Becoming a commercial pilot starts with one important step: your Leading Edge Aviation Skills Assessment. It’s more than just a checkpoint, it’s your chance to demonstrate your potential and get a taste of life in the flight deck. Whether you’re just starting out or making a career switch, here’s everything you need to know to prepare, perform, and progress.
Created by Pilots, for Pilots
Our Skills Assessments are designed and delivered by current pilots and industry-experienced assessors. The goal of the day is to evaluate the core competencies required to become a commercial pilot. We run these assessments to ensure you meet the standards necessary to succeed on our integrated LEAP course—and to give you the confidence that you have what it takes.
Skills Assessment Prerequisites
To book your assessment, you’ll need to:
- Be 17 years old and 18 years or older on the day your LEAP course begins.
- Be able to pass a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate which is essential to have in place before starting training.
- 5 GCSEs at 4+ or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science (preferably Physics)
- A current UK or EU issued passport or Settled Status (indefinite right to remain)
- ICAO 5 or above in spoken English
Your Skills Assessment: What to Expect on the Day
Our skills assessment currently costs £150, however this fee is fully deducted from your course deposit if you proceed with training. You will be expected to sit your skills assessment in person at our Oxford Campus, however you can take your online aptitude tests before the assessment day from home.
1. Online Aptitude Tests
Before you visit the Academy, you’ll complete a set of online aptitude tests from the comfort of your home. These are designed to measure your natural abilities across a range of areas including:
- Complex control
- Working Memory
- Deductive logical reasoning
- Monitoring Ability
- Reaction Speed
- Sense of Direction
- Multi-tasking Capability
- Language Skills
- Applied Numeracy
These tests give us valuable insight into your potential to handle the demands of commercial pilot training.
2. Icebreaker Session
The day begins with an informal icebreaker session where you’ll meet your assessors and fellow candidates. This is your chance to relax, get to know the group, and settle any nerves. We know assessments can be intimidating, so this session is designed to create a friendly, supportive atmosphere from the start.
You don’t need to impress anyone here, just be yourself and use the opportunity to start building rapport and ease into the day ahead.
3. Group Exercise
Next, you’ll take part in a structured group activity. You’ll work with other candidates to solve a challenge, while assessors observe how you communicate, collaborate, and handle pressure in a team setting.
We’re not looking for who talks the most or takes charge, we’re interested in how you listen, contribute, stay calm, and support the group. Successful pilots are strong team players, and this task helps us see those qualities in action.
4. Two-to-One Interview
One of the most important parts of the day is your interview with two members of our assessment team. This is where we get to know you, your motivations, your career goals, and what drives your ambition to become a pilot.
To help us get a deeper understanding of who you are, we also ask that you bring along one personal item that represents you. It could be something symbolic, meaningful, or simply something you’re proud of. This isn’t a test, it’s a conversation starter. We want to understand what matters to you, what excites you, and what qualities you’ll bring to the world of aviation.
During the interview, we’ll explore your understanding of the industry, discuss your long-term goals, and ask you to reflect on real-life examples of when you’ve shown leadership, resilience, or decision-making under pressure. Think of it as a professional, yet relaxed chat where we’re looking for authenticity, self-awareness, and potential, not perfection.
5. Ground School Observation
Whilst not part of your skills assessment, on the day you will also get the chance to sit in on a Ground School lesson with some of our current students. This gives you a real insight into our teaching style and the learning environment you could soon be part of. You’ll see first-hand how our instructors work, what classroom life looks like, and how engaged and supported our students are.
It’s a unique chance to experience the day-to-day rhythm of training at Leading Edge and it often makes candidates even more excited to get started.
6. Feedback Session
At the end of the day, you’ll receive initial verbal feedback from the assessment team. This is a great time to ask questions, reflect on your performance, and learn more about your potential next steps. Whether you’re moving forward or need a little more preparation, our team will offer honest, supportive guidance.
Why In Person Assessments?
Completing your assessment on site at our Academy offers far more than just evaluation:
- Explore our industry-leading facilities and training environment
- Observe a live ground school session and experience how we teach
- Meet current students and instructors and hear about their journeys
- Experience the day-to-day atmosphere of a busy, professional flight academy
- Get a true feel for life as a LEAP student
It’s your opportunity to see firsthand what your future could look like and make sure Leading Edge is the right fit for you.
Personalised Feedback & Retake Support
After your assessment, you’ll receive tailored feedback from our experienced assessment team. If you’re unsuccessful, we’ll invite you back to retake any areas you found challenging, free of charge.
Next Steps After Your Assessment
If you successfully complete your assessment, you’ll have a one-to-one meeting with a Leading Edge Training Advisor. During this session, you will:
- Discuss the next steps in your training journey
- Review your chosen course start date and location
- Be issued with your Training Agreement, which confirms your place on the course
- Have the opportunity to ask any final questions before moving forward
It’s a chance to solidify your decision and begin your transition into the world of professional flight training with confidence.
If you’re unsuccessful, don’t worry, this is just one step on your journey. You will:
- Receive your assessment feedback via email, detailing the areas to focus on
- Be given a direct contact to our Assessment Team for follow-up support
- Have the opportunity to discuss your results and receive personalised coaching
- Be invited to re-sit the assessment free of charge once you’re ready
We’re committed to helping you grow and succeed. Many of our candidates have benefited from this extra support and gone on to thrive in training.
Training Guarantee
A successful assessment also unlocks our Training Guarantee. Should you struggle and require additional training at any stage during the course due to aptitude not attitude, all training fees and accommodation will be covered.
Ready to Take Off? Your future as a commercial pilot starts with a single step.
Have any questions? We’re here to help: Get in touch with our dedicated team of training advisors today.
