So, you’ve applied for our Funded* fATPL and Flight Instructor programme and want to put your best foot forward? Whilst the assessment process ahead of you might seem daunting, remember, it’s designed to give you the opportunity to show your potential, not to catch you out. Preparation goes a long way!
Understanding the Application Process
The application journey is structured to assess your aptitude, motivation and professionalism.
Stage 1: Initial Application Review
Ensure that you meet all our application prerequisites as this will be checked. The entry requirements can be found on our website here.
Stage 2: Computer Based Assessments
Applicants complete assessments designed to measure core pilot competencies such as:
- Numerical reasoning
- Spatial awareness
- Multitasking ability
- Logical thinking
- Situational judgement
Stage 3: Skills Assessment
Successful candidates are invited to a day long, more in-depth evaluation. This assessment day is similar to our integrated skills assessment process, but not the same (so please don’t book onto a skills assessment in the hopes that this will help your application). The day will include:
- A short icebreaker (this will not be assessed)
- A competency-based 1-2-2 interview
- A Group exercise
This stage is about understanding your motivations for flying and how you think, communicate and work as part of a team, all of which are key traits for both airline pilots and future Flight Instructors.
Stage 4: Psychometric Tests, Cover Letter and CV Submission
On successful completion of stage 3, you will be asked to submit your cover letter and CV, as well as complete some online psychometric tests. This stage is designed to look deeper into:
- Personality traits
- Professional alignment
- Motivation
- Cultural fit
Stage 5: Final Interview
Your final interview will include several different exercises, and could include the following:
- Mock lesson & role play
- ‘Show me how to’ lesson
Top Tips for success
- Make a good first impression – Whilst we won’t be assessing you from the minute you arrive, it is always important to make a good first impression. Dress as if you were attending a job interview, offer a handshake on arrival and maintain an open and friendly demeanour throughout.
- Be the genuine you – Throughout this process, we want to get to know real you. Be authentic. During the final interview stages, don’t respond how you think we want you to, respond in the way that you would normally.
- Do your research – Let us know why you have chosen us and why this programme. Why do you think you would be a good fit for Leading Edge Aviation, not just as a student, but as a member of teaching staff as well?
- Do some practice computer based assessments – Aon offer some free online mock cut-e tests. You may find it useful to practice using these online resources to get a feel for it. Do keep in mind that these tests might not be the same as the ones we use.
- Tailor your CV and cover letter – As you would when applying for a job, tailor your CV and cover letter to us. Prioritise the experiences and achievements most relevant to this programme. Show that you understand its aims, explain your motivation for applying, and make clear how you would both contribute and benefit from it. Although AI can be useful, be careful in this instance as we can tell!
- Learn the pilot competencies – Throughout the assessment process we will be consistently assessing how well you display each of the pilot competencies, so make sure you know what they are. Come up with real life examples of when you have displayed these competencies in the past, in case you are asked during your interview. See our Whole Pilot page for more details.
- Contribute consistently – During your group exercise, make sure that you are consistently contributing, but are not overbearing. Encourage others to participate and be an effective team player.
Hear directly from two of last year’s successful candidates, and our Assessment Manager, in our most recent webinar via this link:
