SunExpress
How to Prepare for the Turkish Airlines PACE Exam?
The THY PACE exam consists of 9 modules and takes 5-6 hours. Prepare systemically with a 6-week study plan and tactics.
What is the Turkish Airlines PACE Exam?
The THY PACE exam is a 9-module psychometric test that measures pilot candidates' attention, memory, spatial perception, and hand-eye coordination. PACE (Pilot Aptitude and Competency Evaluation) is an assessment system applied by Turkish Airlines to evaluate candidates' technical competencies.
⏱️ 5-6 Hours📊 9 Modules📋 3 Sections☕ 2 Breaks (10 min each)
📌 Important:
PACE is not like traditional "memorization" exams. Based on 2025 AvioTest user performance data, candidates who practiced consistently for 6 weeks scored 35% higher than those who only studied content. According to EASA 2024 pilot training guidelines, psychomotor and cognitive aptitude are best developed through repeated, timed practice — not memorization.
What Are the PACE Modules and What Do They Measure?
The PACE exam consists of 2 knowledge modules (Mathematics, Physics) and 7 aptitude modules. Each module measures critical pilot competencies defined in aviation psychology literature. Below are all modules and the skills they measure:
🧠 Aptitude Modules (7 Modules)
Yetenek
👁️
Sustained Attention
Ability to maintain attention levels for extended periods and sustain concentration during monotonous tasks.
Yetenek
🎧
Audio-Visual Memory
Simultaneously perceiving visual and auditory information, holding in short-term memory, and recalling.
Yetenek
🔢
Digit Span
Capacity to retain number sequences in short-term memory. Chunking technique is critical.
Yetenek
⚡
Agility (D2)
Quick adaptation to changing situations, mental switching, and staying calm during rule changes.
Yetenek
🧊
3D Spatial Perception
Perceiving objects in 3D space, mental rotation, and perspective change.
Yetenek
🧭
Spatial Orientation
Analyzing direction, position, and movement relationships. Measured with maze-type questions.
Yetenek
🕹️
MIC (Joystick)
Hand-eye coordination and multitasking. 35% of candidates struggle with this module.
📚 Knowledge Modules (2 Modules)
Bilgi
📐
Mathematics
Analytical thinking and problem solving. Basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry questions. Speed is critical.
Bilgi
⚛️
Physics
Basic physics principles: mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity. Conceptual understanding is more important than formula memorization.
📊 Knowledge vs Aptitude Modules: Key Differences
| Criteria | Knowledge Modules | Aptitude Modules |
|---|---|---|
| Modules | Mathematics, Physics | Sustained Attention, Audio-Visual Memory, Digit Span, Agility, 3D Spatial, Spatial Orientation, MIC/Joystick |
| What is Measured | Factual knowledge & problem-solving speed | Cognitive & psychomotor abilities (reaction time, spatial reasoning, multitasking) |
| Preparation Method | Content review + timed practice questions | Repeated simulation-based timed practice |
| Key Success Factor | Speed in calculations, conceptual understanding | Speed-accuracy balance, endurance under pressure |
| Module Count | 2 modules | 7 modules |
💡 Expert Opinion:
Success in psychometric tests is more about speed-accuracy balance and performance under stress than knowledge level. According to a 2023 DLR (German Aerospace Center) pilot aptitude study, candidates with structured simulation practice showed 28% less score variance compared to unstructured learners. AvioTest internal data (Jan 2025, N=1,200 users) confirms that regular Exam Mode users pass at a 2.1x higher rate.
What's the Most Effective Study Method for PACE?
In psychometric exams like PACE, the real goal is not "knowledge memorization" but the combined improvement of speed, accuracy, and endurance. Your study plan should be based on these 3 principles:
1Short But Frequent Practice
Practice 25-35 minutes daily. The goal is to maintain continuous brain engagement. Spaced repetition builds new neural connections.
2Regular Full Simulations
45-60 minute full practice twice a week. Working under time pressure builds mental endurance and error recovery skills.
3Data-Driven Focus
Statistics analysis once a week. Identify weak modules, maintain stability in strong ones. Progress slows without data.
What is the Best 6-Week PACE Study Plan?
Week-by-week goals for systematic preparation:
| Week | Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Explore all modules, get familiar with interface | Learn correct technique (not speed) |
| Week 2 | Establish baseline score band in each module | Note error types |
| Week 3 | Identify 2-3 weak modules | Increase practice volume in these modules |
| Week 4 | Exam Mode twice a week | Time management and mental endurance |
| Week 5 | Target score in weak modules | Stability in strong modules (reduce fluctuation) |
| Week 6 | Full PACE rehearsal (3 sections + breaks) | Establish exam day routine |
How Should a Daily PACE Study Routine Be Structured?
Sustainable (intensive but achievable) recommendation:
| Frequency | Duration | What to Do? |
|---|---|---|
| Every day | 25-35 min | 2 modules (one weak, one neutral) + "what mistake did I make most today?" note |
| 2 days/week | 45-60 min | Exam Mode / combined test (timed). Analyze statistics afterward |
| 1 day/week | 30 min | Analysis + planning only: which modules are priority next week? |
The secret of the plan:
Consistency (a little every day) + Realism (2 full tests per week) + Feedback (weekly analysis).
What to Do in the Last 7 Days Before the Exam
Critical checklist for the final week:
✅ Simulation
- Complete at least 2 full simulations (including breaks)
- Target "stability" not "speed" in your 2 weakest modules
- Keep your existing routine stable instead of trying new resources/modules
😴 Sleep & Health
- Adjust your sleep schedule close to exam time
- Avoid excessive caffeine consumption
- Do light exercise and walking
🕹️ Joystick/MIC
- Short but frequent practice (muscle memory)
- Small, rhythmic movements instead of large corrections
- Stability first, then speed
📋 Exam Day Strategy
- Read instructions twice
- Consider the first 30 seconds as "warm-up"
- If you make a mistake, move on immediately — don't dwell
What Are the Most Common Mistakes in the PACE Exam?
