First attempt
45 5/5/5 on Jan. 11th. Took it a second time Mar. 8th and got
56 7/8/7. I didn't study as much as I should have for the first test, but I kind of just wanted to treat it as a trial run. For the second test, I studied for 1-2 hours about 4-5 days a week. I can't stress how important it is to utilize this website in your studies. Go back and look at other people's tips and the types of problems they saw. I'll post all the google drives I used at the end of my post.
Math
This was definitely my weakest area and ended up studying the most for it. Each time I took it, I saw different types of problems. Basic algebra, all types of exponents, averages, D=RxT, square roots, fraction/normal word problems, and one arc length question. I saw one log problem on the first test, but never again. No matrices. I recommend using the OAR Math Guide as a starting point (know it inside and out) and then get your hands on as many practice tests and problems as possible. Also, it will definitely benefit you to get super fast at multiplying, dividing, adding, etc. by hand since pretty much all problems will have you doing this one way or another.
Reading
I didn't study for this section at all. Most say to don't do this, but I didn't think it was that hard. Majority of passages will be super dull and boring, but just focus and you'll be fine. Read the passage once then cross off any answers that are obviously wrong. On most questions, you will be deciding between two answers that both seem correct. Eliminate the one that contains something that cannot be determined by the words in the passage. If an answer contains never or always then you can usually mark that one off. I wouldn't stress over this section unless your reading level is that of a 3rd grader.
Mechanical
Easier than math, but harder than reading. It will include gears, pulleys, MA, levers, weight=mass x gravity, electricity stuff. Also know what a 4-stroke engine is(intake, compression, combustion, exhaust) On some problems just use common sense and you'll be able to figure out the answer. Easy calculations if any. Just use the study guides and practice tests to familiarize yourself with all the concepts.
ANIT
This was probably the hardest to study for since there is just so much information that is covered. Definitely know your plane and boat parts and how they all work. Lift, drag, air density, and velocity seemed to be emphasized.
This study guide has a good ANIT section to study, but is also a great overall study guide. I mainly studied these flashcards:
Start studying ASTB AVIATION. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
quizlet.com
Study Flashcards On ASTB Aviation/Nautical Information Test (ANIT) [comprehensive] at Cram.com. Quickly memorize the terms, phrases and much more. Cram.com makes it easy to get the grade you want!
www.cram.com
Study Flashcards On ASTB Aviation History at Cram.com. Quickly memorize the terms, phrases and much more. Cram.com makes it easy to get the grade you want!
www.cram.com
Start studying Aircraft Crew/Shirt color. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
quizlet.com
Start studying Naval Aircraft. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
quizlet.com
Use all these flashcards and any practice tests you can get your hands on.
NAFTI
Not fun. Not fun at all. Just kept telling myself, okay only 70 more, 50 more, 40 more, etc. until it was over. Thought it was never going to end. Just answer honestly and grind through it.
PBM
UAV: DONT USE THE COMPASS TRICK. I used it my first test and averaged like 2-4 seconds and got a couple wrong. On second test, I wrote out all possible combinations. It never took me longer than 2 seconds and I got them all right. Props to
TF7325 for that idea. If you do get one wrong, don't panic and just stay relaxed.
Dichotic Listening: Lean into your target ear and focus on the numbers/letters you hear. Don't even think about listening to whatever is going on in your other ear. Also doesn't hurt to write down clutch=odd and trigger=even.
Vertical Tracking: Just small jerks. Don't hammer it or you will end up going all over the place. Watch it in your peripherals while tracking the plane.
Aircraft Tracking: If you can afford it, I recommend buying a joystick and playing a game like Ace Combat so you can get use to the movements of a joystick and how they will affect the crosshair. Also remember when they have you calibrate the joystick before the test that the controls aren't inverted. Don't spend too much time on this or it will mess you up on the test.
Emergency Procedures: Write them down!!! If you don't your screwed. While your doing both tracking tasks an emergency will pop up. My advice is to just fix it as quick as possible and get back to tracking.
I wasn't expecting to make a post this long but this site was so helpful, I kind of felt obligated. Study your ass off and go into the test confident and you will do just fine. Feel free to ask me any questions. Oh yeah, here are the google drives I used. Definitely the best resource out there.
drive.google.com
drive.google.com
drive.google.com