Free RAF CBAT preparation app for Cranwell aptitude skills (2026)
Free RAF CBAT preparation for Cranwell aptitude skills in 2026: Brain Preflight gives you 5 free daily iPhone sessions for tracking, multitasking, spatial reasoning, memory and numerical practice.
Start your 5 free daily sessionsBy Brain Preflight, the app developer · Updated 29 October 2026
What is RAF CBAT, and is it different from DAA?
CBAT means Computer Based Aptitude Tests. The RAF pilot role page describes a separate assessment at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF College Cranwell. It identifies physical responses to visual information, two-dimensional to three-dimensional reasoning, simultaneous tasks and other reasoning skills. Read your own role page and invitation for the process that applies to you.
The same RAF role page distinguishes the aptitude-test stage from CBAT. Do not assume that finishing DAA preparation covers the aircrew assessment. The UK selection guide also separates Army ACT from both RAF routes.
What can I practise in the CBAT programme?
Set Brain Preflight to English and choose RAF aircrew — CBAT (Cranwell). This is a related-skills practice routine, not an official CBAT simulator. Its exercises are available now from the catalogue:
| Area | Practice in the app |
|---|---|
| Psychomotor | Track a target while responding to shape and arithmetic prompts on the touchscreen. |
| Airways | Practise managing concurrent information and attention demands. |
| Object rotation and Cube nets | Rotate marked objects and reason about how flat faces form a cube. |
| 2-back memory | Keep track of recent information while responding to new items. |
| Work rate | Apply reference codes while balancing accuracy and pace. |
| Numerical and Verbal reasoning | Work through arithmetic, data and written-rule tasks. |
These tasks support a focused routine around related cognitive and coordination skills. The phone’s controls, exercises and practice levels differ from the equipment and scoring used by the RAF.
Can I try original CBAT-related skill examples?
The following examples illustrate mental arithmetic and spatial reasoning. They are our own teaching examples and are not official CBAT questions or a sample of the complete assessment.
Mental arithmetic: a vehicle travels 36 km in 24 minutes at a constant speed. What is the speed in km/h?
24 minutes is 0.4 hours. Speed = distance ÷ time = 36 ÷ 0.4 = 90 km/h. Checking the time unit before dividing avoids the common error of treating minutes as hours.
Spatial reasoning: a cube has red opposite blue, green opposite yellow, and white opposite black. Can red, blue and white meet at one corner?
No. Red and blue are opposite faces, so they cannot share an edge or meet at the same corner. Opposite-face relationships are a useful starting check before trying to visualise a full rotation.
For repeated spatial work, open Object rotation or Cube nets. For a different pilot-selection context, the COMPASS guide and TBAS guide explain where related app skills fit; neither is a replacement for RAF instructions.
How should I build a CBAT skills practice routine?
Begin with one task at a time so you can identify the source of an error. Try arithmetic, a spatial exercise and a memory session. Use the remaining allowance to review the weakest skill or try a Psychomotor session. When handling several tasks, note which task you neglected and whether an instruction change caused the problem.
- Read and follow the instructions for each exercise rather than relying on a familiar pattern.
- Review accuracy as well as speed; a rushed response can hide a misunderstood rule.
- Practise concurrent tasks after understanding each component separately.
- Plan the next session around a specific recurring error.
- Follow the arrival, travel and preparation information sent by the RAF for your actual appointment.
This is an editorial routine with no guaranteed score effect or prescribed preparation duration. The practice questions and answers guide explains free daily access and how to interpret app levels.
Does the app reproduce the real CBAT or predict a pass?
No. Brain Preflight’s CBAT programme is a skills routine using independent exercises. Touchscreen tracking does not reproduce official controls, and app levels do not convert into RAF aptitude scores. The app’s timed series are its own practice format, not a complete CBAT sitting.
Use official RAF guidance for your role’s eligibility, assessment arrangements and other recruitment stages. Interviews, leadership and teamwork assessment, medical checks and fitness preparation require separate attention. Ask your recruiter about result requirements or any retest arrangements rather than relying on a general website’s pass-mark claim.
If your invitation names DAA, use the Defence Aptitude Assessment guide. If it names a civilian airline assessment, start with the cut-e / Aon guide or the relevant provider-specific page instead.
Start practising in Brain Preflight
Download Brain Preflight free on iPhone. You get 5 free exercise sessions immediately and 5 new sessions every day, choosing any exercise available in your selected language. No purchase or subscription is required for the daily allowance. Installed exercises work offline; purchases, rewarded ads and other online services need a connection. The UK programmes are available in English. Optional Premium adds unlimited sessions, ad-free practice, the app’s own timed series or mock-exam routines and detailed diagnostics. The free plan may show ads.
Start your 5 free daily sessionsFrequently asked questions
Is Brain Preflight an official RAF CBAT simulator?
No. It is an independent related-skills practice app. The exercises and touchscreen controls do not reproduce the complete CBAT, official equipment or RAF scoring.
Where does the RAF conduct CBAT?
The RAF pilot role page describes CBAT at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. Follow the appointment details and instructions sent for your own application.
Is CBAT the same as DAA?
No. The RAF describes DAA-style aptitude testing and CBAT as separate stages on its pilot role page. Use the assessment named in your invitation and consult the separate DAA guide when relevant.
What CBAT score do I need to pass?
Use the current requirements for your role and ask your recruiter how results are assessed. This guide does not provide a universal threshold, and Brain Preflight practice levels are not official RAF scores.
Official sources and familiarisation
Selection sources checked 29 October 2026. Use your current invitation for individual arrangements.
Independent app developed by Brain Preflight. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the RAF, Royal Navy, British Army, Ministry of Defence or Mindmill. Practice scores are not official selection results.