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 (ADAC Luftrettung) is Germany’s leading HEMS provider, operating modern Airbus H135/H145 helicopters from bases nationwide. It pioneers pilot development with a tailored DLR selection and high safety, training and innovation.
DLR Test: ADAC Air Rescue
ADAC Air Rescue uses the DLR Test as stage 1 in its ab‑initio pilot selection. It screens cognitive, psychomotor, and knowledge skills. Prepare with Easyflight Training’s CBTs, science seminars, and DLR‑style practice modules.
Airline
AeroLogic
AeroLogic is a German cargo airline and DHL Express–Lufthansa Cargo joint venture based at Leipzig/Halle with a Frankfurt base. It flies an all‑Boeing 777F fleet worldwide and recruits via ALFA Ab‑Initio and Ready Entry.
Step 1: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 1
AeroLogic ALFA Ab‑Initio – Level 1 is an on‑site Stage 1 screening in a Berlin hotel. Tests vary by session, but Easyflight’s prep achieves strong AeroLogic overlap from extensive feedback. Free food is provided. Reapply after 3 years if failed.
Step 2: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 2
ALFA Level 2 is AeroLogic’s simulator stage: a PA-44 Piper Seminole flight at TFC Käufer in Essen, flown in pairs. Tests vary by day, but our prep mirrors AeroLogic tasks well. If failed, you must wait 3 years to reapply.
Step 3: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 3
Stage 3 of AeroLogic’s ab‑initio in Berlin: a small group exercise and structured interview before a four‑person panel requiring unanimity. Pass rate ~15–18%. Failing means a three‑year wait to reapply.
Airline
Air Dolomiti
Air Dolomiti, a Lufthansa Group carrier based near Verona, operates Embraer E-Jets linking Italian cities with Munich and Frankfurt. Known for reliable feeder services, Italian hospitality and efficient European connectivity.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 of the LHG/EFA ab-initio selection. CBTs assess logic, memory, multitasking, spatial skills and English. Held on-site in Hamburg, Zurich and Milan, offered in German or English.
Airline
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines, Vienna’s flag carrier and Lufthansa Group member, links Europe with North America, the Middle East and Asia. It operates Airbus, Embraer and Boeing jets and recruits via EFA/DLR with structured multi-stage assessments.
Step 1: DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 of the LHG/EFA ab-initio selection. CBTs assess logic, memory, multitasking, spatial skills and English. Held on-site in Hamburg, Zurich and Milan, offered in German or English.
Step 2: LHG Assessment (Lufthansa Group)
Stage 2 of the LHG Assessment for ab-initio pilots combines interview, group exercise, a personality test and psychomotor tasks: MOZARD and Color Tank in Hamburg or Gubsomat in Zurich, depending on your application choice.
Step 3: Austrian Future Pilots Program – Stage 3 (Optional)
Stage 3 (optional) of the Austrian Future Pilots Program is a PIT simulator screening in Vienna assessing coordination, multitasking and precision. Austrian Airlines covers travel with flights on Austrian. Ideal for ab‑initio candidates.
Step 4: Austrian Future Pilots Program – Stage 4 (Optional)
Optional Stage 4 of the Austrian Future Pilots Program: a two-day DLR FQ in Vienna with group exercise, interview and bridge loading test (DCT). Austrian Airlines covers travel on Austrian flights. Passing candidates continue training at EFA.
Flight School
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA)
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA) is an EASA ATO in Austria and partner of the European Flight Academy. Its on-site selection uses AON Cut‑E Basic Qualification tests plus the Adept‑15 personality test, leading into ATPL Integrated ab‑initio training.
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA) Basic Qualification Test
AAA, one of two partner flight schools of the European Flight Academy (EFA), runs an AON/Cut‑E-based Basic Qualification Test for ab‑initio ATPL Integrated entrants. On-site in Wiener Neustadt; usually one day, interview may shift to day two.
