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What is the Ryanair pilot assessment?
The Ryanair pilot assessment is the selection process used to evaluate candidates applying for cadet and experienced-pilot positions across the Ryanair Group.
It is not one single test.
Depending on the pathway, the process may include:
- application and document screening;
- an online pre-assessment;
- aptitude or psychometric testing;
- a simulator assessment;
- an English-language test;
- a technical assessment;
- a personnel or HR interview;
- role-specific document verification.
The exact process depends on whether you are applying as:
- a licensed cadet;
- a Future Flyer Academy candidate or graduate;
- a non-type-rated first officer;
- a type-rated first officer;
- a direct-entry captain;
- another experienced-pilot applicant.
Ryanair currently states that shortlisted licensed cadets complete an online assessment before progressing to a one-day selection process.
The published cadet selection day currently includes:
- a pre-simulator briefing;
- a company presentation;
- a B737-800 simulator assessment;
- an English-language test;
- a technical assessment;
- a personnel interview.
For direct-entry pilots, Ryanair currently describes a process involving:
- application screening;
- an online assessment;
- a one-day simulator assessment;
- an HR interview;
- a technical interview.
The profile can differ between captains and first officers.
Your vacancy, candidate portal, recruiter communication and official invitation determine the assessment that applies to you.
Ryanair pilot assessment preparation: Practise for the Ryanair pilot assessment process with JobTestPrep.
Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you. JobTestPrep is an independent third-party preparation provider and does not guarantee the exact assessment content used by Ryanair.
Ryanair pilot assessment stages at a glance
| Stage | What may be assessed |
|---|---|
| Application screening | Eligibility, licences, experience, documents and training history |
| Online assessment | Aptitude, reasoning, attention, multitasking or role-related abilities |
| Pre-simulator briefing | Listening, understanding instructions and preparation |
| Simulator assessment | Basic handling, monitoring, CRM and flight management |
| English test | Operational communication and English-language proficiency |
| Technical assessment | ATPL knowledge and current or previous aircraft knowledge |
| Personnel or HR interview | Motivation, suitability, competencies and professional behaviour |
| Final review | Overall evidence from every assessment stage |
This table is a preparation framework.
The exact stages can vary by:
- vacancy;
- pathway;
- pilot experience;
- Ryanair Group airline;
- recruitment campaign;
- assessment centre;
- current company requirements.
Who completes the Ryanair pilot assessment?
Licensed cadets
Licensed cadets generally apply after completing professional pilot training.
Current Ryanair cadet requirements include areas such as:
- an unrestricted right to live and work in the EU and/or UK;
- an appropriate EASA commercial pilot licence with frozen ATPL theory;
- a valid Class 1 medical certificate;
- a valid multi-engine instrument rating;
- Advanced UPRT;
- MCC or APS MCC;
- the required English-language proficiency;
- a compliant flight-school report;
- the applicable pilot-in-command experience.
The precise requirements must be checked against the current cadet vacancy.
Candidates who meet the requirements and are shortlisted may be invited to complete the online pre-assessment.
Successful candidates can then progress to the simulator and interview selection day.
Read the Ryanair pilot requirements guide before preparing for the assessment.
Future Flyer Academy candidates
The Future Flyer Academy has several entry gateways depending on the candidate’s training stage.
The selection process can include:
- online psychometric and aptitude tests;
- mathematics;
- physics;
- English for non-native speakers;
- group exercises;
- an individual interview;
- a final Ryanair assessment.
The Academy process is not identical to the licensed-cadet application route.
Successful enrolment and a conditional job offer do not remove the requirement to:
- complete training successfully;
- meet the applicable standards;
- pass the final Ryanair assessment;
- complete the required type-rating and operational training.
Read the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy guide for the gateway structure.
Direct-entry first officers
Direct-entry first officers may be:
- already type-rated;
- non-type-rated;
- currently operating another jet aircraft;
- transferring from another airline;
- returning after a period away from line operations.
Ryanair states that candidates who meet the vacancy requirements may be invited to an online assessment before attending the simulator assessment.
The online profile can differ from the captain profile.
The one-day direct-entry assessment currently includes:
- simulator assessment;
- HR interview;
- technical interview.
The level expected should reflect the candidate’s:
- licence;
- declared flight time;
- aircraft experience;
- recent operations;
- type rating;
- professional background.
