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
DLR Test: ADAC Air Rescue
Airline
AeroLogic
AeroLogic is a German cargo airline, a DHL–Lufthansa Cargo joint venture based in Leipzig/Halle. Operating an all‑Boeing 777F fleet, it runs long‑haul routes to Asia and the Americas. Hiring uses ALFA ab‑initio and Ready Entry assessments.
Step 1: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 1
Stage 1 of AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio takes place at a Berlin hotel and features varied computer-based tests. Free food is provided. If you fail, you must wait 2 years to reapply. Easyflight’s training closely matches AeroLogic tasks.
Step 2: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 2
AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 2 is the simulator stage in Essen, flown on a Piper PA‑44 at TFC Käufer. Candidates are assessed in pairs. Tasks vary by day; failing requires a two-year wait before reapplying.
Step 3: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 3
AeroLogic ALFA Ab‑Initio Level 3 in Berlin features a small group task and an interview. A four‑member panel must unanimously pass you. Pass rate 15–18%. Reapply in 2 years. No further assessment after training. Free type rating with 3‑year bond.
Airline
Air Dolomiti
Air Dolomiti is Lufthansa Group’s Italian airline based in Verona. It operates Embraer E‑Jets linking Italian cities with Munich and Frankfurt. Recruitment includes DLR assessments and an on-site company qualification stage in Verona.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 for EFA/Lufthansa Group ab‑initio pilots. Conducted in Hamburg, Milan and Zurich, in German or English. Easyflight Training offers a complete bundle and CBTs tailored to every test area.
Airline
Austrian Airlines
Vienna-based Austrian Airlines, flag carrier and Lufthansa Group member, connects Central/Eastern Europe, the Balkans, North America and the Middle East. Recruitment spans Beginner Plus, optional AFP (PIT, DLR FQ) and the LHG Assessment.
Step 1: DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 for EFA/Lufthansa Group ab‑initio pilots. Conducted in Hamburg, Milan and Zurich, in German or English. Easyflight Training offers a complete bundle and CBTs tailored to every test area.
Step 2: LHG Assessment (Lufthansa Group)
LHG Assessment is stage 2 of the Lufthansa Group ab-initio process, held at Interpersonal in Hamburg or the SWISS Flight Crew Assessment Center in Zurich. It includes MOZARD, Multitasking Color Tank, and Gubsomat psychomotor tests plus interview.
Step 3: Austrian Future Pilots Program – Stage 3 (Optional)
Stage 3 of the Austrian Future Pilots Program is an optional, on-site PIT simulator screening in Vienna, assessing coordination, multitasking and more. Austrian Airlines covers travel with flights on Austrian, easing logistics for 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, DCT and interview. Austrian Airlines covers travel with Austrian flights. Successful candidates proceed to training at European Flight Academy.
Flight School
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA)
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA) is an EASA-approved ATO and partner of the European Flight Academy. It delivers ab‑initio ATPL training in Austria, with an on‑site AON/Cut‑E Basic Qualification Test and the Adept‑15 personality assessment.
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA) Basic Qualification Test
AAA’s Basic Qualification Test is stage 1 for ab‑initio ATPL Integrated selection at a European Flight Academy partner. Based on AON/Cut‑E, it is run on-site in Wiener Neustadt, usually in one day; the interview may be scheduled on a second day.
Airline
Condor
Condor is Germany’s long‑standing leisure airline, headquartered in Frankfurt, flying to sunny short‑/medium‑haul hotspots and long‑haul holiday destinations with a modernized A330neo and A320 family fleet under its new striped livery.
Step 1: IP-BQ (Ab-Initio) for Condor Ab-Initio Program (CAP)
Interpersonal’s IP-BQ in Hamburg is stage 1 for Condor’s Ab-Initio Program (CAP). CBT-style tests screen math, logic, spatial, memory, English and attention. Above-average results plus strong documents are needed to reach IP-CQ.
Step 2: IP-CQ: Corporate Qualification (Cadet Pilot)
Flight School
European Flight Academy (EFA)
European Flight Academy (EFA) is Lufthansa Group’s pilot school for ab‑initio and ready-entry candidates. Training runs in Germany, Switzerland and the USA, with selection via DLR Certificate Cockpit and the LHG Assessment in DE/EN.
Step 1: DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 for EFA/Lufthansa Group ab‑initio pilots. Conducted in Hamburg, Milan and Zurich, in German or English. Easyflight Training offers a complete bundle and CBTs tailored to every test area.
Step 2: LHG Assessment (Lufthansa Group)
LHG Assessment is stage 2 of the Lufthansa Group ab-initio process, held at Interpersonal in Hamburg or the SWISS Flight Crew Assessment Center in Zurich. It includes MOZARD, Multitasking Color Tank, and Gubsomat psychomotor tests plus interview.
Airline
German Airways
German Airways, a Cologne-based ACMI and charter carrier of the Zeitfracht Group, operates Embraer 190 jets across Europe. Its WingsUp selection includes cognitive tests, a PA-44 Seminole simulator screening, and a final interview.
Step 1: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 1
Step 2: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 2
Step 3: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 3
Airline
Iberia
Step 1: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 1
Step 2: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 2
Step 3: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 3
Step 4: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 4
Step 5: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 5
Airline
Luxair
Luxair is Luxembourg’s flag carrier based at Luxembourg Airport (LUX). It connects Europe and the Mediterranean with Boeing 737 and De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft, serving business hubs and LuxairTours leisure destinations.
Step 1: Luxair Pilot Cadet Program (Ab-Initio) – Stage 1: DLR BU
Luxair Pilot Cadet Program Stage 1 uses the DLR BU (Basic) assessment in English to screen ab‑initio applicants. It measures cognitive skills, knowledge and aptitude through standardized modules with strict timing and accuracy requirements.
Step 2: Luxair Pilot Cadet Program (Ab-Initio) – Stage 2: DLR FQ
Airline
Police Helicopter (Germany)
Germany’s police helicopter squadrons (state and federal) fly nationwide missions in support, rescue, surveillance and transport. Cadet selection includes a DLR test in Hamburg. Prepare with Easyflight’s targeted, assessment-style training.
DLR Test: German Police Helicopter Squadron Cadet Program
Initial DLR screening for German Police Helicopter cadets held at DLR in Hamburg, used as Stage 1 of ab-initio selection. Assesses cognition, spatial skills, attention, memory, English, maths/physics, and psychomotor coordination (MIC, VFF, RAG).
Flight School
RWL German Flight Academy
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 for EFA/Lufthansa Group ab‑initio pilots. Conducted in Hamburg, Milan and Zurich, in German or English. Easyflight Training offers a complete bundle and CBTs tailored to every test area.
Airline
Ryanair
Ryanair Future Flyer Academy (Irish Low-Cost Carrier)
Flight School
TFC Käufer
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR: Certificate Cockpit is stage 1 for EFA/Lufthansa Group ab‑initio pilots. Conducted in Hamburg, Milan and Zurich, in German or English. Easyflight Training offers a complete bundle and CBTs tailored to every test area.
Airline
Wizz Air
Step 1: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 1
Step 2: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 2
Step 3: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 3
Step 4: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 4
