Airline Selection Procedures typically involve a number of stages. The number and thoroughness often varies between airlines and also according to the type of candidate they are seeking. For example, some carriers will have a single interview with Human Resources and typically a Management pilot in cases where the candidate has a large amount of demonstrable and relevant experience. Newly qualified or inexperienced pilots can expect a more detailed process and often face a number of stages.

​

The larger and more established carriers are more likely to have a more formal multi-stage selection procedures and they often put all their candidates through this, regardless of  their previous experience. Many or all of the selection stages may take place on the same day, but each individual step should be given the consideration it deserves, to avoid being eliminated from the process.

​

Typical stages of a complete  procedure include the following:- 

​

STAGE 1

​

Application form (often online) or sending a CV (the latter more likely for a smaller operator). 

​

Stage 2 

​

Invitation to attend in person for selection. Candidate confirmation. Provision of licenses and documents by email.

​

STAGE 3

​

Attendance, welcome and presentation and information from the airline/interviewer.

​

STAGE 4 

​

Computerised tests - potentially including:-

 

Psychometric evaluation - lengthy multiple choice - often hundreds of questions to find a personality trend.

​

Mathematics (often aviation related - e.g. speed, time and distance problems and similar)

​

Spatial awareness - e.g mentally rotating/unfolding objects and identifying the result.

​

ATPL/Air Law style questions - multiple choice.

​

Short term memory tests - sometimes involving audio

​

Multi-tasking - e.g involving following a flight director using a joystick whilst carrying out other tasks.

​

English language ability - multiple choice.

​

Mental arithmetic.

​

For software to prepare you for these tests, see our page on Skytest software, which we have used and can recommend as the only serious application we have found that will give you some genuine practice for the above stages.

​

STAGE 5 

​

Group exercises

​

These can be of a number of types-

​

A practical problem e.g. building a structure from paper & staples

​

A management problem - e.g. deciding as a group how to commit limited resources to a business situation

​

A group consensus - e.g the classic shipwreck - which 10 objects would you take from the ship to survive.

​

A communication exercise e.g. each candidate has a cartoon picture they may not show and they have to be put in sequence.

​

STAGE 6

​

Technical quiz on the aircraft the carrier operates

​

STAGE 7

​

Human Resources Interview 

​

Do you have the qualities to fit in with the company culture? 

​

STAGE 8

 

Management interview

​

Do you seem like the sort of person they would trust with their aeroplane, passengers and reputation?

Usually scenarios - what would you do if ... (e.g. your pilot colleague smelled of alcohol)

​

STAGE 9

​

Technical interview (often combined with the management interview). Test of your knowledge pitched at your experience level.

​

STAGE 10

​

Simulator test.

​

The content will depend on the post for which you are applying . Captains are more likely to get decision-making and management style exercises. First officers are often given scenarios biased towards a supporting role and  aircraft handling.

​

If you have an A320 simulator check, we strongly recommend you consider the V-prep video suite. It takes you through all of the likely exercises and is the only way to get up to speed in a short time frame without a huge investment in simulator rental and training. See our v-prep page and don't forget to enter the discount code Simbus10%OFF , if you subscribe.

​

STAGE 11

​

Job offer when you are successful. This may be subject to a criminal record check, references and possibly a company medical examination.

​

The above is an overview of what you can expect. See our other pages for further information on each individual stage

​

​

Next ........     How to pass multiple choice style test

​