Airline
Condor
Condor is Germany’s leading leisure airline based in Frankfurt, flying A330neo long-haul and A320/A321 short-haul to the Mediterranean, Canaries, Caribbean and North America. Assessments use Interpersonal’s IP-BQ/IP-CQ for CAP and Ready Entry.
Step 1: IP-BQ (Ab-Initio) for Condor Ab-Initio Program (CAP)
Stage 1 of Condor CAP uses the Interpersonal IP-BQ in Hamburg. Above-average results and strong documents are needed for the next step. Prepare with Easyflight’s IP-BQ bundle and application coaching.
Step 2: IP-CQ: Corporate Qualification (Cadet Pilot)
IP-CQ: Corporate Qualification (Cadet Pilot) is stage 2 of ab-initio selection, assessing teamwork, communication and corporate fit via group exercises, role plays and interviews. Usually at Interpersonal, Hamburg; locations may vary. Used by Condor.
Airline
easyJet
easyJet Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Flight School
European Flight Academy (EFA)
European Flight Academy (EFA), the Lufthansa Group’s flight school, offers integrated ATPL training in Germany and Switzerland with a direct airline pipeline. Selection includes DLR testing and the LHG Assessment in Hamburg or Zurich.
Step 1: DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 of the LHG/EFA ab-initio selection. CBTs assess logic, memory, multitasking, spatial skills and English. Held on-site in Hamburg, Zurich and Milan, offered in German or English.
Step 2: LHG Assessment (Lufthansa Group)
Stage 2 of the LHG Assessment for ab-initio pilots combines interview, group exercise, a personality test and psychomotor tasks: MOZARD and Color Tank in Hamburg or Gubsomat in Zurich, depending on your application choice.
Airline
German Airways
German Airways is a Cologne/Bonn-based ACMI and charter airline within the Zeitfracht Group. Operating an Embraer 190 fleet across Europe, it serves partner carriers and charters and runs the WingsUp pilot pathway and Ready Entry hiring.
Step 1: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 1
German Airways WingsUp – Phase 1 is the on-site entry screening for ab‑initio pilots in Cologne (Germany). It measures cognitive abilities, multitasking, psychomotor skills, plus English, mathematics, physics and general knowledge.
Step 2: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 2
German Airways WingsUp – Phase 2 is a PA-44 Seminole simulator check at TFC Käufer, Essen. Applicants fly a set profile and must show instrument scan, accurate heading/navigation, checklist discipline, CRM, and stable handling under time pressure.
Step 3: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 3
German Airways WingsUp – Phase 3 is the final ab-initio stage on-site in Cologne, focusing on a structured interview and, if required, a group exercise. Assessors explore motivation, teamwork and safety mindset.
Airline
Iberia
Iberia, Spain’s flag carrier and IAG member, operates a modern Airbus fleet from its Madrid hub to Europe, North America and Latin America. Assessments include AON online tests, group tasks, English checks and on-site interviews.
Step 1: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 1
Written theory test for Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 1. Online, half-day theoretical screening covering Math, Physics, Numerical and Verbal Reasoning. Includes timed batteries (e.g., 16Q/25m; 56Q/25m). University degree required.
Step 2: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 2
Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 2 features the AON Psychometric Test delivered online. Candidates complete cognitive and personality tasks assessing logic, attention, spatial orientation, multitasking, reaction speed and accuracy.
Step 3: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 3
Stage 3 of the Iberia Cadet Program focuses on Group dynamics (group exercise) held on-site at the Iberia campus in Madrid. Candidates collaborate, debate and solve problems under observation to assess teamwork, communication and leadership.
Step 4: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 4
Personal interview to test your English level for Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 4. Conducted online in English with the FREJerez team, this ab-initio screening evaluates clarity, grammar, and aviation communication to ensure training readiness.
Step 5: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 5
Stage 5 Final interview for Iberia cadets at the airline’s Madrid headquarters. Expect values- and safety-driven questions by senior recruiters, personality alignment checks, and motivation/technical probes. Prepare with targeted coaching.
