Tag: Pilot Career

What are airlines looking for when they select their cadet pilots?

There are more airline cadet pilot opportunities than ever before, but competition is still very strong. So how do airlines select cadet pilots? What are they looking for, and what makes you a stronger applicant than others?

Historically, airline pilot candidates were selected based on academic background and relevant industry experience. Over time, airline operators have recognised that there is far more to what makes a good pilot than this alone.

Captain Darren McPherson from ACS – Aviation Consulting Services is our specialist airline interview consultant. He runs our highly successful airline interview courses, which includes the Future Cadet Pilot Program (FCPP) and the Airline Interview Coaching Session. In this blog Darren shares some of the information that has helped guide over 100 airline cadet pilot applicants to success in the last 2 years.

Initial Applicant Screening

Initial screening and selection is a key element in identifying applicants who might be a good fit for a specific airline. It also provides an indication of who is likely to be able to cope with the intensity of a full-time flying training program.

Airlines have their own selection criteria that they adhere to when conducting initial cadet pilot application screening. This can include but is not limited to:

– Age
– Schooling and previous education
– University qualifications, both attempted and/or completed
– Previous flying or aviation-related experience
– Other relevant or additional qualifications

Cadet pilot applicants should check the key selection criteria for the airlines they are applying to. It’s important to know what will be looked at during initial screening.

Aviation English Proficiency (AELP)

Aviation English is the standard global language under ICAO AELP Standards. It is essential that airline cadet pilots can communicate effectively during both their training and their operational careers. This applies in normal day to day operations and more importantly, in emergency scenarios.

Airlines require that applicants pass an AELP test at a minimum of Level 4 proficiency. Even prior to the test, airlines assess an applicant’s English proficiency during initial screening and during the interview process, paying particular attention to:

– Vocabulary
– Overall fluency
– Spoken English and pronunciation
– Comprehension
– Sentence structure

For tips on improving your English skills, check out our previous blog on how to pass your ICAO Aviation English exam.

Group Skills & Exercises

Group skills and exercises form an increasingly important part of cadet pilot recruitment processes for nearly every airline. Airline flight crews feature multiple nationalities, personalities and cultural backgrounds both inside the cockpit and around the flight deck.

One of the most important things you can do in your interview is demonstrate your qualities as a team player that can work effectively with a range of people.

Some of the key things that airlines will look for during group activities include:

– Communication
– Leadership
– Teamwork
– Problem solving
– Decision making
– Situational awareness
– Workload management

Human Resources (HR) Questions

Another key component of how airlines select cadet pilots is the HR Interview. This interview explores your motivation to become an airline pilot, and also your background.

Airline interviewers will ask questions exploring your past experiences with a focus on how you overcame and learnt from past challenges.

Example questions to explore your motivation to become a pilot:

– What interests you the most about becoming an airline pilot?
– Which of your qualities are best suited to becoming a pilot?
– Why do you want to work for our airline?

Example questions exploring your past experiences:

– How did you overcome the challenges that you have experienced throughout your career or life?
– What is the most satisfying part of your career to date?
– What preparation have you done for today’s interview?

HR interviews can also be conducted in a panel format, and may be combined with technical aviation questioning.

Technical Evaluation

Even though it’s not a requirement to have any previous flying experience to apply for airline cadet pilot roles, technical knowledge is one of the best ways to demonstrate your motivation towards an airline pilot career.

The technical evaluation can include practical aspects of flying an aircraft, the role of an airline pilot, and knowledge about the aviation industry in general.

Airline interviewers understand that the level of technical knowledge varies between candidates, but it’s a great opportunity for you to communicate your motivation. Your technical knowledge demonstrates time spent preparing for not just the interview, but towards actually working in an airline pilot role in the future.

A great resource for technical knowledge is the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) “Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” (2016), which is available through the US Government FAA website as a free download.

What Is The Best Way You Can Prepare?

There are many online tools available to help you prepare for each aspect of the airline cadet pilot interview process, but the best preparation knowledge comes from those who have past experience and success.

Learn To Fly’s Airline Interview Coaching Session has been created specifically to give airline pilot applicants the best possible preparation. The Future Cadet Pilot Program (FCPP) also offers practical flying training, which makes a valuable addition to your technical knowledge.

