3 steps to become a commercial airline pilot.
Preparation is key, especially in pilot training. Find out exactly what steps you need to take to become a pilot.
Becoming a pilot is not about luck – it’s about preparation, structure, and mindset. At Easyflight Training, we don’t throw random tips at you. We guide you step by step along a proven path that has helped countless pilots succeed in airline selections. Read on to learn about our offerings, methodology, and typical steps for aspiring pilots.
Step 1: Prepare Yourself
Get to know the options
Before you apply, you should familiarize yourself with the general conditions:
- What training paths and programs are available, and how do they differ?
- What are your chances of getting a place in the cockpit?
- Where can I exchange ideas with like-minded people and gain valuable experience?
- What should my application documents look like?
We answer your questions and support you in your first steps before you even apply with the following offers:
Knowledge base
We’ve compiled important guidelines and further information in our knowledge base:
Step 2: Computer-Based Tests
What to expect
After submitting your application, you will typically be invited to take part in a computer-based selection process. These vary depending on the assessment provider and airline, but typically cover topics such as:
- Physics and technical understanding
- Spatial awareness
- Mathematics
- Reaction speed
- Logical thinking
- Multitasking skills
- Language skills
Learn more about the individual assessments:
Science Seminar: Interactive Lectures
In the past, we have unfortunately seen many applicants fail due to physics and technical understanding. There’s no question that this subject is not everyone’s forte, and some of you may not have even studied physics in your final years of school.
We therefore offer our proven science seminar:
- Fundamentals of physics and technical understanding (no prior knowledge necessary)
- 3 topics in 3 lectures of 3 hours each
- Suitable for all airline assessments
Access additional preparatory materials here:
Step 3: Psychological Assessment
What to expect
Once you have passed the first step, the psychological assessment follows. Here, the focus is less on skills and more on your personality. Some assessments include simulator flights and other multitasking tests.
The psychological assessment is carried out by aviation psychologists and representatives of the respective airline. Together, they make the final decision, with the focus on psychological testing.
No wonder most candidates have the most respect for the psychological assessment! Here, you will find yourself in unfamiliar situations, confronted with group games, debates, and interviews with other characters – both the selection committee and other participants. This is about your performance, your individual character, your resume, and your motivation.
With our proven preparation packages, you can prepare yourself diagnostically and through professional 1:1 coaching – in a confidential setting, with highly experienced aviation psychologists/airline recruiters, and in a truly individualized manner (so that you don’t have to artificially change your behaviour in the assessment).
1:1 Psychological Coaching
Many candidates fail not because they lack ability, but because they are mentally unprepared. Our psychological coaching helps you to:
- Build confidence and mental stability
- Manage stress, pressure, and test anxiety
- Improve self-presentation and communication
- Prepare for interviews, group exercises, and HR questions
- Develop a professional pilot mindset
This is not therapy – it is performance-focused coaching, tailored specifically to pilot assessments and airline expectations.
Especially for ab-initio candidates, psychological preparation can make the decisive difference between “almost passed” and “assessment success”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply to multiple pilot cadet programs at the same time?
Yes, we definitely recommend it! We understand that many young people who want to become pilots dream of a picture-perfect career with a major airline. However, the reality is that this limits your options and wastes valuable time. Each assessment process takes several months, sometimes even years. You should apply to multiple places at the same time. Remember: Preparing for an assessment is also time-consuming, but the topics and content – in any case, the skills tested – overlap. So why start from scratch every time? This is especially true for our aviation psychology coaching and physics/technology seminar: Invest once and benefit in all assessment procedures.
We also see that many younger people are not only interested in individual airlines, but also in passenger aviation. However, reality shows that, especially in times of crisis, the cargo business is more stable. Therefore, we recommend that you apply not only to passenger airlines, but also to cargo airlines. A later change is not always possible without compromises, but there will be options here as well. Better to fly a B777 Cargo (widebody) than possibly not fly at all, right?
By the way: if you fly for a (large) airline your whole life, you will eventually develop tunnel vision. You will experience a lot of bureaucracy and rigid structures. Smaller, more agile airlines also have their appeal!
Does Easyflight Training also offer preparation for other assessments?
Yes! Just take a look at our shop. Here you will find numerous products for targeted preparation, including for Ready Entry. Contact us for individual advice.
