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Trace Test 1 & 2
CBAT Trace Test 1: What to Expect
The CBAT Trace Test 1 (TRAC 1) is a short spatial orientation test that assesses how well you can judge the changing attitude of an aircraft when viewed from different perspectives. Rather than tracking movement over time, the focus is on understanding how an aircraft’s orientation has changed and identifying that change accurately from an external viewpoint.
You’ll be shown a reference aircraft and then required to determine how its orientation appears after movement or rotation when viewed from a different direction. The challenge lies in mentally rotating the aircraft in three-dimensional space and selecting the correct outcome under time pressure.
This page explains the structure of the test, what you’re being assessed on and common mistakes candidates make.
Trace Test 1 Format & Conditions
Trace Test 1 lasts approximately 8 minutes including instructions.
Each question presents:
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A reference aircraft in a given orientation
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A change in aircraft position
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A change in aircraft to observe
Your task is to identify which option correctly reflects the new orientation. Specifically, you will be asked to track the movement for a specific plane. As the aircraft pitches down, up, left and right, you must also replicate the pitch of the aircraft relative to pilot's perspective using the arrow keys.
CBAT Trace Test 2: What to Expect
The CBAT Trace Test 2 (TRAC 2) assesses your ability to remember and track the movement of aircraft in three-dimensional space. Unlike Trace Test 1, this version focuses on dynamic scenarios where multiple aircraft move over time without any input.
You’ll watch short animated sequences involving several aircraft moving in different directions and positions. After the sequence ends, you’ll be asked to recall where aircraft are located or how they moved relative to one another.
This page explains how the movement scenarios are structured, what you’re expected to remember, common recall errors (such as losing track of one aircraft while focusing on another), and includes a walkthrough so you can familiarise yourself with the format.
Trace Test 2 Format & Conditions
Trace Test 2 is built around a series of short animated scenarios.
For each scenario:
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You observe the movement of multiple aircraft
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The display is removed
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You answer questions about aircraft position, direction or relative movement
The test rewards structured observation and spatial memory under time pressure. It’s less about reaction speed and more about building and retaining a clear 3D picture of movement as it unfolds. Specifically, you'll be asked questions about the scenario that was presented to you, such as what colour of plane made only right turns, which plane climbed the highest or which planes exited the same side of the screen. This requires that you keep track of every plane and any combinations of movements that would warrant questioning.
Common Candidate Notes
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Don't focus too specifically on each aircraft turn for TRACE 2. Instead, try and keep track of which planes dove highest and flew highest, which planes moved in the same direction, left the same side of the screen, etc.