For further information or to register your interest in these modules, email [email protected] or visit https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

With a global pilot shortage, major carriers are opening up recruitment programs to attract pilots looking for an airline career. Even though there are many more opportunities now available to join an airline, the selection process remains challenging and competitive.

Preparation is the key. To help you to understand what airlines are looking for and hopefully improve your chances of success, we have created a blog series to take you through the selection process for some of the major airlines.

Preparation courses, where we go into specific airline interview processes in great detail, to coach you towards achieving your dream airline pilot job.

Read our last blog on the topic featuring the Cathay Group

Let’s look at Qantas Group airline pilot selection process including Qantas and Qantaslink.

Qantas (Mainline) and Qantaslink (Direct Entry)

1. Remote computer psychometric testing

Remote screening of applicants is conducted prior to an invitation for further assessments. Following this, you can expect additional Group Skills and Exercises, an HR interview and evaluation.

Key indicators consist of general personality, intelligence, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and eye-hand co-ordination; all of which are essential benchmarks before further testing can be attempted.

2. Group skills and exercises

Groups skills focusing on various scenarios and situations are developed and assessed as to how a candidate works within a team. These Qantas pilot selection process exercises will examine aspects within a number of situations and tasks that need to be completed in a dynamic and evolving scenario.

Key qualities assessed are communication, leadership, general problem solving, as well as threat management. These scenarios are dynamic, fast-paced and will change throughout the exercises; subsequently testing a candidate’s ability to update, reassess and implement strategies or changes throughout.

3. HR interview and assessment

Human Resources (HR) examines a candidate’s personal and career history. With particular emphasis on enthusiasm and attitudes, it also evaluates problem-solving skills in dynamic theoretical situations.

Skill sets that are considered closely include communication, leadership, general problem solving and threat management during a number of both individual and group settings.

4. Simulator exercise and training aptitude and assessment

Flight simulator assessment will allow the candidate to demonstrate flying skills that are an essential part of any pilot position. A sound demonstration of skills is required to demonstrate a solid foundation of basic instrument flying skills.

Whilst not expected to fly the simulator at the level of a qualified or endorsed pilot, candidates will be assessed on their ability to process new tasks in the aircraft and training environment.

5. Detailed reference check

A final step in the Qantas pilot selection process is the professional and personal reference check. Speaking to previous employers, flight instructors, supervisors or vendors helps validate the candidate’s true character as opposed to an artificial or pre-rehearsed interview candidate.

Learn To Fly offers 3 dedicated courses to help you in preparation for airline applications, and we can customise the syllabus based on the process of whatever your chosen airlines are. The courses are run in conjunction with ACS- Aviation Consulting Services and are facilitated by international airline Captain Darren McPherson.

Over the last 2 years, these programs have assisted nearly 80 applicants to successfully be accepted into 10 different airlines around the world. Learn more below:

– Future Cadet Pilot Program (FCPP)
– Airline Interview Coaching Session

For further information or to register your interest in these modules, email [email protected] or visit https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

Want to know more about the Singapore Airlines Group pilot selection process (including Singapore Airlines and Scoot)?

We also have airline selection process blog posts for Cathay Group and Qantas Group.

One of the biggest ongoing aviation news stories in 2018 was the current and future global pilot shortage, and the rapid expansion of cadet pilot programs from most of the world’s biggest airlines. With new opportunities opening up around the world, a career as an airline pilot is more achievable now than it has ever been.

The selection process is still challenging and very competitive. Preparation is absolutely essential if you hope for success.

To give you the edge over other applicants we offer a range of highly successful Airline Pilot Interview Preparation courses. These courses can be tailored specifically to your target airlines, and provide you with comprehensive training on how to make the most of your applications.

Learn more about the Singapore Airlines pilot selection process (including Scoot Airlines) and how our courses can help you below.

Singapore Airlines Pilot Selection Process

1. Remote computer psychometric testing

Designed to screen applicants and look at key qualities that are desired for the role as a pilot, the psychometric test covers general personality, intelligence, numerical reasoning and eye hand coordination.

