full preparation pack:
In what order will the flights land?
A. 53, 20, 96, 15
B. 53, 96, 20
C. 96, 53, 20
D. 53, 20, 96
The correct answer is (D).
Remember that all flights will attempt to land in the most efficient manner possible which means they will travel through the fewest checkpoints necessary in order to land.
Because flights traveling at a speed of less than 405 knots cannot land, flight 15 will never land. Thus, (A) can be eliminated.
Flights 20 and 53 are much closer to checkpoint H than checkpoint O. Flight 96 is three checkpoints away from both H and O and, therefore, can land from either checkpoint.
Since flight 53 (534 knots) is traveling faster than flight 20 (444 knots), flight 53 will reach checkpoint H first. Thus, the landing order will be 53, 20, 96.
Note that flight 53 would land first even if flight 20 was flying at a faster speed because, according to the conditions, flight 53 needs to make an emergency landing.
Therefore, the correct answer is (D).
Other FEAST Test Sections
Several more test sections examine your ability to remain highly attentive, react fast, and split your attention between several tasks:
- Ball on the Wall (Multitasking)
- Reaction Speed
- Correlative Orientation
- Follow the Dot
Practice Feast Simulations to Take the Test at Your Best
Even though many candidates believe they cannot practice for ATC tests, these tests rely on processing speed, attention, and spatial abilities, which can all be easily and quickly improved using accurate practice materials. Our FEAST practice pack is customized to accurately match the FEAST test questions and time limit, to improve your ability to solve problems most efficiently and score among the top 30% to pass the test.
Read what our customers say about the FEAST Practice Pack
FEAST II
FEAST DART Test and FEAST Multipass Test
The second test is about double in length as the first one and takes about 4 hours to complete. Round two includes two work samples: the Dynamic ATC Radar Test (DART) and the FEAST Multipass Test.
Both these tests are sophisticated and require an acute ability to multi-task; however, they require no specialized knowledge and are replete with detailed instructions to ensure that every faucet is fully clarified before beginning.
Learn more about preparing for FEAST 2 Tests>>
About to take the FEAST2 test? please feel free to contact us with any questions, we will be happy to help.
FEAST III
FEAST Personality Questionnaire (FPQ): This segment of the test aims to measure your personality traits and behavioral characteristics. You are presented with phrases and scenarios and need to answer them on a scale of 1-5 (agree - not agree.) The test takes about 35-40 minutes to complete.
Learn how to prepare for the personality questionnaires.
The Last Stage- Medical Examination
The last stage is the medical exam, the only part of all FEAST tests that you cannot prepare for. The medical review is conducted according to national regulations.
If you pass all these tests, you will be well on your way to becoming an air traffic controller!
Can you succeed in becoming an ATC if you fail the FEAST?
If you fail the FEAST, you'll have to wait at least two years before being able to take it again, in some countries (like Hungary) you can only take it once.
Yet, you might feel hesitant to take the FEAST test for the second time, since some argue that people who failed the FEAST are less likely to do well on the rest of the ATC training. This is completely false- many certified Air Traffic Controllers took several attempts to get in or get a license.
Keep in mind that ATCs go through a training program to get certified- A huge part of this job is the ability to learn and improve core spatial, multitasking, and other skills. The more effort you dedicate to practice, the more these skills improve, allowing you to understand and solve new situations more quickly.
So, if you want this job, you already have what it takes to get it. Just put in your best effort and practice cognitive questions that work on those skills.
Sharpen your cognitive skills with our free Cognitive Ability Practice Test!
Who Needs to Take the FEAST Test?
The test is applicable for ATC and FSS positions, among them, are several positions and specialties that encompass air traffic control, including:
NAV Canada Air Traffic Controller (ATC):
- Area Controllers (IFR) – In this position, you will use sophisticated equipment to ensure the safe flight of multiple aircraft across multiple routes. For instance, if a plane is travelling too fast or if there is not enough distance between two aircraft, it is your job to warn the pilots.
- Tower Controllers (VFR) – These guys are in charge of making sure that runways and taxiways run smoothly and that the air space in and around the airport is orderly. Depending on the airport, you may have to work in large groups, so teamwork is crucial.
- Flight Service Specialists (AAS) – These specialists are tasked with providing pilots with crucial information, including which runway to choose. Some also need to keep remote airports updated with information like emergency landings and more.
- Flight Service Specialists (FIC) – These guys are like in-flight weather forecasters, plus they help lead rescue search efforts in the event flights go off course or missing.
Looking for a different test? Check out our Civil Service Exam and get the most accurate preparation for your exam!
