Reid Pilot Aptitude Testing Machine

Before a potential recruit is accepted for flying training, they have to undergo a series of aptitude tests. This machine was used to test their ability to steer a course while delays were introduced to their steering inputs.

An applicant had to steer a pointer over a series of electrical contacts on a revolving drum. To assess their ability to anticipate, a delay was introduced between the movement of the steering wheel and the movement of the pointer. A bad result on this machine could see an applicant’s dreams of becoming a pilot come crashing down.