EASA-certified pilot assessment, the global aviation standard
The DLR (German Aerospace Center) Aviation Psychology department develops and administers the most rigorous pilot selection battery in the world. Since 2021, the DLR certificate has been a binding EASA requirement for many cockpit personnel. The assessment includes MIC (Monitoring and Instrument Coordination), a dual-task test where candidates control instruments with a joystick while performing auditory tasks simultaneously. Used by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss Air and German police helicopter units.
Example questions in the style of this publisher's assessments.
MIC Dual-Task: While keeping the cursor inside the moving circle using the joystick, simultaneously solve: 'You hear 7... 3... What is the sum?' Answer verbally.
The MIC tests your ability to divide attention. Practice dual-task exercises: track a moving object while solving mental arithmetic. Start slow, then increase speed.
VMC Visual Memory: Study this 4×4 grid pattern for 10 seconds, then reproduce it from memory.
Use chunking. Group the pattern into recognizable shapes (L-shape, diagonal, etc.). Reproduce from the top-left corner systematically.
ENS Aviation English: 'The aircraft is experiencing a [blank]. The pilot must [blank] immediately.' Fill in with correct ICAO terminology.
Study ICAO phraseology and standard aviation English. Level 4 (Operational) is the minimum. Aim for Level 5 (Extended) or 6 (Expert).
The DLR assessment is 2-3 days in Hamburg. Book accommodation in advance. It's one of the most demanding selection processes in the world.
Practice dual-task exercises daily: track a moving object on screen while solving mental arithmetic. This directly simulates the MIC test.
For VMC visual memory, practice the method of loci (memory palace) for grid patterns. Chunk patterns into recognizable shapes.
ICAO English Level 4 is the minimum for the ENS test. Study aviation phraseology and practice describing meteorological conditions and emergencies.
The PPT (Paper Folding Test) requires strong 3D spatial reasoning. Practice with origami and net-folding exercises.
Physical fitness is assessed separately. Ensure you meet the medical and vision requirements before applying.
Since 2021, EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) has made the DLR certificate a requirement for many cockpit personnel in Europe. Not all airlines use DLR directly. Some use other EASA-approved assessment centers. However, DLR is the most prestigious and widely recognized. Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss Air, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) all use DLR.
DLR does not publish pass rates, and figures circulating online are unverified. The full pilot selection battery is widely regarded as one of the most demanding in aviation, and the MIC dual-task test is the most commonly reported reason for failure. Selectivity also varies by airline and role. Cabin crew and ground roles are less selective than pilot selection.
Yes. The MIC test can be improved with practice. The key skill is dual-task performance: simultaneously tracking a moving target while solving arithmetic problems. Apps like 'Dual N-Back' and specialized pilot training software can help. However, natural aptitude for multi-tasking is also a significant factor.
Practice with our DLR-format tests and get AI-powered feedback on your performance.