[Nico]

This was my experience but it may vary depending on the testing center. I took my TBAS last month and the joystick at the testing center looked like it came straight out of a f16….It was far better than I expected in terms of the actual quality of the joystick. However, I didn’t feel the quality of the joystick helped at all because of how the TBAS itself just plays. For me, the movements of the stick didn’t correlate or sync well to how the movements displayed on the screen. It’s an old program and it plays like one. It’s my opinion but I found the TBAS Test Prep program to be super helpful. Using that program along with a cheap joystick bought from amazon I’m confident would serve anyone well as it did for me

[Nico]

Something I wasn’t prepared for and what I think can be a good discussion point is just how awkward and out of place you can feel while rushing. It makes sense: you’re walking around a tight-knit squadron filled with experienced professionals in their field, and you’re essentially the nobody that doesn’t know much of anything yet. I’ve had a good experience with the POC’s being very accommodating, but drill weekends are fluid, and sometimes you can be left on your own while people are in and out of meetings. During those times, I’ve found it’s a difficult balance between making the most of your time and establishing a good presence, but also being considerate of everyone’s time, especially when things are busy. As far as lessons learned, I find it’s very easy to act in way that is outside of yourself because of the discomfort you may feel and the nature of the atmosphere you find yourself in. What has helped me is honestly just continuing to rush and getting in more reps. I wish I had a magic step by step formula, but for me it has just taken time as I’ve come to understand the process further. All said, it hammers in the importance of reading the room and being yourself. Hope this is helpful to someone!

[Nico]

In terms of a specific model and brand I am not sure. I also don’t know if the stick I used was standard across all testing areas or if it varies. My experience, the stick was standard looking and better quality than I expected. Nothing unusual. Practicing with a cheap joystick was more than adequate and served me well.

[Nico]

I took the actual TBAS last month. Your experience of it being inverted is the first I’ve heard. @kyle-duffee , it seems like Allen and I had differing experiences. I wasn’t aware it could potentially be inverted. If you know where you plan to take the test, it would probably be best to call and get info. I took my test on a base and the lady who scheduled my test mentioned she was required to take the TBAS 3 times in order to administer it. She was very knowledgeable and helped answer all the questions I had leading up to the test including whether the axis were inverted or not

[Nico]

Interesting. That was not the case for me

[Nico]

Hey Kyle, during the exam it was just like flying an airplane. If you pull back on the stick, it will move the reticle up and vice versa