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.
Compañías aéreas
ADAC Air Rescue
ADAC Air Rescue is a major European helicopter emergency medical service, operating around 60 Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters from a nationwide German base network for urgent rescue missions and patient transfers.
DLR Test: ADAC Air Rescue
Stage 1 of ADAC Air Rescue’s ab-initio pilot selection is a DLR-based aptitude assessment. It examines cognitive and psychomotor capabilities relevant to helicopter-pilot training and the subsequent selection process.
Compañías aéreas
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier and an IAG airline, connects Dublin with Ireland, Britain, Europe and North America. Its Airbus operation spans A320-family short-haul aircraft and A330 and A321LR/XLR long-haul services.
Aer Lingus Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Aer Lingus uses Cut-E / Aon online tests at stage 1 of both ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection. Taken online, the assessment evaluates cognitive performance under time pressure before candidates progress in the recruitment process.
Compañías aéreas
AeroLogic
AeroLogic is a German cargo airline based at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Founded in 2007 as a joint venture of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo, it operates Boeing 777 freighters on intercontinental services between Europe, Asia and North America.
Step 1: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 1
AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio Level 1 is the first stage of the pilot selection process, held at a hotel in Berlin. Test content can vary, but preparation closely reflects reported AeroLogic-specific task formats.
Step 2: AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio – Level 2
AeroLogic ALFA Ab-Initio Level 2 is the on-site simulator stage of AeroLogic’s ab-initio selection. At TFC Käufer in Essen, applicants fly a Piper PA-44 and complete assessment tasks; 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, combining a small group exercise with a committee interview. Prepare for a demanding process in which all four assessors must agree for a candidate to pass.
Compañías aéreas
Air Dolomiti
Air Dolomiti is the Lufthansa Group’s Italian regional airline, based near Verona. Its Embraer 195 fleet links Italian cities with Munich and Frankfurt, providing feeder services across the group’s European network.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the stage-one ab-initio selection assessment for European Flight Academy and Lufthansa Group pathways. It is held in Milan, Hamburg and Zurich in German or English; Easyflight Training supports both languages.
Compañías aéreas
American Airlines
American Airlines, founded in 1930 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a major U.S. network carrier. Together with regional affiliates, it links hundreds of destinations worldwide via hubs such as Dallas Fort Worth, Charlotte, Miami and Chicago.
American Airlines (AA) Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
American Airlines uses Cut-E / Aon online tests at stage 1 of both its ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection processes. This online assessment evaluates candidates early in recruitment, making realistic practice essential before progressing.
Compañías aéreas
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines, Austria’s flag carrier and a Lufthansa Group airline, connects Vienna with Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. Its Vienna hub combines a broad short-haul network with long-haul services.
Step 1: DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the stage-one ab-initio selection assessment for European Flight Academy and Lufthansa Group pathways. It is held in Milan, Hamburg and Zurich in German or English; Easyflight Training supports both languages.
Step 2: LHG Assessment (Lufthansa Group)
The LHG Assessment is stage two of the ab-initio pilot selection process for European Flight Academy and Austrian Airlines candidates. It is held at Interpersonal in Hamburg or the SWISS Flight Crew Assessment Center in Zurich.
Step 3: Austrian Future Pilots Program – Stage 3 (Optional)
Stage 3 is an optional PIT simulator screening in Vienna for applicants to the Austrian Future Pilots Program. The screening assesses coordination, multitasking and further pilot-relevant skills; Austrian Airlines covers flight costs on its flights.
Step 4: Austrian Future Pilots Program – Stage 4 (Optional)
Stage 4 is an optional final selection for the Austrian Future Pilots Program: a two-day DLR FQ in Vienna with group exercise, bridge loading test (DCT) and interview. Austrian Airlines covers flight costs; those who pass continue training at EFA.
Flight School
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA)
Aviation Academy Austria (AAA), a European Flight Academy partner, offers integrated ATPL training for ab-initio pilots. Its on-site Basic Qualification Test uses AON-style aptitude testing before candidates begin training.
Prueba de evaluación básica de la Aviation Academy Austria (AAA)
AAA’s Basic Qualification Test is the on-site first stage for applicants to its private ATPL Integrated training. The one-day selection combines AON/Cut-E-style aptitude testing with an interview, which may occasionally follow on day two.
Compañías aéreas
Condor
Condor is a German leisure airline founded in 1955 and headquartered in Frankfurt, flying from German airports to holiday destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Indian Ocean with an all-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 pilot selection. Train assessment-relevant skills, as only above-average IP-BQ results and strong application documents support an invitation to IP-CQ.
Step 2: IP-CQ: Corporate Qualification (Cadet Pilot)
IP-CQ Corporate Qualification is stage two of the ab-initio pilot selection process. Coordinated with inviting airlines such as Condor CAP, it focuses on psychological evaluation and is usually held at Interpersonal in Hamburg, subject to change.