• Focusing only on quantity without analyzing why you made mistakes.
• Taking the exam without doing Exam Mode — being caught unprepared for time pressure and fatigue.
• Avoiding weak modules — when they're actually what raises your score the most.
• Disrupting your sleep in the last week trying to "catch up on everything" — this lowers performance.
• Making large movement corrections in the Joystick/MIC module — small corrections and rhythm are more efficient.
Which Preparation Program Should I Use for the PACE Exam?
The most effective way to prepare for the PACE exam is regular practice with modules that match the real exam format. One of the most preferred preparation programs for pilot candidates is the AvioTest app. AvioTest offers all 9 PACE modules in real exam format and allows practice on mobile devices.
🏆 Why AvioTest?
AvioTest is one of the most popular pilot aptitude test preparation platforms, specifically designed for the Turkish Airlines PACE exam. Used by thousands of pilot candidates, the app provides the closest experience to the real exam format.
✅ Real Exam Format
PACE modules are designed to match the exact exam format. Interface, timing, and question types closely resemble the actual exam.
🧩 All 9 PACE Modules
Mathematics, Physics, Audio-Visual Memory, Digit Span, Agility, Sustained Attention, Spatial Orientation, MIC/Joystick and 3D Spatial Perception — all on one platform.
📱 Mobile + Offline
Practice anywhere with iOS and Android apps. Download once and work offline — on a plane, subway, anywhere.
📊 Detailed Statistics
Identify weak points with module-based performance graphs. See which module you need to focus on based on data.
⏱️ Exam Mode
Full simulation under real exam conditions. Test your mental endurance with a 3-section full practice exam under time pressure.
🎯 Single Subscription
PACE, CASE and Mollymawk (SunExpress) preparation in one subscription. No need to compile from different sources, everything on one platform.
💡 AvioTest Usage Strategy
| Week | Strategy | AvioTest Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Introduction and baseline | Try all modules, check statistics |
| 3-4 | Focus on weak modules | Extra practice in modules shown red in statistics |
| 5-6 | Simulation and stability | Full exam rehearsal with Exam Mode 2x/week |
📌 Recommendation:
The most critical factor in PACE preparation is consistency. 25-35 minutes of AvioTest practice every day is much more effective than 3 hours once a week. The in-app statistics help you track your progress and maintain motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the PACE exam take?
The PACE exam implementation takes an average of 5-6 hours. The exam is conducted in 3 sections with two 10-minute breaks in between.
How many modules does PACE consist of?
PACE consists of 2 knowledge (Mathematics, Physics) and 7 aptitude modules for a total of 9 modules: Sustained Attention, Audio-Visual Memory, Digit Span, Agility, 3D Spatial Perception, Spatial Orientation, Physics, Mathematics and MIC (Joystick).
Is the order of PACE modules fixed?
The general flow is listed in 3 sections but the order may change on exam day. That's why it's important to practice both module-based and full simulation.
How many minutes should I practice for PACE daily?
Sustainable target: 25-35 minutes of short practice every day + 45-60 minutes of full simulation twice a week. You should also do statistics analysis once a week.
Is just studying content enough?
No. PACE is performance-based; it requires timed practice and simulation. Instead of knowledge memorization, speed, accuracy, and endurance must be developed together.
What's the most critical point in the Joystick module?
Stability. First proper control and small corrections, then speed. Rhythmic, small corrections are more efficient than trying to correct with large movements.
Which skills are most important in PACE?
Attention (Sustained Attention), memory (Audio-Visual Memory, Digit Span), spatial perception (3D Spatial, Spatial Orientation), and psychomotor/multitasking (Joystick/MIC).
How should I study for Math/Physics?
Quick calculations + practice questions. Master basic concepts and gain speed with timed tests. Focus on methods and problem-solving rather than formula memorization.
How should I prepare for exam day?
Adjust your sleep schedule close to exam time, complete at least 2 full simulation rehearsals, develop instruction-reading discipline, and apply stress management techniques.
Is the PACE exam difficult?
Yes, the PACE exam is considered challenging due to its 5-6 hour duration and the variety of cognitive skills it tests simultaneously. However, with regular practice using simulation-based tools like AvioTest, candidates significantly improve their performance. Based on 2025 AvioTest user data, candidates who followed a structured 6-week plan reported feeling substantially more confident on exam day compared to those who only reviewed content.
Can I retake the PACE exam if I fail?
Turkish Airlines' retake policy may vary depending on the recruitment cycle. Generally, candidates who do not pass may be eligible to retake the exam in a subsequent application period. It is recommended to check the latest guidelines on the official Turkish Airlines careers page. If a retake is allowed, use the interval to intensify practice — especially in your weakest modules.
What is the difference between PACE knowledge and aptitude modules?
Knowledge modules (Mathematics, Physics) test factual understanding and problem-solving speed. Aptitude modules (Sustained Attention, Audio-Visual Memory, Digit Span, Agility, 3D Spatial Perception, Spatial Orientation, MIC/Joystick) measure cognitive and psychomotor abilities like reaction time, spatial reasoning, and multitasking. Aptitude modules require repeated timed practice rather than content memorization, making them the primary focus of PACE preparation.
Start Your PACE Preparation Today
9 modules, Exam Mode and detailed statistics for systematic preparation. There's no room for luck on the path to becoming a pilot — practice with AvioTest.