Direct-entry captains
Direct-entry captains can be assessed at command level.
The selection may examine:
- aircraft handling;
- decision-making;
- leadership;
- CRM;
- technical knowledge;
- operational judgement;
- threat and error management;
- communication;
- command suitability.
A captain candidate should be prepared to explain not only what action they would take, but also:
- why;
- what information is required;
- how the crew would be managed;
- how risk would be controlled;
- when the plan would be reviewed.
How the cadet assessment process works
The current licensed-cadet pathway can broadly involve:
- creating a candidate profile;
- uploading the required documents;
- applying for an available cadet position;
- application and eligibility screening;
- completing the online pre-assessment;
- receiving an invitation to a selection day;
- attending the pre-simulator briefing;
- completing the simulator exercise;
- completing the English test;
- completing the technical assessment;
- completing the personnel interview;
- receiving the result;
- progressing to an available type-rating course if successful.
The order used on the assessment day can vary.
Do not assume that every candidate will complete the exercises in the same sequence.
Stage 1: Application screening
Before the assessment, Ryanair reviews whether the candidate appears to meet the vacancy requirements.
Screening can consider:
- licence type;
- licence validity;
- medical validity;
- instrument rating;
- MCC or APS MCC;
- Advanced UPRT;
- flight hours;
- pilot-in-command hours;
- English proficiency;
- work rights;
- flight-school report;
- training history;
- uploaded documents.
An excellent aptitude-test result cannot compensate for a missing mandatory qualification.
Flight-school report
Ryanair currently requires licensed cadets to provide a flight-school report written in English and signed by the Head of Training.
The report should contain the information requested by Ryanair, including:
- ATPL examination results;
- details of repeated subjects where applicable;
- CPL training results;
- multi-engine instrument-rating results;
- information about the candidate’s training performance.
The exact required format should be confirmed from:
- the cadet vacancy;
- Ryanair’s FAQ;
- recruiter communication;
- the document request in the candidate portal.
Do not create or alter training records.
Document consistency
The following should remain consistent:
- application;
- CV;
- licence;
- medical;
- logbook;
- flight-school report;
- training certificates;
- declared flight time.
Review every figure before submitting.
Be ready to explain:
- training interruptions;
- examination repeats;
- check failures;
- employment gaps;
- unusual flight-time entries;
- changes in training organisation.
Honest, factual explanations are stronger than attempts to hide information.
Stage 2: Ryanair online pre-assessment
Ryanair confirms that shortlisted cadets are required to complete an online pre-assessment.
Direct-entry candidates who meet the requirements may also be invited to an online assessment.
However, Ryanair does not publicly guarantee one permanent test battery for every pilot pathway.
The assessment can vary according to:
- cadet or experienced-pilot status;
- first officer or captain profile;
- current recruitment system;
- vacancy;
- campaign;
- test provider.
The Ryanair online assessment guide covers the possible aptitude areas and preparation methods in detail.
What may the online assessment measure?
Third-party preparation sources commonly associate airline pilot screening with abilities such as:
- numerical reasoning;
- verbal reasoning;
- logical reasoning;
- spatial awareness;
- concentration;
- reaction speed;
- multitasking;
- monitoring;
- memory;
- situational judgement;
- personality or work-style indicators.
These categories are useful for broad preparation.
They should not be presented as a guaranteed list of the exact tests assigned by Ryanair.
Your official invitation determines:
- module names;
- time limits;
- equipment requirements;
- calculator rules;
- practice instructions;
- deadline;
- retake policy.
Numerical reasoning
Numerical questions can involve:
- arithmetic;
- percentages;
- ratios;
- speed, time and distance;
- fuel calculations;
- tables;
- charts;
- unit conversion.
Original example
A flight covers 420 nautical miles at an average groundspeed of 280 knots.
How long does the flight take?
Use:
Time = Distance ÷ Speed
420 ÷ 280 = 1.5 hours
The answer is 1 hour 30 minutes.
This is an original practice example and not an official Ryanair question.
Logical reasoning
Logical-reasoning tasks may involve:
- sequences;
- rules;
- classifications;
- relationships;
- abstract patterns;
- conditional information.
Original example
Four tasks must be completed in order.
