What are mechanical reasoning tests?
Mechanical reasoning tests (sometimes known as electrical tests) examine your ability to understand mechanical and electrical concepts in order to solve challenges. Common concepts like transformation, pressure, maps and kinetic energy will be covered.
Mechanical reasoning tests will help pilots familiarise themselves with airlines approaches to testing their candidates.
Cabin crew candidates are recommended to practise the tests to increase their knowledge and understanding of this area, as they assess how well an individual can apply reasoning in a practical environment.
We recommend being as prepared as possible.
Why do employers use mechanical reasoning tests?
Airlines use mechanical reasoning tests to better understand how comfortable you are with mechanical and electrical challenges. As a pilot and engineer, this knowledge is essential for your day to day work. It's a clear way for Airlines to check candidates have the skills they need.
Mechanical reasoning tests are highly specialised assessments. Questions will be specific to aviation and roles that require mechanics or electronic knowledge and skills. Aviation is very competitive so it’s highly recommended to be well prepared for all tests, to achieve the highest performance, throughout the hiring process.
What is the mechanical reasoning test format?
You’ll be required to answer questions on mechanical topics as diverse as pulleys, maps and electrical circuits. Most of the questions will take the form of an image depicting an electrical or mechanical scenario, with a choice of answers relating to the question. Your job is to put your knowledge into practice and show your skills by selecting the correct answer. Typically you’ll only have about 40 seconds to answer each question. It’s not long, so preparation really is key.
They may also be specific to the role you applied for, meaning they could include a question that refers to a problem or scenario you are likely to encounter in the role you’ve applied for.
What skills does mechanical reasoning test?
The main skill being tested is your ability to apply your mechanical and electrical knowledge to a series of situations you could encounter in the real world or whilst working in aviation. The actual topics covered are anything and everything mechanical, from circuits and magnetism, to energy, force and voltage. The time pressure means you’ll have to work through the questions quickly, without compromising on accuracy. Which is obviously a valuable skill to have as a pilot.
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Sample Mechanical Reasoning Tests question Test your knowledge!
A block and tackle system with three pulleys is used to lift a load. If the efficiency of the pulleys is disregarded, how much force must be applied to lift a 300 kg load (assuming g = 9.8 m/s^2)?
- 980 Newtons
- 3000 Newtons
- 1000 Newtons
- Approximately 980 Newtons divided by the number of pulleys
Which principle explains why two gears turning together in a system will turn in opposite directions?
- Conservation of energy
- Newton's third law of motion
- Thermal expansion
- Electromagnetic induction
If a lever is not moving, which of the following must be true about the torques applied to it?
- Torque from one side is larger than from the other side
- Torques are not being applied to the lever
- Net torque applied to the lever is zero
- Torque is only applied at the fulcrum
Which material property is most relevant when a mechanical component is subjected to repeated cycles of loading and unloading?
- Stiffness
- Toughness
- Fatigue resistance
- Malleability
Which of the following would likely cause a decrease in electrical resistance?
- Doubling the length of the conductor
- Decreasing the temperature of the conductor
- Replacing a copper conductor with a nickel conductor
- Increasing the cross-sectional area of an insulator around the conductor
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Mechanical Reasoning Tests Tips
- Get Familiar with Basic Principles
Before you dive into the practice exams, spend some time refreshing your understanding of essential mechanical and electrical principles. Know the fundamentals like force, torque, electricity, and momentum. This foundational knowledge will be invaluable when you’re faced with a tricky problem under a tight deadline.
- Practice Under Timed Conditions
Time is of the essence in these mechanical reasoning tests, with usually no more than 40 seconds allotted per question. To get comfortable with the pace, simulate timed conditions while you’re practicing. This will not only improve your speed but also help manage test-day jitters.
- Understand the Question
Don’t rush through reading the question – a common mistake under time pressure. Take enough time to clearly understand what’s being asked before you jump to the answer choices. Skipping this step can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect responses, even if you know the material well.
- Use the Process of Elimination
If you’re unsure about an answer, narrow down your choices by eliminating the most obviously incorrect options first. This strategy not only increases your chance of guessing correctly but can also save valuable time that would otherwise be spent hovering between too many potential answers.
- Review Mistakes and Understand Why
After each practice exam on Careerroo, take the time to review your incorrect answers in detail. Understand why your chosen option was wrong and what the correct answer is. This review process is crucial as it turns your mistakes into valuable learning opportunities.
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Mechanical Reasoning Tests FAQs
- How are mechanical reasoning tests scored?
In order to achieve correct answers, mechanical or electrical knowledge will need to be used in order to solve the problem. Your score is often measured against a normative group so it can be compared to a group of your peers.
- What are mechanical reasoning tests used for?
Mechanical reasoning tests are usually used for engineering, technology-related,or pilot roles. They test to evaluate someone’s electrical and mechanical knowledge and then be able to apply it effectively.
- What do mechanical reasoning tests involve?
The test questions usually involve several pictures or diagrams with different options for the answers. The different questions may include magnetism, forces, levers, screw, gears etc.You’ll typically have 40 seconds per question.
- What do mechanical reasoning tests measure?
The tests measure your electrical and mechanical knowledge. If you’re interviewing for a pilot’s or engineering role, you’ll already have at least a basic knowledge. It’s always recommended that you practise mechanical reasoning tests as it’s always best to be prepared.
- Where can I practice mechanical reasoning tests?
Even though you’ll have basic knowledge on the subject, it’ll help to familiarise yourself with the question format. You can practice these tests here on Careerroo, where you’ll also find guides, tips and tricks.
- Which employers use mechanical reasoning tests?
Mechanical reasoning tests are highly specialised assessments which you will only encounter for positions that require mechanics or electrical knowledge and skills. Those roles in aviation include pilots, engineering and air traffic.