Compañías aéreas
easyJet
easyJet is a British low-cost airline headquartered at London Luton Airport. Its all-Airbus fleet operates point-to-point services linking major cities and holiday destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
easyJet Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
easyJet’s Cut-E / Aon online tests are stage 1 of both ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection. Candidates complete online aptitude assessments where accurate, efficient performance under time pressure is essential.
Compañías aéreas
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, based at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. It connects Abu Dhabi with destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America.
Etihad Airways Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Etihad Airways uses Cut-E / Aon online tests as stage 1 of both its ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection processes. Candidates complete online aptitude testing before progressing through the wider recruitment journey.
Flight School
European Flight Academy (EFA)
European Flight Academy is the Lufthansa Group flight school for future airline pilots. Its integrated ATPL pathway combines theory and flight training, with a selection process built around DLR aptitude testing and the Lufthansa Group assessment.
Step 1: DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the stage-one ab-initio selection assessment for European Flight Academy and Lufthansa Group pathways. It is held in Milan, Hamburg and Zurich in German or English; Easyflight Training supports both languages.
Step 2: LHG Assessment (Lufthansa Group)
The LHG Assessment is stage two of the ab-initio pilot selection process for European Flight Academy and Austrian Airlines candidates. It is held at Interpersonal in Hamburg or the SWISS Flight Crew Assessment Center in Zurich.
Flight School
FFL Fachschule für Luftfahrzeugführer
FFL Fachschule für Luftfahrzeugführer provides professional pilot training in Germany. For Condor’s Ab-Initio Program, candidates take the IP-BQ at Interpersonal in Hamburg; strong results and application documents influence progression.
IP-BQ (Ab-Initio) para el Programa Ab-Initio de Condor (CAP)
Condor CAP uses the IP-BQ Ab-Initio at Interpersonal in Hamburg as stage 1 of pilot selection. Train assessment-relevant skills, as only above-average IP-BQ results and strong application documents support an invitation to IP-CQ.
Compañías aéreas
Finnair
Finnair is Finland’s flag carrier and a network airline based at Helsinki Airport. It links Finland and Europe with Asian, North American and selected international destinations, operating a modern Airbus-led fleet and regional services.
Finnair Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Finnair uses Cut-E / Aon online tests in stage 1 of both ab-initio and ready-entry pilot selection. The online assessment examines key aptitude areas before candidates successfully progress in the recruitment process.
Compañías aéreas
flydubai
flydubai is Dubai’s low-cost airline, operating a Boeing 737 fleet from Dubai International to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Pilot applicants complete Cut-E / Aon online tests.
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. Focused preparation helps applicants become familiar with the cognitive pace, pressure and online assessment format.
Compañías aéreas
German Airways
German Airways is a Cologne-based German airline and aviation-services provider operating Embraer E190 jets for ACMI, charter and wet-lease missions across Europe. Its WingsUp programme offers a structured route for aspiring pilots.
Step 1: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 1
German Airways WingsUp – Phase 1 is the on-site first stage of ab-initio pilot selection in Cologne. It assesses cognitive abilities, multitasking, psychomotor skills, English, mathematics, physics and general knowledge.
Step 2: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 2
Stage 2 of German Airways’ WingsUp ab-initio selection is held at TFC Käufer flight school in Essen, Germany. Candidates complete a Piper PA-44 Seminole simulator flight as part of this on-site pilot selection stage.
Step 3: German Airways WingsUp – Phase 3
German Airways WingsUp Phase 3 is an on-site, third-stage assessment for ab-initio pilot candidates in Cologne, Germany. It includes an interview and may include a group exercise, with emphasis on clear communication, motivation and self-presentation.
Compañías aéreas
Iberia
Iberia es la aerolínea de bandera de España, con sede en Madrid-Barajas y parte del International Airlines Group (IAG). Como miembro de oneworld, conecta España y Europa con mercados de larga distancia de todo el mundo, con Latinoamérica como eje central de su red.
Step 1: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 1
La Fase 1 del Programa de cadetes de Iberia es una prueba teórica escrita en línea, de medio día de duración, dirigida a candidatos a piloto principiantes con título universitario. Evalúa conocimientos básicos de matemáticas, física, razonamiento numérico y razonamiento verbal en un tiempo limitado.
Step 2: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 2
El Programa de cadetes de Iberia – Fase 2 es una prueba psicométrica en línea de AON para candidatos a piloto principiantes. Te esperan ejercicios de aptitud cronometrados que evalúan el razonamiento, la atención, la coordinación, la orientación espacial y la capacidad de realizar varias tareas a la vez bajo presión.
Step 3: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 3
La fase 3 del Programa de cadetes de Iberia consiste en un ejercicio de dinámica de grupo presencial en el campus de Iberia en Madrid. Esta fase inicial de selección de pilotos evalúa cómo los candidatos colaboran, se comunican y aportan de forma constructiva en un entorno grupal.