Rules:
- A must occur before C;
- B must occur immediately before D;
- C cannot be first.
Which order is valid?
A – B – D – C
This satisfies every rule.
Spatial awareness
Spatial exercises can assess whether you can:
- interpret orientation;
- visualise rotation;
- follow movement;
- compare views;
- identify relative position.
A strong method is to:
- choose a fixed reference point;
- identify the direction of movement;
- apply each change one at a time;
- verify the final orientation.
Concentration and monitoring
Concentration exercises may require you to:
- identify targets;
- compare symbols;
- monitor changing information;
- maintain accuracy;
- respond only when a condition is met.
Avoid beginning too quickly.
A steady and sustainable pace is usually more effective than an uncontrolled burst of speed.
Multitasking
A multitasking exercise can require simultaneous management of:
- visual information;
- numerical tasks;
- audio instructions;
- tracking;
- prioritisation.
The purpose may be to examine whether you can:
- divide attention;
- protect important tasks;
- recover after an interruption;
- maintain acceptable overall performance.
Do not attempt to make every subtask perfect.
Understand the scoring instructions and protect the most important priorities.
Situational judgement
Pilot situational-judgement scenarios may examine:
- safety;
- compliance;
- teamwork;
- communication;
- escalation;
- workload;
- integrity.
A strong response normally considers:
- immediate safety;
- applicable procedures;
- available information;
- communication;
- proportionate action;
- follow-up.
Online assessment preparation
Before starting:
- read the invitation fully;
- confirm the deadline;
- use a reliable computer;
- test the browser;
- check the internet connection;
- remove interruptions;
- follow the permitted-material rules;
- complete the assessment independently.
Do not assume that:
- a calculator is permitted;
- the test can be paused;
- a mobile phone is supported;
- another attempt will be available.
Stage 3: Pre-simulator briefing
Ryanair currently states that the cadet selection day begins with an introduction to the company and recruitment team and includes a pre-simulator briefing.
The briefing can explain:
- simulator environment;
- flight instruments;
- control technique;
- target speeds;
- power settings;
- role allocation;
- expected callouts;
- exercise structure;
- assessment instructions.
The briefing itself can provide evidence of:
- listening;
- comprehension;
- preparation;
- ability to follow a new method;
- willingness to ask concise clarification questions.
Do not replace the assessor’s briefing with a profile found online.
Stage 4: B737-800 simulator assessment
Ryanair’s current cadet information describes a simulator assessment in a B737-800 simulator.
Candidates are currently told to expect approximately:
- 45 minutes as Pilot Flying;
- 45 minutes as Pilot Monitoring.
The published areas assessed include:
- basic handling;
- CRM;
- flight management.
The exact:
- airport;
- route;
- weather;
- manoeuvres;
- failures;
- automation;
- procedures;
- sequence;
are not guaranteed publicly.
Read the Ryanair simulator assessment guide for detailed preparation.
Pilot Flying
As Pilot Flying, a candidate may be expected to:
- control the flight path;
- maintain heading;
- maintain altitude;
- manage speed;
- perform stable turns;
- perform climbs and descents;
- anticipate level-offs;
- communicate intentions;
- use the Pilot Monitoring effectively.
The objective is not to demonstrate aggressive control.
Measured inputs and a structured scan are generally more effective than chasing every small deviation.
Pilot Monitoring
As Pilot Monitoring, the candidate may need to:
- follow the complete flight path;
- confirm targets;
- identify deviations;
- communicate clearly;
- support navigation;
- complete assigned actions;
- maintain independent situational awareness;
- challenge appropriately.
Pilot Monitoring is not a rest period.
A candidate can be assessed while the other person is flying.
Basic handling
Basic handling can include:
- attitude and power;
- instrument scan;
- straight-and-level flight;
- turns;
- climbs;
- descents;
- speed control;
- heading control;
- altitude control;
- trim where briefed.
A useful correction sequence is:
- identify the deviation;
- identify the trend;
- make a measured input;
- allow the aircraft to respond;
- refine the correction;
- return to a stable condition.
CRM
Crew resource management can include:
- communication;
- monitoring;
- teamwork;
- leadership;
- followership;
- workload distribution;
- decision-making;
- threat and error management.
Good CRM does not mean speaking continuously.
Communication should be:
- clear;
- concise;
- timely;
- operationally relevant.
