Airlines & cadet programs

A CPL does not guarantee an airline job. Here's the honest shape of what comes after it.

The realistic pathway

CPL → airline career

01

Ground & flight training

Ground school and flight hours toward your CPL.

02

CPL issued

Regulatory minimum met — this is the start of employability, not the end of the journey.

03

Additional ratings

Instrument and multi-engine ratings, often required for airline eligibility.

04

Hour building

Most airlines require hours well beyond the licence minimum.

05

Application & assessment

Aptitude tests, technical and HR interviews, simulator assessment.

06

Airline training

Type rating and line training before you fly as First Officer.

Can I apply?

Common cadet program profiles

Illustrative examples of the kind of criteria cadet programs typically publish. Complete Find My Pilot Path first so this section can compare against your profile.

COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE

Domestic cadet program (illustrative)

Typical published minimums: age 18+, Class 12 with Physics/Maths, Class 1 medical, no minimum flying hours (ab-initio intake).

COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE

CPL-holder direct entry (illustrative)

Typical published minimums: age 18+, valid CPL, 200+ total flying hours, Class 1 medical, English proficiency.

These are illustrative structures based on common industry patterns, not a specific airline's actual current requirements. Always check the airline's official careers page before applying.

Preparation

Aptitude & interview areas

Numerical & technical

Mental arithmetic, physics fundamentals, technical knowledge tests.

Cognitive

Memory, spatial reasoning, multitasking, reaction-time assessments.

Psychometric & English

Personality/psychometric screening and English proficiency assessment.

Interviews & simulator

Technical interview, HR interview, and simulator-based assessment.