Our airline interview preparation courses give you the opportunity to complete example psychometric tests similar to those used by the airlines. We will then thoroughly analyse your results with you, based on what airlines are looking for.

2. General HR Interview

This closely assesses the candidate’s overall motivation towards the role and to the airline, as well as some technical knowledge. In particular, enthusiasm and general attitude are assessed through detailed and focused questions about their dedication to becoming a pilot.

International airline Captain Darren McPherson has 30 years industry experience. He will teach you how to best present yourself and your documents. Darren will thoroughly review your CV, enhance your HR skills and technical knowledge based on what specific airlines are looking for.

3. Prepared written essay

A number of word-limited and topic-based questions are prepared by the candidate prior to the next stage of the process. Answers document the applicant’s motivation towards becoming a pilot and furthermore working for the airline specifically.

As part of our programs, we work through example questions with you and assist you in constructing your responses. From extensive experience, we are able to guide you on the type of content and response structure that the airline is looking for.

4. Detailed HR and technical interview

These interviews may be conducted by personnel from both the HR and Flight Operations department, and delve deeper into the candidate’s attitudes towards work, studies, life experiences, preparation and aviation knowledge.

In a simulated mock interview environment, we will work through advanced airline-specific HR questions and response methods, and perfect interview presentation techniques. The technical session will outline effective levels required for the various airline entry points. This will help identify your current level of knowledge, and any areas that you should upskill prior to interview.

Scoot Pilot Selection Process

1. Online assessment

A detailed online computer screening process is conducted with specific evaluation of key indicators including personality, intelligence, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and co-ordination. Tasks are specifically time-limited to place the candidate under pressure, looking for composure and consistency of results.

We are able to provide our program students with online assessment tools similar to those used by the airlines. We discuss and then work through results to track performance in specific areas most likely to be highlighted by airlines, and assist with improving on any areas of potential deficiency.

2. Group skills and assessment

These timed exercises place candidates in a range of dynamic scenarios to identify skills such as communication, leadership, mathematical problem solving and threat management. Tasks may be re-presented with modified group numbers or participants to analyse different dynamics and results. All scenarios are thoroughly debriefed and discussed to review applicants’ ability for self-assessment.

Group skills have become a significant factor in the airline pilot recruitment phase. We will practice group activities and review the effects of different personality types and examine leadership qualities as well as effective problem solving techniques within a group, through airline-based scenarios.

3. HR Interview

In this interview the applicant’s personal and career history are examined with particular emphasis on enthusiasm, and attitudes; whilst concurrently closely examining problem solving skills in theoretical yet dynamic situations. Additional problem-solving tasks are presented on short notice. This is to demonstrate, test and reinforce previously established group skills displayed during the earlier assessment.

We will thoroughly review your CV and then analyse your HR skills and technical knowledge. In addition, we will conduct a range of mock interview scenarios. This will link in with previous group exercises, to fine-tune your presentation technique and skills.

Learn To Fly offers 3 dedicated courses to help you in preparation for airline applications, and we can customise the syllabus based on the process of whatever your chosen airlines are. The courses are run in conjunction with ACS- Aviation Consulting Services and are facilitated by international airline Captain Darren McPherson.

Over the last 2 years, these programs have assisted nearly 80 applicants to successfully be accepted into 10 different airlines around the world. Learn more below:

– Future Cadet Pilot Program (FCPP)
– Airline Interview Coaching Session

For further information or to register your interest in these modules, email [email protected] or visit https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.

This is the first in a series of blogs that will discuss the selection process for 3 of the major airline groups, and how we can help you with each stage. Today we discuss the Cathay Pacific pilot selection processes.

One of the biggest ongoing aviation news stories in 2018 was the current and future global pilot shortage, and the rapid expansion of cadet pilot programs from most of the world’s biggest airlines. With new opportunities opening up globally, an airline pilot career is more achievable now than it has ever been.

The selection process is still challenging though, and very competitive, and preparation is absolutely essential if you hope for success.

Cathay Pacific Airways Cadet Pilot Selection

Stage 1A. Initial Psychometric Testing

Designed to screen applicants and look at key qualities that are desired for the role as a pilot, the psychometric test covers the general personality, intelligence, numerical reasoning and eye-hand coordination.

