Fully sponsored Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme 2019 is now open for applications

As we have recently announced, Aer Lingus is looking for future pilots to meet the requirements of the company’s expansion. Applications are now open and will close on 8th July 2019. Selected cadets will commence their fully sponsored pilot training in November this year.

Entry requirements

Aer Lingus is looking for applicants with diverse backgrounds and suitable aptitude to become an airline pilot. 

Essential entry requirements:

• 18 years old on or before 1st January 2019
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken
• Able to obtain an EASA issued Class 1 Medical certificate
• Eligible to live and work permanently in the European Union with an unrestricted worldwide passport
• Be able to pass a five-year security check

You don’t have to be an Irish citizen, however a right to live and work permanently in the EU is required and a police disclosure certificate from your home country needs to be presented once you have been successfully selected.

Pilots with Class 1 Medical from an authority other than the Irish Aviation Authority will be required to transfer their Medical to IAA. 

Minimum educational requirements:

• You must have passed your Leaving Certificate (6 subjects) or equivalent
• You must have obtained O5 grades in English and Mathematics at ordinary level or H6 at higher level in the Leaving Certificate
• You must also have a minimum of 2 higher level subjects with a minimum of H5 grades in the Leaving Certificate

Equivalent grades are as follows:

• GCSE Maths and English must be a minimum of grade C plus
• 3 A Levels taken at A2 level in any subject with minimum grades C,C,D

To check if your qualifications constitute the relevant equivalent, follow the official guidance for comparing qualifications.

Where the minimum Leaving Certificate or equivalent grades have not been met, you must have one of the following qualifications:

• A minimum of a Level 7 third level (ordinary degree) in any discipline
• Completed an aviation-related apprenticeship

Key competencies and skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and willingness to work unsociable hours at times
• A strong communicator who acts with integrity
• Well-developed decision-making skills
• Technical awareness
• A strong team player with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and demonstrate leadership qualities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability and motivation to achieve a consistently high level of performance

During the selection process, two verifiable references will be required. These are usually from previous employers or educational institutions (e.g. high school, university).

Cost of training and fees

The programme is fully funded by Aer Lingus. However, applicants are responsible for any additional expenses during the training period.

Accommodation is provided on the flight school campus and every cadet will get a small allowance for the duration of the course.

The cost of the training programme is bonded. This means there will be a fixed period after they start their employment in which cadets will be required to repay the cost of their training if they leave. The amount due will be reduce depending on how long the pilot remained in employment before he left. The length of the bond will be confirmed during the interview process (probably 10 years).

Detailed description of the selection process

1.) Applications close on Monday 8th July 2019, 16:00 GMT. No further applications will be processed after this time. 

2.) You will receive an email with acknowledgment that the application was received. 

3.) Applications will be screened.

4.) Selected applicants will be given an online assessment. They will have 72 hours to complete given tasks and after this time the link will become inactive.

5.) Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the group assessment stage of the selection process. This will take place between 9th September and 20th September 2019 in Dublin. You may be required to re-take your online assessment at this stage. Copies of your Leaving Certificate or equivalent will be required at this time.

6.) Class 1 Medical screening and company medical screening.

Training course description

The course is expected to start in November 2019 and training is estimated to be completed by March/April 2021. FTE Jerez has been chosen as the preferred training provider, so all the lessons up to type rating will take place in Jerez, Spain.

The course is structured as integrated with limited time OFF during over a period of 14 months in Jerez. Upon completion, student pilots will move back to Dublin to begin Airbus A320 and A321 Long Range NEO type rating. This will take about 4 months to complete. Cadets will join Aer Lingus as First Officers in summer 2021.

Students can expect to have block OFF during Christmas and a number of leaves built into the course. The first one is scheduled to take place after 5 months of training, which coincides with the first set of exams. Flight tickets will be provided at the beginning and at the end of the stay in Jerez. It is also expected that standby travel to / from Dublin for main leave periods will be available (e.g. Christmas).

A limited number of family visits are possible at times provided they do not distract students, as the training is very demanding and intensive with multiple exams.

Only 7 days remaining to send your application. There is no other airline in Europe with a fully sponsored pilot scheme at the moment. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity and apply today!

Video: Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme video released last year