Finding the right ab-initio and cadet pilot program is your first step toward becoming an airline pilot. Discover all current airline and flight school programs, their selection steps, and how to prepare for each phase.
Ab-Initio programs are entry-level training pathways for candidates without previous flight experience, leading directly to a commercial pilot license (ATPL) and airline qualification.
Airline
ADAC Air Rescue
ADAC Air Rescue is a leading non-profit helicopter emergency medical service. From its bases across Germany, its crews operate Airbus helicopters for urgent medical missions, intensive-care transfers and assistance during major incidents.
DLR Test: ADAC Air Rescue
The DLR Test is stage 1 of ADAC Air Rescue’s ab-initio pilot selection process, assessing cognitive and technical foundations for aspiring helicopter pilots before they progress to further selection stages.
Airline
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier and an IAG airline, operates an Airbus fleet from Dublin and other Irish airports. It connects Ireland with the UK, continental Europe and North America through short-haul and transatlantic services.
Aer Lingus Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Prepare for Aer Lingus Cut-E / Aon online tests, used at stage 1 of both ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection processes. Practise under time pressure, receive instant feedback and analyse performance before progressing with confidence.
Airline
AeroLogic
AeroLogic, founded in 2007, is a German cargo airline jointly owned by DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo. From its Leipzig/Halle base, it operates Boeing 777 freighters on intercontinental express and scheduled cargo services.
Step 1: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 1
AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio Level 1 is the first on-site selection stage in Berlin. Candidates face varying computer-based tests; targeted practice offers a strong overlap with AeroLogic-specific tasks for aspiring pilots.
Step 2: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 2
AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio Level 2 is the on-site simulator stage at TFC Käufer near Essen. Applicants fly the Piper PA-44 in pairs; test content can vary, and a failed attempt requires a three-year wait before reapplying.
Step 3: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 3
AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio Level 3 is the final Berlin selection stage: a small group exercise and interview before a four-person committee. Around 15–18% pass the full assessment; preparation supports confident, authentic communication.
Airline
Air Dolomiti
Air Dolomiti is the Italian regional airline of the Lufthansa Group, headquartered near Verona. It connects Italian airports with Munich and Frankfurt, pairing Italian hospitality with access to the wider Lufthansa Group network.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the on-site stage 1 screening for EFA and Lufthansa Group ab-initio pilot candidates. It takes place in Hamburg, Milan or Zurich, in German or English, with online preparation for key cognitive test areas.
Airline
American Airlines
American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a major U.S. carrier and oneworld member. Its broad mainline network links key U.S. hubs with destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.
American Airlines (AA) Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
American Airlines uses Cut-E / Aon online tests as stage 1 for ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection. Timed psychometric exercises assess aptitude, making focused preparation for speed, accuracy and confidence essential.
Airline
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is Austria’s flag carrier and a Lufthansa Group airline. From its Vienna hub, it links Europe with North America, Asia and the Middle East, operating a network fleet of Airbus short-haul and Boeing long-haul aircraft.
Step 1: DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the on-site stage 1 screening for EFA and Lufthansa Group ab-initio pilot candidates. It takes place in Hamburg, Milan or Zurich, in German or English, with online preparation for key cognitive test areas.
Step 2: LHG Assessment (Lufthansa Group)
The LHG Assessment is stage 2 of the ab-initio pilot selection process used by European Flight Academy and Austrian Airlines, held on site in Hamburg or Zurich with psychological and location-specific psychomotor tests.
Step 3: Austrian Future Pilots Program – Stage 3 (Optional)
Prepare for the optional Austrian Future Pilots Program Stage 3 PIT screening in Vienna. Austrian Airlines assesses coordination, multitasking and further simulator skills, while covering flight costs on Austrian Airlines flights.
Step 4: Austrian Future Pilots Program – Stage 4 (Optional)
Optional Stage 4 for Austrian Future Pilots applicants is a two-day DLR FQ in Vienna. Successful candidates continue to flight training at the European Flight Academy; Austrian Airlines covers flight costs on Austrian Airlines flights.
Flight School
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA)
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA), based at Graz Airport, is a partner flight school of the European Flight Academy. It offers integrated ATPL training for ab-initio pilots and selects applicants through an on-site Basic Qualification Test.
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA) Basic Qualification Test
AAA’s on-site Basic Qualification Test is stage 1 for prospective ab-initio pilots applying for private ATPL Integrated training. The Cut-E/AON-based assessment is held at the AAA flight academy in Graz and usually takes one day.
Airline
Condor
Condor is a German leisure airline founded in 1955, headquartered in Neu-Isenburg and centred on Frankfurt. It connects Germany with holiday destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, Africa and Asia with a modernising Airbus fleet.