Step 4: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 4
La fase 4 del Programa de cadetes de Iberia consiste en una entrevista personal en línea en inglés con el equipo de FREJerez. En ella se evalúa tu nivel de inglés como parte del proceso de selección de pilotos ab-initio, por lo que es fundamental prepararse específicamente para la prueba de idioma.
Step 5: Iberia Cadet Program – Stage 5
El Programa de cadetes de Iberia – Fase 5 es la entrevista final para los candidatos a piloto ab initio. Se celebra en la sede central de Iberia en Madrid y evalúa si estás preparado para avanzar en el proceso de selección de cadetes de Iberia.
Compañías aéreas
Luxair
Luxair, Luxembourg’s flag carrier, connects Luxembourg Airport with European business and leisure destinations. Founded in 1961, it operates Boeing 737 and Dash 8 Q400 aircraft and also provides air cargo and aviation services.
Step 1: Luxair Pilot Cadet Program (Ab-Initio) – Stage 1: DLR BU
Luxair uses the DLR BU as Stage 1 of its ab-initio Pilot Cadet Program. The on-site assessment in Hamburg evaluates core aptitude areas in English; only applicants selected after the application review receive an invitation.
Step 2: Luxair Pilot Cadet Program (Ab-Initio) – Stage 2: DLR FQ
Luxair uses the DLR FQ as stage 2 of its ab-initio pilot cadet selection. This English-language, on-site assessment evaluates psychological, interpersonal and interview-related suitability, with group-based elements possible.
Compañías aéreas
Police Helicopter (Germany)
Germany’s police helicopter services support law-enforcement, search-and-rescue and operational missions. Recruitment is handled by individual police authorities; German Police Helicopter Squadron Cadet Program includes a DLR assessment in Hamburg.
DLR Test: German Police Helicopter Squadron Cadet Program
Stage 1 of the German Police Helicopter Squadron’s ab-initio pilot selection is held at DLR in Hamburg. Candidates complete on-site, computer-based aptitude testing of cognitive, technical and psychomotor skills.
Flight School
RWL German Flight Academy
RWL German Flight Academy, based at Mönchengladbach Airport, prepares aspiring commercial pilots in professional airline-pilot training programmes. 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 stage-one ab-initio selection assessment for European Flight Academy and Lufthansa Group pathways. It is held in Milan, Hamburg and Zurich in German or English; Easyflight Training supports both languages.
Compañías aéreas
Ryanair
Ryanair is a Dublin-headquartered low-fare airline group with one of Europe’s largest short-haul networks. Its predominantly Boeing 737 fleet links hundreds of airports across Europe and nearby markets through several group airlines.
Ryanair Future Flyer Academy (compañía aérea irlandesa de bajo coste)
Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Gateway 0 is stage one of ab-initio pilot selection. After applying through a certified partner flight school, applicants complete the same Cut-E / AON online test at home.
Flight School
Speedbird Pilot Academy (British Airways)
British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy is a fully funded cadet pathway for aspiring airline pilots. Applicants complete approved ab-initio training and, subject to programme standards, progress towards a British Airways pilot career.
Speedbird Pilot Academy Cut-E / Aon Online Tests
Stage 1 of the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy ab-initio selection process uses Cut-E / Aon online tests. Prepare with realistic practice, instant feedback and performance analysis to build speed, accuracy and confidence.
Flight School
TFC Käufer
TFC Käufer is a flight school at Essen/Mülheim Airport, Germany, providing pilot training in a practical aviation setting. For applicable ab-initio routes, it accepts the DLR Certificate Cockpit for European Flight Academy and Lufthansa Group applicants.
DLR: Certificate Cockpit for EFA / LHG (Ab-Initio)
DLR Certificate Cockpit is the stage-one ab-initio selection assessment for European Flight Academy and Lufthansa Group pathways. It is held in Milan, Hamburg and Zurich in German or English; Easyflight Training supports both languages.
Compañías aéreas
Wizz Air
Wizz Air is a Budapest-headquartered ultra-low-cost airline founded in 2003. It operates Airbus narrow-body aircraft on a broad, multi-base point-to-point network spanning Europe and selected destinations in North Africa and the Middle East.
Step 1: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 1
Wizz Air Pilot Academy Stage 1 is an online TestAir 360 screening for ab-initio candidates. It assesses reasoning and logic, mathematics, physics and English. Practice is available in the TestAir portal after application and an initial US$130 fee.
Step 2: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 2
Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) Stage 2 is an online psychological assessment for ab-initio pilot applicants. Usually supervised via Microsoft Teams, it uses hundreds of questions to assess personality-related 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 is part of Wizz Air’s ab-initio pilot selection and is held on the same day as Stage 4, the interview.
Step 4: Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) – Stage 4
Wizz Air Pilot Academy Stage 4 is the final individual interview at the Wizz Air Training Center in Budapest, held on the same day as Stage 3. Expect personal, motivation, aviation-basics and mental-math questions.