Flight management
Flight management includes:
- knowing the current aircraft state;
- anticipating the next target;
- managing speed and altitude;
- planning ahead;
- monitoring trends;
- using available systems correctly;
- maintaining a shared mental model.
A candidate may fly accurately but still show weak flight management if they do not understand what comes next.
Trainability
Cadet assessments may examine how candidates respond to:
- instruction;
- correction;
- new information;
- changing targets;
- feedback.
A useful response to feedback is:
- listen;
- acknowledge;
- clarify if necessary;
- apply the correction;
- demonstrate improvement.
Arguing automatically or repeating the same error without adjustment can indicate weak trainability.
Stage 5: English-language assessment
The cadet selection day currently includes an English-language test.
Ryanair’s current minimum cadet requirement includes operational English-language proficiency.
The selection process may examine whether you can:
- understand instructions;
- communicate clearly;
- explain technical ideas;
- participate in a multi-crew environment;
- answer interview questions;
- use appropriate aviation terminology.
The exact test format can vary.
It may involve:
- conversation;
- listening;
- reading;
- grammar;
- aviation English;
- technical explanation.
English preparation
Practise explaining:
- your training history;
- a flight exercise;
- a technical principle;
- a difficult training situation;
- your motivation;
- a safety decision.
Focus on:
- clarity;
- accuracy;
- understandable pronunciation;
- concise sentences.
Do not attempt to use complex vocabulary that you cannot control reliably.
Stage 6: Technical assessment
Ryanair’s current cadet information describes a technical assessment lasting approximately 30 minutes.
It currently states that the assessment examines technical knowledge relating to the candidate’s current or previous aircraft type or types.
The exact questions are not published.
Possible preparation areas include:
- principles of flight;
- aircraft performance;
- mass and balance;
- meteorology;
- navigation;
- flight planning;
- air law;
- instrumentation;
- operational procedures;
- human performance;
- current or previous aircraft systems.
The Ryanair technical interview guide provides detailed topic coverage and original questions.
Training-aircraft knowledge
Licensed cadets should review the aircraft used during:
- CPL training;
- multi-engine training;
- instrument training;
- MCC or APS MCC where applicable.
Possible aircraft areas include:
- engines;
- propeller system;
- electrical system;
- fuel system;
- landing gear;
- flight controls;
- limitations;
- performance;
- emergency principles.
Study authorised material.
Do not claim knowledge of an aircraft you have not operated or studied.
ATPL knowledge
Review the principles rather than memorising isolated definitions.
Be ready to explain:
- what happens;
- why it happens;
- the operational consequence;
- where an aircraft-specific value would be verified.
Original technical example
Question:
Why does stall speed increase in a level turn?
Answer:
Increasing bank increases the load factor because the aircraft must produce more total lift to maintain the required vertical component. The increased load factor raises the stall speed.
This is an original question and not an official Ryanair item.
What to do when you do not know
Do not invent a technical value.
A professional response can be:
“I understand the general principle, but I am not certain of the exact limitation. I would verify it in the approved aircraft documentation before using it operationally.”
This is preferable to giving a confident but false answer.
However, repeatedly referring to a manual is not a substitute for knowing fundamental material appropriate to your licence.
Stage 7: Personnel or HR interview
Ryanair’s current cadet information describes a personnel interview lasting approximately 30 minutes.
The interview can examine whether the candidate is suitable for:
- airline training;
- a multi-crew environment;
- Ryanair’s operating environment;
- professional responsibility;
- continued development.
For direct-entry pilots, the one-day assessment includes an HR interview.
The Ryanair pilot interview guide covers motivation, competencies and preparation in detail.
Possible interview areas
The interview may explore:
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why Ryanair?
- Why this pathway?
- Why should we select you?
- What did you learn during training?
- Describe a difficult flight-training situation.
- Describe a mistake.
- Describe a conflict.
- How do you respond to feedback?
- How do you work with another pilot?
- What are your strengths?
- What would you like to improve?
- Are you prepared for the training and basing requirements?
These are original preparation questions.
They are not confirmed official Ryanair questions.
Why Ryanair?
A strong answer should connect:
- the pilot role;
- Ryanair’s operation;
- training;
- fleet;
- network;
- career pathway;
- your qualifications;
- your realistic professional goals.
