I thought the written helped identify those that knew how to study (memorize things) and relate them back. It is important to be able to memorize numbers such as limitations and memory/immediate action items. With the gouge being published on line like it was, it also helped to determine how interested someone really is in getting the job, and their desire to put forth the effort to find the gouge.

I know several people that we hired that didn't look for the gouge at all, and missed a few questions. They were either not that interested in getting the job, or didn't feel like putting forth the effort to try to help themselves succeed. As it was, if you missed more than one question, it was pretty obvious that you didn't read the gouge. It was pretty easy.

I agree that these new questions seem to be a little farfetched, and do not measure any real piloting ability. But if the gouge is out there, the written test can evaluate several items to help the interviewers make a good decision.