Module overview
What the test trains
This module focuses on Psychomotor Ability — pursuit tracking and prediction under a shifting viewpoint. It is designed to make the underlying process easier to recognise, repeat and review before you add more speed or workload.
How this trainer relates to CFAST
In this trainer's Pilot (PLT) domain breakdown, Rapid Tracking is grouped under Psychomotor Ability (PA). The Academy tracks this domain separately rather than combining it with an overall weighted index. This is the Academy’s training model, not an official CAF scoring calculation.
Task profile
What the task looks like
What it involves
- Use a joystick or pointer to follow moving and stationary objects.
- Keep control smooth even as the viewpoint itself is moving.
- Predict the object's path through a stretch where it's temporarily hidden.
- Respond to target events accurately while keeping pursuit going.
Practice screen example
These screenshots show CBAT Academy’s independent practice version of the task.
Interface briefing
Controls and test flow
Controls
Track and select moving targets with the mouse, keyboard, or a calibrated gamepad, joystick or pedal set; calibrate hardware in Settings before a measured run.
How the Academy version works
CBAT Academy presents an independently developed browser exercise with its own questions, graphics, timing and scoring. The instruction screen explains the current workload before launch; it does not claim to reproduce an official assessment screen or confidential question set.
Performance briefing
Difficulty and scoring
Difficulty and settings
Target speed rises from 75 to 185 (more than doubling) and the acceptable targeting window narrows from 16 to 9 as difficulty rises, alongside more object types to distinguish.
How scoring works
The result reflects performance in this Academy module. Accuracy is the main signal for decision tasks, while timing, missed targets, false responses or control error can also contribute where the task requires them. Assessment mode is more suitable for trend comparisons than adjustable practice runs.
Read how practice scores and estimates work →Training plan
Build a method that holds up under pressure
Why this becomes difficult
- Overcorrecting causes the tracking point to oscillate around the target instead of settling.
- A moving viewpoint changes how the target appears to move, independent of its real motion.
- Occlusion removes visual feedback right when prediction matters most.
- Chasing perfect centring is often worse than stable, close-enough tracking.
Preparation tips
- Use small, continuous corrections rather than large jerks.
- Look slightly ahead of the target's path, not directly at it.
- When a target disappears, keep its velocity going mentally rather than freezing.
- Loosen your grip — tension makes fine control noticeably harder.
Common mistakes
- Chasing from behind instead of leading the motion.
- Overcorrecting into an overshoot.
- Freezing the moment a target is obscured.
- Confusing viewpoint motion with the target's actual motion.
Useful practice drills
- Mouse or joystick pursuit drills with a moving target.
- Track something that disappears for one or two seconds at a time.
- Keep a cursor inside a moving zone rather than hunting exact centre.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an official Rapid Tracking test?
No. It trains related skills with an independently developed task. Rules, controls, timing, visuals and scoring can differ from an official assessment.
What's the most common mistake on this task?
Chasing from behind instead of leading the motion.
What actually helps here?
Use small, continuous corrections rather than large jerks.
Transparency
Sources and information status
Task guidance on this page describes CBAT Academy’s own software. Broad aptitude context is checked against the public references in the source register. Details not established by an official source are treated as independent training methodology.
The official CFASC candidate-guide PDF (22 January 2015) describes named test examples. Use it for historical familiarisation and follow your current joining instructions. The exercise mechanics and practice advice here describe the Academy version; domain mappings and scores are independent.
This guide describes CBAT Academy’s independently developed practice modules. It is not an exact specification of any current RAF, Canadian Forces or Ministry of Defence assessment. Official content, timings, scoring and administration may differ.
Continue the briefing
Turn the method into repeatable performance.
Launch the interactive trainer, begin with accuracy and review the pattern behind each mistake before increasing pace.