Our airline interview preparation courses give you the opportunity to complete example psychometric tests similar to those used by airlines. We will then thoroughly analyse your results with you, based on what airlines are looking for.

Stage 1B. Initial HR & Technical Screening Interview

This closely assesses the candidate’s overall motivation towards the role and to the airline, as well as some technical knowledge. In particular, enthusiasm and general attitude are assessed through detailed and focused questions about their dedication to becoming a pilot.

International airline Captain Darren McPherson will teach you how to best present yourself and your documents, based on 30 years of industry experience. During the program, he will thoroughly review your CV, as well as enhance your HR skills and technical knowledge specifically based on what airlines are looking for.

Stage 2A. Group Skills & Exercises

These timed exercises place candidates in a range of dynamic scenarios to identify skills such as communication, leadership, mathematical problem solving and threat management. Tasks may be re-presented with modified group numbers or participants to analyse different dynamics and results. All scenarios are thoroughly debriefed and discussed with to review applicants’ ability for self-assessment.

Group skills have become a significant factor in the airline pilot recruitment phase. We will practice group activities and review the effects of different personality types and examine leadership qualities as well as effective problem-solving techniques within a group, through airline-based scenarios.

Stage 2B. Detailed HR & Technical Interview

These interviews may be conducted by personnel from both the HR and Flight Operations department. They delve deeper into the candidate’s attitudes towards work, studies, life experiences, preparation and aviation knowledge.

In a simulated mock interview environment, we will work through advanced airline-specific HR questions and response methods, and perfect interview presentation techniques. The technical session will outline effective levels required for the various airline entry points. This will help identify your current level of knowledge, and any areas that you should upskill prior to interview.

Cathay Pacific Airways – Direct Entry Second Officer Selection

Stage 1. Group Skills & Exercises

Group exercises form an important part of the Cathay pilot selection process.

These timed exercises place candidates in a range of dynamic scenarios to identify skills such as communication, leadership, mathematical problem solving and threat management. You will have the opportunity to re-present tasks with modified group numbers or participants to analyse different dynamics and results. All scenarios are thoroughly debriefed and discussed to review applicants’ ability for self-assessment.

Group skills have become a significant factor in the airline pilot recruitment phase. We will practice group activities and review the effects of different personality types and examine leadership qualities as well as effective problem-solving techniques within a group, through airline-based scenarios.

Stage 2. Simulator Exercise & Assessment

Flight simulator assessment will allow the candidate to demonstrate flying skills that are an essential part of any pilot position. You will need to demonstrate a sound knowledge of basic instrument flying skills. Furthermore, a number of selected training events are presented to assess the candidate’s aptitude as to their “rate or learning” and the ability to process new tasks in the aircraft and training environment.

Learn To Fly has partnered with Flight Experience to be able to offer our students direct access to a Boeing-endorsed B737 flight simulator. Our preparation courses can not only prepare you for the things assessors will look for, but can also guide you through practically on the actual simulator.

Stage 3. Detailed HR & Technical Interview

Personnel from both the HR and Flight Operations department may conduct these interviews. They will delve deeper into the candidate’s attitudes towards work, studies, life experiences, preparation and aviation knowledge.

In a simulated mock interview environment, we will work through advanced airline-specific HR questions and response methods. We will also perfect interview presentation techniques. The technical session will outline effective levels required for the various airline entry points. This will help identify your current level of knowledge, and any areas that you should upskill prior to interview.

We also have airline selection process blog posts for Cathay Group and Qantas Group.

Learn To Fly offers 3 dedicated courses to help you in preparation for airline applications, and we can customise the syllabus based on the process of whatever your chosen airlines are. The courses are run in conjunction with ACS- Aviation Consulting Services and are facilitated by international airline Captain Darren McPherson.

Over the last 2 years, these programs have assisted nearly 80 applicants to successfully be accepted into 10 different airlines around the world. Learn more below:

– Future Cadet Pilot Program (FCPP)
– Airline Interview Coaching Session

For further information or to register your interest in these modules, email [email protected] or visit https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.