Step 1: IP-BQ (Ab-Initio) for Condor Ab-Initio Program (CAP)
Condor CAP uses the IP-BQ Ab-Initio at Interpersonal in Hamburg as stage 1 of its ab-initio pilot selection. Applicants complete computer-based aptitude tasks; an above-average result and strong application documents matter for progression.
Step 2: IP-CQ: Corporate Qualification (Cadet Pilot)
IP-CQ Corporate Qualification is stage two of the ab-initio pilot selection process used by Condor. It assesses psychological and interpersonal performance and is usually held at Interpersonal in Hamburg, although the venue may change.
Airline
easyJet
easyJet is a British low-cost airline headquartered at London Luton Airport, flying a point-to-point network across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Its Airbus single-aisle operation serves leisure and business markets from multiple European bases.
easyJet Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
easyJet uses Cut-E / Aon online tests at stage 1 of both its ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection processes. The online assessment evaluates the accuracy, efficiency and consistency needed to progress in an airline pilot application.
Airline
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, is based at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and operates a modern Airbus and Boeing fleet on a growing network linking the Middle East with Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America.
Etihad Airways Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Etihad Airways uses Cut-E / Aon online tests at stage 1 of both ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection, assessing applicants remotely before later recruitment stages. Etihad Airways is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Flight School
European Flight Academy (EFA)
European Flight Academy is the Lufthansa Group’s ab-initio flight school, offering integrated commercial-pilot training. Applicants complete DLR Certificate Cockpit screening and the LHG Assessment before training.
Step 1: DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the on-site stage 1 screening for EFA and Lufthansa Group ab-initio pilot candidates. It takes place in Hamburg, Milan or Zurich, in German or English, with online preparation for key cognitive test areas.
Step 2: LHG Assessment (Lufthansa Group)
The LHG Assessment is stage 2 of the ab-initio pilot selection process used by European Flight Academy and Austrian Airlines, held on site in Hamburg or Zurich with psychological and location-specific psychomotor tests.
Flight School
FFL Fachschule für Luftfahrzeugführer
FFL Fachschule für Luftfahrzeugführer trains future commercial pilots and is associated with Condor’s Ab-Initio Program (CAP). CAP applicants complete the IP-BQ aptitude assessment at Interpersonal in Hamburg before Condor makes decisions.
IP-BQ (Ab-Initio) for Condor Ab-Initio Program (CAP)
Condor CAP uses the IP-BQ Ab-Initio at Interpersonal in Hamburg as stage 1 of its ab-initio pilot selection. Applicants complete computer-based aptitude tasks; an above-average result and strong application documents matter for progression.
Airline
Finnair
Finnair is Finland’s flag carrier, based at Helsinki Airport. Its network links Nordic and European cities with long-haul destinations in Asia and North America, supported by a modern Airbus-led fleet and regional partners.
Finnair Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Finnair uses Cut-E / Aon online tests at stage 1 of both its ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection processes. Candidates complete timed online aptitude tests before progressing to further stages of the selection journey.
Airline
flydubai
flydubai is a Dubai-based low-cost airline launched in 2009. Operating an all-Boeing 737 fleet, it links Dubai with destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.
flydubai Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
flydubai uses Cut-E / Aon online tests as stage 1 of both ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection. Candidates complete cognitive assessments online, where speed, accuracy and focus are key to progressing in the recruitment process.
Airline
German Airways
German Airways is a Cologne-based airline in the Zeitfracht Group. Its all-Embraer E190 fleet supports ACMI, charter and partner operations across Europe, alongside the WingsUp pilot-selection pathway.
Step 1: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 1
German Airways WingsUp – Phase 1 is the on-site first stage of the ab-initio pilot selection process in Cologne. Candidates complete exercises covering cognitive abilities, multitasking, psychomotor skills, English, mathematics, physics and general knowledge.
Step 2: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 2
German Airways WingsUp Stage 2 is an on-site step in the ab-initio pilot selection process at TFC Käufer flight school in Essen. Candidates complete an assessment-focused simulator flight in the Piper PA-44 Seminole.
Step 3: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 3
German Airways WingsUp – Phase 3 is the final on-site selection stage for ab-initio pilot candidates in Cologne. It focuses on an interview and may include a group exercise, assessing motivation, communication, self-awareness and teamwork.
Airline
Iberia
Iberia is Spain’s flag carrier and an IAG network airline based at Madrid-Barajas. It connects Spain and Europe with a broad long-haul network, particularly to Latin America, using an Airbus fleet for passenger and cargo operations.
Step 1: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 1
Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 1 is an online, half-day written theory test for ab-initio pilot applicants. It assesses foundational mathematics, physics, numerical and verbal reasoning; a university degree is required.
Step 2: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 2
Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 2 is an online AON Psychometric Test for ab-initio pilot selection. It assesses key aptitude areas through timed computer-based exercises, including reasoning, attention, coordination, spatial orientation and multitasking.