Airline
Luxair
Luxair, Luxembourg’s flag carrier based at Luxembourg Airport (LUX), operates a European network using efficient Dash 8-400s and Boeing 737 jets. It runs a competitive cadet program featuring DLR BU and FQ assessments in English.
Step 1: Luxair Pilot Cadet Program (Ab-Initio) – Stage 1: DLR BU
Luxair’s Ab-Initio Stage 1 uses the DLR BU in English to assess cognitive, psychomotor and technical skills. Typical modules include MIC, ROT, PPT, SKT, OWT, VMC, RMS, mental arithmetic, physics and English. Pre-screening applies.
Step 2: Luxair Pilot Cadet Program (Ab-Initio) – Stage 2: DLR FQ
English-language Stage 2 of Luxair’s ab-initio selection: DLR FQ in Hamburg, Germany. Two-day on-site assessment with interview, group exercise/debate, possible simulator and DCT, evaluating CRM, teamwork, resilience and motivation.
Airline
Police Helicopter (Germany)
Germany’s police helicopter units across federal and state services recruit via a DLR flight aptitude test in Hamburg. This page covers selection stages, missions and typical fleets, and points to Easyflight Training tools tailored to candidates.
DLR Test: German Police Helicopter Squadron Cadet Program
Stage 1 of the German Police Helicopter cadet program runs at DLR in Hamburg. Ab-initio candidates face time-limited cognitive, technical and psychomotor CBTs, with results used to shortlist for later simulator, interview and medical phases.
Flight School
RWL German Flight Academy
RWL German Flight Academy in Mönchengladbach is an EASA ATO offering integrated and modular ATPL(A), CPL/IR, UPRT and MCC/APS. Training in German or English with modern fleet and simulators. Accepts the DLR Certificate Cockpit.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 of the LHG/EFA ab-initio selection. CBTs assess logic, memory, multitasking, spatial skills and English. Held on-site in Hamburg, Zurich and Milan, offered in German or English.
Airline
Ryanair
Ryanair is Ireland’s largest low-cost carrier, running a high-frequency point-to-point network across Europe with a standardized Boeing 737 fleet, quick turnarounds, efficient operations, and bases at major city airports.
Ryanair Future Flyer Academy (Irish Low-Cost Carrier)
Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Gateway 0 starts with a home-based AON/Cut‑E online test, identical across AFTA, Aviomar, Astonfly, Bartolini Air and Skyborne. Further school-run steps may follow. Easyflight Training offers an all‑in‑one prep bundle.
Flight School
TFC Käufer
TFC Käufer is a German EASA ATO offering airline-oriented pilot training with experienced instructors. The school accepts the DLR Certificate Cockpit for selection and emphasizes structured learning, safety, and clear pathways into cockpit careers.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 of the LHG/EFA ab-initio selection. CBTs assess logic, memory, multitasking, spatial skills and English. Held on-site in Hamburg, Zurich and Milan, offered in German or English.
Airline
Wizz Air
Wizz Air is a fast-growing, ultra-low-cost airline based in Budapest, operating an all-Airbus A320 family fleet across Europe and the Middle East. It runs the Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) and offers rapid career growth for pilots.
Step 1: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 1
WAPA Stage 1 is an online TestAir 360 screening covering reasoning and logic, math and physics, and English. Practice opens in the TestAir 360 portal after application and an initial $130 fee; real tests are harder, so training is advised.
Step 2: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 2
Wizz Air Pilot Academy Stage 2 is a supervised online psychological assessment (usually via Microsoft Teams). Candidates answer hundreds of personality questions to assess traits, motivation, and fit for ab-initio pilot training.
Step 3: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 3
Wizz Air Pilot Academy Stage 3 focuses on a high-stakes group exercise at the Wizz Air Training Center in Budapest, held the same day as Stage 4 interviews. Prepare Stages 3+4 together for structure, confidence and airline-fit performance.
Step 4: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 4
Final WAPA Stage 4 takes place at the Wizz Air Training Center in Budapest on the same day as Stage 3. Expect an individual interview covering personal profile, aviation basics, mental math and motivation, followed by background and medical checks.