Avoid relying only on:
- wanting to fly a Boeing 737;
- wanting rapid command;
- recognising the brand;
- wanting cheap travel;
- applying to every airline.
Competency questions
Prepare genuine examples involving:
- teamwork;
- communication;
- pressure;
- decision-making;
- feedback;
- mistakes;
- training challenges;
- workload;
- responsibility;
- integrity.
Use a structured method.
Situation
Explain the context.
Task
Describe your responsibility.
Action
Explain what you personally did.
Result
Describe the outcome.
Reflection
Explain what you learned.
Original competency example
Question:
Describe a time you made an error during training.
Answer framework:
During an instrument-training exercise, I became focused on correcting one indication and allowed another parameter to drift. I recognised the deviation, informed the instructor and stabilised the aircraft before continuing. During the debrief, I identified that my scan had narrowed under workload. I then practised a more structured scan and asked my instructor to introduce similar distractions during later sessions. My performance became more stable and I did not repeat the same pattern during the check.
This example is original.
Use your own real experience.
Stage 8: Final assessment review
Ryanair considers the complete assessment rather than one isolated answer.
Evidence can come from:
- application;
- documents;
- online assessment;
- simulator;
- Pilot Flying performance;
- Pilot Monitoring performance;
- English;
- technical assessment;
- personnel interview;
- behaviour throughout the day.
A candidate may perform well in one stage but fail to demonstrate the required overall standard.
Similarly, one recoverable mistake does not necessarily determine the complete result.
Assessors may consider:
- whether the error was recognised;
- how it was corrected;
- whether communication remained effective;
- whether feedback was applied;
- whether the same error was repeated.
How is the Ryanair pilot assessment scored?
Ryanair does not publish one universal numerical score for every pilot-selection component.
The evaluation can involve:
- test-provider scoring;
- minimum benchmarks;
- behavioural observations;
- simulator competencies;
- technical accuracy;
- interview evidence;
- overall suitability.
Do not assume that a percentage found on a forum applies to:
- every vacancy;
- every pathway;
- every year;
- every Ryanair Group airline.
When are results issued?
Ryanair currently states that licensed cadet applicants are contacted within seven working days after the selection day with a positive or negative result.
The direct-entry page currently refers to notification within approximately one week.
The actual timing can still be affected by:
- document checks;
- operational needs;
- recruitment volume;
- assessment scheduling;
- internal review.
Use the timetable in your official communication.
What happens after passing?
A successful licensed cadet may be offered a place on an available B737 type-rating course.
Later stages can include:
- course booking;
- documentation;
- training agreement;
- preparatory learning;
- ground school;
- fixed-base simulator training;
- full-flight simulator training;
- skills testing;
- base training;
- line training.
Passing the selection day is not the end of training.
The candidate must continue to satisfy:
- licensing requirements;
- medical requirements;
- training standards;
- company requirements;
- applicable legal and contractual conditions.
What happens after an unsuccessful result?
An unsuccessful result may be based on one or several areas.
Possible development areas can include:
- aptitude-test performance;
- simulator handling;
- monitoring;
- CRM;
- technical knowledge;
- English;
- interview evidence;
- eligibility or documentation.
Follow the result communication for:
- feedback availability;
- reapplication rules;
- waiting periods;
- required improvement.
Do not create another account to avoid a restriction.
What competencies can be assessed across the process?
Technical competence
This includes knowledge appropriate to your:
- training;
- licence;
- aircraft;
- experience.
Flight-path management
This can include:
- control;
- speed;
- heading;
- altitude;
- anticipation;
- stability.
Situational awareness
Situational awareness involves:
- perceiving information;
- understanding its meaning;
- anticipating what may happen next.
Communication
Strong communication is:
- clear;
- concise;
- timely;
- relevant;
- respectful.
Teamwork
Teamwork involves:
- supporting the other pilot;
- sharing information;
- monitoring;
- challenging appropriately;
- focusing on the common objective.
Decision-making
A structured decision can involve:
- identifying the problem;
- gathering information;
- assessing time;
- considering options;
- controlling risk;
- acting;
- reviewing.
Workload management
Workload management includes:
- prioritisation;
- delegation;
- maintaining control;
- avoiding fixation;
- using available resources.