Step 3: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 3
Group dynamics is Stage 3 of Iberia’s ab-initio pilot selection process, held on site at the Iberia Campus in Madrid. Candidates complete a group exercise that highlights constructive communication, collaboration and professional behaviour.
Step 4: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 4
Stage 4 of the Iberia Cadet Program is an online personal interview in English with the FREJerez team. It assesses your English level within the ab-initio pilot selection process and calls for clear, confident communication.
Step 5: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 5
Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 5 is the final interview for ab-initio pilot candidates, held at Iberia headquarters in Madrid. It assesses motivation, self-awareness, communication and alignment with Iberia’s values.
Airline
Luxair
Luxair, Luxembourg’s national airline, connects Luxembourg Airport with European business centres and Mediterranean leisure destinations. Founded in 1961, it operates Dash 8 Q400, Embraer and Boeing 737 aircraft from its Luxembourg hub.
Step 1: Luxair Pilot Cadet Program (Ab-Initio) – Stage 1: DLR BU
Luxair’s Stage 1 for the Ab-Initio Pilot Cadet Program is the English-language DLR BU assessment, used after application screening to evaluate core pilot aptitude for cadet selection at the DLR test centre in Hamburg.
Step 2: Luxair Pilot Cadet Program (Ab-Initio) – Stage 2: DLR FQ
Luxair uses the English-language DLR FQ as stage 2 of its ab-initio Pilot Cadet selection. The on-site assessment typically examines interpersonal skills, motivation and suitability through interview and group-based exercises.
Airline
Police Helicopter (Germany)
German police helicopter operations are conducted by federal and state aviation units, supporting police, rescue and emergency missions. Pilot candidates may complete a DLR selection process for the German Police Helicopter Squadron in Hamburg.
DLR Test: German Police Helicopter Squadron Cadet Program
Stage 1 of the German Police Helicopter Squadron’s ab-initio pilot selection takes place at DLR in Hamburg. Candidates complete computer-based aptitude tests covering cognitive, technical, perceptual, memory and psychomotor skills.
Flight School
RWL German Flight Academy
RWL German Flight Academy is an EASA-approved pilot training provider at Mönchengladbach Airport, Germany. It accepts a valid DLR Certificate Cockpit for EFA/Lufthansa Group ab-initio assessment requirements for relevant applications.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the on-site stage 1 screening for EFA and Lufthansa Group ab-initio pilot candidates. It takes place in Hamburg, Milan or Zurich, in German or English, with online preparation for key cognitive test areas.
Airline
Ryanair
Ryanair is Europe’s largest airline group by passenger numbers, headquartered in Dublin. Its low-fare network connects more than 230 airports in over 35 countries across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, mainly with Boeing 737 aircraft.
Ryanair Future Flyer Academy (Irish Low-Cost Carrier)
Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Gateway 0 begins with the same online Cut-E / AON test for every certified flight-school route. Take it from home, then prepare for any school-specific interview, on-site assessment or further tests.
Flight School
Speedbird Pilot Academy (British Airways)
British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy is a fully funded UK cadet pathway for eligible aspiring pilots, providing integrated professional flight training and a route towards a British Airways flight-deck career.
Speedbird Pilot Academy Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Speedbird Pilot Academy uses Cut-E / Aon online tests at stage 1 of its ab-initio pilot selection. Prepare for British Airways’ fully funded UK cadet pathway with realistic timed practice, instant feedback and performance analysis.
Flight School
TFC Käufer
TFC Käufer is a German flight school based at Essen/Mülheim Airport, offering pilot training from private licences to professional pathways. For Ab-Initio applicants, it accepts the DLR Certificate Cockpit for EFA/LHG as assessment evidence.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the on-site stage 1 screening for EFA and Lufthansa Group ab-initio pilot candidates. It takes place in Hamburg, Milan or Zurich, in German or English, with online preparation for key cognitive test areas.
Airline
Wizz Air
Wizz Air is a Budapest-based low-cost airline group operating Airbus A320-family aircraft on point-to-point routes across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Caucasus, with a strong Central and Eastern European presence.
Step 1: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 1
Prepare for Wizz Air Pilot Academy Stage 1, an online TestAir 360 Screening for ab-initio candidates. Train reasoning, logic, maths, physics and English with focused practice before the first selection step.
Step 2: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 2
Wizz Air Pilot Academy Stage 2 is an online psychological assessment for ab-initio candidates. Usually supervised via Microsoft Teams, it uses hundreds of questions to explore personality, self-awareness and suitability for pilot training.
Step 3: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 3
Wizz Air Pilot Academy Stage 3 is an on-site group exercise at the Wizz Air Training Center in Budapest, Hungary. It forms part of the ab-initio pilot selection process and is held on the same day as the Stage 4 interview.
Step 4: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 4
WAPA Stage 4 is the final individual interview at the Wizz Air Training Center in Budapest, held on the same day as Stage 3. It covers personal, motivation, aviation-basics and mental-math questions before later background and medical checks.
