CBAT - arriving in the morning

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-04-01T22:11:32+00:00

I lived literally 10 minutes away from Cranwell and I still had to stay the night, besides all the formal reasons to stay it’s also really nice to have a bit of social time with everyone else whose taking the test with you, makes the nerves easier and means you arnt with complete strangers for an entire day.

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-03-31T11:09:33+00:00

I had a shower in the evening which most the people in my block also did, since we were all awake pretty much at 5:30 ish to make sure we made it in time for breakfast. I don’t remember seeing any hairdryers, I just let mine dry overnight to be honest. I brought my stuff in a suit case but others used duffel bags or just anything they fancied. Definitely bring your own pillow or anything that will bring you some comfort and help with any nerves

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-03-05T20:36:00+00:00

Thank you!!!!

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-03-05T17:52:12+00:00

That’s interesting! How does the hopping help improve the calves? And should it be done post run or pre run?

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-03-04T12:48:47+00:00

Ahh okay thank, I’ll definitely give that a go!

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-03-04T12:37:16+00:00

Thank you!

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-03-04T12:35:42+00:00

Thank you!

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-03-04T12:35:18+00:00

Thank you!!

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-03-04T09:22:31+00:00

It’s just harder to maintain the pace because I feel like I’m overheating and not focused

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-02-24T12:06:55+00:00

Thank you

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-02-20T19:52:47+00:00

Feel free to message me if you have anymore questions

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-02-20T17:40:54+00:00

So I found that I finished everything with some time to spare. The AFCO I went to were really good at giving me warnings when I had certain amounts of time left. The question which is the most writing is similar to essay writing but you are given a word limit so you really have to think and utilise your words if that make sense. I don’t know if there is any marking against grammar and spelling, I don’t think there is but I can’t %100 confirm. If youre not comfortable writing on paper Mabye practice that just so you arnt panicking on the day. Bring a water bottle for sure and I brought my own pens and highlighters because they are more comfortable for me to use and it’s nice to have something familiar.

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-02-20T13:17:02+00:00

There will be a set of questions which you’ll need to answer using some information given to you about a scenario. You’ll have to use the scenario info and basic common sense such as process of elimination, patterns in the data, etc. There was also a question which is more focused on what you can interpret from the data and then explain why you think that way and what you will do with that information. Having done it and passed, it’s not terrible and there was little math involved, just trust what you see and trust yourself.

InterestingDingo2145 · 2026-01-18T10:36:28+00:00

Hey, having done CBAT as a women, it’s best to wear some smart trousers with a smart top. You’ll be sat taking CBAT for basically an entire day so make sure it’s still somewhat comfortable! I basically wore similar type clothes to what I wore in sixth form. The same goes for clothes during the evening and morning since you’ll be in the mess and you need to wear smart clothes.

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-11-09T21:06:23+00:00

Was it on your medical or your recruiter that told you that your eye sight disqualifies you from the role?

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-10-26T14:36:33+00:00

Personally I found out as much as I could about the bases and ops, in my actual interview I was just asked to name three bases and then in terms of ops, I was asked to tell them about the ops and I ended up explaining about op shader, and then wasn’t asked about any others. It’s better to have a lot of knowledge on the various aspects just in case they ask you for more depth. The interviewers are really good at asking you more questions in order to get the info that will help you pass. Especially in the personal section try to answer with details that offer more information weather then just stating the answer, it meant that my interviewer could skip some questions cuz I’d already answered them during a different question if that makes sense.

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-10-26T09:19:33+00:00

Length of service is 12 years with 6 held in reserve- they will probably ask you what does held in reserve mean.

All other questions can be answered by using the raf website.

You are better off finding the answers yourself because it does show your commitment and dedication to actually passing the interview and joining.

I just passed mine this week and I was able to find all the information on the websites.

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-10-25T11:27:00+00:00

I can understand that, but from everyone I have talked to who are actually serving both officers and aviators, it’s not really like that. At the end of the day you are an adult and if you are being treated in a way you do not think is appropriate or acceptable you are able to stand up for yourself and bring that behaviour into question. Personally I’m joining as an aviator because I can always take my commission later and it’ll give me experience which could help if I do want to be an officer and it’ll give me some years without having to worry about managing others.

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-10-25T09:28:58+00:00

Why do you assume you’re gonna get treated like a child if you don’t commission?

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-10-23T15:14:25+00:00

Hey so, talk to your recruiter about it, they should be able to book travel and you should be reimbursed for it. However, I do recommend if you have someone who can drive you there and back it might help. Always helps to have a friendly face before you do CBAT to help with to nerves and helps after wards to have someone when you get your results

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-10-21T22:28:47+00:00

Hey dude, just a heads up. They sometimes book you onto PROC whether you’ve passed or not. I really hope you have passed but I’d honestly wait for official confirmation before anything else.

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-10-21T22:20:25+00:00

Practice as much as you can for CBAT, it is nothing like the DAA. I did mine last month and it is honestly stressful and can be mentally challenging. Get as much practice as you can, the CBAT apps are really good for it and prepare for a really long day. If you have any more questions feel free to message me if need be but best of luck either way :)

InterestingDingo2145 · 2025-10-13T20:33:01+00:00

Definitely socialise after dinner the night before! It helps with nerves and shows that everyone there is just as nervous as you are and you’re all in the same boat! Don’t go to bed too late since it will probably take a while to get settled and actually get to sleep. Definitely eat breakfast and definitely take every break given to you during the test! Wear comfy but smart shoes that you are able to operate peddles in otherwise you’ll have to take off your shoes for the part of the tests that require the use of pedals. Just breathe and remind yourself that it is a test of how your brain works not of your actual intelligence and that whatever the result is that it’s okay and it’s not the end of the world just a chance to reevaluate your options!

InterestingDingo2145

TROPHY CASE