Trainability
Trainability can be demonstrated by:
- listening;
- accepting correction;
- adapting;
- improving;
- asking relevant questions;
- avoiding defensiveness.
Integrity
Integrity includes:
- accurate documents;
- honest flight time;
- honest answers;
- admitting uncertainty;
- accepting responsibility.
How to prepare for the Ryanair pilot assessment
Step 1: Identify your pathway
Determine whether you are applying as:
- licensed cadet;
- Future Flyer Academy candidate;
- type-rated first officer;
- non-type-rated first officer;
- captain.
Prepare at the correct experience level.
Step 2: Review the vacancy
Record:
- eligibility requirements;
- licence requirements;
- experience;
- work rights;
- required documents;
- assessment stages;
- application deadline.
Step 3: Audit your documents
Check:
- licence;
- medical;
- ratings;
- Advanced UPRT;
- MCC or APS MCC;
- flight-school report;
- logbook;
- CV;
- English endorsement;
- passport and work rights.
Step 4: Practise aptitude skills
Review:
- numerical reasoning;
- logical reasoning;
- spatial awareness;
- concentration;
- monitoring;
- multitasking;
- situational judgement.
Use varied original exercises.
Step 5: Review instrument flying
Practise:
- attitude and power;
- instrument scan;
- heading;
- altitude;
- speed;
- turns;
- climbs;
- descents;
- level-off anticipation.
Step 6: Practise both crew roles
As Pilot Flying, practise:
- flight-path control;
- communication;
- planning;
- use of support.
As Pilot Monitoring, practise:
- active monitoring;
- deviation calls;
- target confirmation;
- situational awareness;
- appropriate challenge.
Step 7: Review ATPL subjects
Prioritise:
- principles of flight;
- performance;
- mass and balance;
- meteorology;
- navigation;
- flight planning;
- instrumentation;
- human performance.
Step 8: Review your aircraft
Prepare to explain the systems and limitations of aircraft genuinely shown in your training or employment history.
Step 9: Prepare interview examples
Prepare genuine examples covering:
- teamwork;
- pressure;
- feedback;
- mistakes;
- training challenges;
- communication;
- responsibility.
Step 10: Practise English
Explain technical and professional topics aloud.
Step 11: Complete a full mock assessment
Combine:
- timed aptitude practice;
- simulator or instrument exercise;
- Pilot Monitoring;
- technical questions;
- HR interview;
- debrief.
Four-week preparation plan
Week 1: Application and online assessment
Review:
- requirements;
- documents;
- numerical reasoning;
- logical reasoning;
- concentration;
- spatial awareness.
Week 2: Simulator fundamentals
Practise:
- instrument scan;
- basic handling;
- speed;
- heading;
- altitude;
- PF and PM duties.
Week 3: Technical and interview preparation
Review:
- ATPL subjects;
- training aircraft;
- motivation;
- competency examples;
- English.
Week 4: Integrated preparation
Complete:
- mock online tests;
- simulator exercises;
- technical interview;
- personnel interview;
- feedback and correction.
Seven-day preparation plan
Day 1
Review:
- vacancy;
- eligibility;
- invitation;
- documents.
Day 2
Practise:
- numerical reasoning;
- logical reasoning;
- spatial awareness.
Day 3
Practise:
- concentration;
- monitoring;
- multitasking;
- situational judgement.
Day 4
Review:
- instrument flying;
- PF role;
- PM role;
- CRM.
Day 5
Review:
- ATPL subjects;
- current or previous aircraft.
Day 6
Complete:
- mock personnel interview;
- English practice;
- technical questions.
Day 7
Complete light review and prepare:
- travel;
- identification;
- documents;
- clothing;
- equipment;
- sleep.
Assessment-day checklist
Bring the documents specified in the invitation.
These may include:
- passport;
- pilot licence;
- medical certificate;
- logbook;
- flight-time summary;
- training certificates;
- flight-school report;
- assessment invitation.
Before leaving:
- confirm the location;
- confirm reporting time;
- plan transport;
- check contact details;
- review official instructions.
During the day:
- listen carefully;
- ask concise clarification questions;
- remain professional;
- support the other candidate;
- continue after mistakes;
- apply feedback;
- maintain honest communication.
Common Ryanair pilot assessment mistakes
Preparing for the wrong pathway
Cadet and direct-entry expectations can differ substantially.
