How to become a Pilot Cadet?

Screening assessment

2 steps: (1) online (2) onsite screening

Class 1 Medical certification

Eligibility to fly

Integrated ATPL programme

Start training

Next on-boarding dates

Airbus Flight Academy pilot in cockpit

New course in France - May 2024

Airbus Flight Academy cadet thumbs up

New course in Mexico - Coming soon

Requirements

Airbus Flight Academy cadets in classroom

Prerequisites

  • Min 18 years of age
  • High School diploma (including Mathematics)
  • Equivalent to English level ICAO 3*
  • Medical Class 1 valid for flight school country (only required for on-site screening)
  • The legal right to travel, stay and study in country of local flight school for which you are applying (eg. passport or local visa if necessary)
  • No experience of flight training
  • For the course in Mexico: Mexican Nationality required
Airbus Flight Academy pilot in cockpit

Please note

If you already have some flight training experience, please contact us to know how you could join the Programme

*You are not required to have any formal English certification, however ICAO Level 3 or equivalent of English is necessary to be able to understand and perform the assessment.

ICAO Level 3 definition information


 

About the screening

 1. Online assessment (you do this at the same time you apply)

Objective: Measure your physical and cognitive skills, Mathematical & English aptitudes and situational awareness (combined test assessing several aptitudes simultaneously)

Equipment required: Computer/laptop with internet access, keyboard and mouse, audio headphones

Location: anywhere (not onsite)

Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

Fee: $40 USD

Online assessment for Europe

Online assessment for Mexico

Airbus Flight Academy cadet with instructor in aircraft

2. Onsite assessment (once you pass the Online assessment)

Candidates who pass the Online Assessment will then be invited by email to attend a 1-2 day Onsite Assessment at the local flight school. The invitation will contain all information you need to know.

  • Equipment: Provided
  • Location: Onsite at the local flight school. Further details will be provided in the email invitation.
  • Duration: 1-2 days
  • Fee: Contact local flight school. Prepaid before arrival.

First half-day:

  • Aptitude test: Eye/hand/foot coordination - Eye/hand coordination - Short-term memory - Mental arithmetic (Maths) - Orientation - Multi-tasking- Mental agility - English assessment, verbal reasoning - Physics technical test
  • Personality test

Second half-day:

  • Group exercises
  • Individual interview: to ascertain motivation and further assess English level
  • Simulator assessment:
    • Demonstrate ability to progress in a new environment
    • Workload management
    • Situation awareness
    • Visual scan & coordination
    • Mathematics (mental arithmetic)

*We cannot accept any reimbursement claims for assessments.


 

Learn more about our Programme

Applications are open 24/7 and if you are successful, you will be allocated to the next available course date.

We are looking for applicants who are enthusiastic about the world of aviation and who are keen to become a pilot. There is no specific preparation to do before you apply. Please see details on the selection process and prerequisites before applying.

The full course duration is approximately 18-20 months. The initial phase is around 18 months including approximately 8 months for the ground training (ATPL theory).

More details here.

For further details or for any questions relating to your particular circumstances, please contact the local flight school.

If you successfully complete the full programme, you will become a qualified pilot with a frozen ATPL (integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and able to operate Airbus aircraft.

How do I start work at an airline?
Once you complete your qualification, you will be able to apply directly to Airlines.

We accompany all Airbus Cadets who qualify from our Training Programme and help support them not only by ensuring they become an operational pilot qualified to Airbus standards - but also by continuously working with airline partners to facilitate this. Especially in this period, we are supporting as best we can pilot cadets finding post training opportunities via our airline customer base.

Do I become an Airbus employee?
Once you complete your qualification, you do not automatically become an Airbus employee but you can choose to train and apply to become an Airbus instructor in one of our Training Centres if you wish.

  • Application Process fees (payable in full & in advance by the applicant):

- Online assessment: $40USD
- On-site assessment: Please contact local flight school

  • For Training Programme fees, please contact the local flight school

Please note:

Living expenses (meals and accommodation) are not included however our flight schools can support you. Please contact them for further details.

For any questions relating to your particular circumstances, our local flight schools will be happy to support & discuss further with you.

We are working closely with banks and airlines and hope to be able to provide financing solutions soon to help you fund your pilot training.

Currently, Airbus itself does not finance individual cadets. However our flight schools partners have developed partnerships with local banks to help with student loans.

For further details or for any questions relating to your particular circumstances, do not hesitate to contact the local flight school here to support you.

Two people talking

Need more information before signing up?

Connect with our team!