Ignoring document requirements
Missing or non-compliant documents can stop the application before assessment.
Relying on one reported test battery
The online profile can change.
Memorising leaked questions
This does not develop transferable ability.
Practising only as Pilot Flying
Pilot Monitoring is also assessed in the cadet simulator process.
Becoming passive as Pilot Monitoring
Follow the aircraft and communicate meaningful deviations.
Overcontrolling the simulator
Use measured corrections and allow the aircraft to respond.
Ignoring the briefing
The supplied method takes priority over unofficial profiles.
Focusing only on B737 knowledge
Non-type-rated cadets must still demonstrate:
- basic handling;
- ATPL knowledge;
- training-aircraft knowledge;
- CRM;
- communication.
Bluffing in the technical assessment
Do not invent limitations or procedures.
Using generic interview answers
Connect your evidence to the pilot role and pathway.
Hiding training difficulties
Prepare honest explanations and show what improved.
Becoming defensive after feedback
Apply the correction and demonstrate trainability.
Treating one error as total failure
Recover and continue.
Focusing only on speed in aptitude tests
Protect accuracy and follow the scoring instructions.
Ignoring English preparation
English can be assessed throughout the day.
Assuming a successful assessment guarantees every later stage
Training, licensing, medical and contractual conditions still apply.
Ethical assessment preparation
Appropriate preparation includes:
- practising original aptitude questions;
- reviewing authorised ATPL material;
- studying aircraft documentation you are permitted to use;
- practising instrument flying;
- completing mock interviews;
- improving CRM;
- reviewing your genuine training history.
Do not use:
- leaked online-test questions;
- copied assessment screens;
- confidential simulator profiles;
- unauthorised recordings;
- proprietary manuals you are not permitted to possess;
- another person’s account;
- outside assistance during an individual test;
- false qualifications;
- altered flight time;
- invented interview examples.
Practice real skills, not leaked content.
Additional preparation resource
You can review the available Ryanair pilot assessment preparation package from JobTestPrep.
Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you. Third-party preparation materials cannot guarantee the modules, questions, simulator profile or interview content assigned by Ryanair.
What to verify officially
Before completing the assessment, verify:
- exact Ryanair Group company;
- vacancy;
- pathway;
- eligibility criteria;
- documents required;
- online-assessment deadline;
- test platform;
- assigned modules;
- calculator rules;
- simulator location;
- simulator type;
- PF and PM expectations;
- English-test format;
- technical-assessment expectations;
- interview format;
- identification required;
- travel arrangements;
- result timetable;
- reapplication rules.
Use the following as primary sources:
- the official Ryanair cadet page;
- the official Ryanair direct-entry pilot page;
- the official Ryanair Future Flyer Academy page;
- the official Ryanair pilot careers hub;
- the official Ryanair careers FAQ;
- the live vacancy;
- candidate portal;
- official invitation;
- recruiter communication.
Current official instructions always take priority over independent preparation sources.
Bottom line
The Ryanair pilot assessment is a multi-stage selection process that varies by pathway.
Licensed cadets currently complete:
- application and document screening;
- an online pre-assessment;
- a one-day selection process;
- B737-800 simulator assessment;
- English-language test;
- technical assessment;
- personnel interview.
The current cadet simulator information describes:
- approximately 45 minutes as Pilot Flying;
- approximately 45 minutes as Pilot Monitoring;
- assessment of basic handling;
- CRM;
- flight management.
The current technical-assessment information describes approximately 30 minutes focused on the candidate’s current or previous aircraft knowledge.
The personnel interview is currently described as lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Direct-entry candidates can complete:
- application screening;
- an online profile that differs between first officers and captains;
- simulator assessment;
- HR interview;
- technical interview.
Prepare by:
- confirming your pathway;
- verifying eligibility and documents;
- practising aptitude skills;
- developing stable instrument flying;
- preparing both PF and PM roles;
- reviewing ATPL subjects;
- reviewing your aircraft;
- preparing genuine interview examples;
- practising English;
- following the official invitation.
Do not depend on one reported test battery, one simulator profile or leaked interview questions.
Strong performance comes from transferable:
- reasoning;
- flying;
- monitoring;
- technical;
- communication;
- teamwork;
- decision-making;
- learning skills.