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What is the Ryanair technical interview?
The Ryanair technical interview is a knowledge and professional-judgement assessment that may form part of pilot selection.
For licensed cadets, Ryanair currently describes a one-day selection process containing:
- a simulator assessment;
- an English-language assessment;
- a technical assessment;
- a personnel interview.
The official cadet information currently describes the technical assessment as lasting approximately 30 minutes and assessing technical knowledge relating to the candidate’s current or previous aircraft type or types.
For direct-entry pilots, Ryanair currently states that the one-day assessment includes:
- a simulator assessment;
- an HR interview;
- a technical interview.
The exact format can vary according to:
- the pilot pathway;
- the vacancy;
- cadet, first officer or captain status;
- licence and experience;
- current or previous aircraft;
- assessment centre;
- Ryanair Group airline;
- current recruitment campaign.
The interview should not be treated as a fixed list of questions.
An assessor may use follow-up questions to determine whether you:
- understand the underlying principle;
- can apply knowledge;
- communicate clearly;
- recognise operational consequences;
- know the limits of your knowledge;
- avoid guessing when safety is relevant.
Your assessment invitation and recruiter instructions determine the current process.
Where does the technical interview fit in the process?
For a licensed cadet, the broad process may include:
- online application;
- document screening;
- online assessment;
- invitation to a selection day;
- simulator assessment;
- technical assessment;
- personnel interview;
- English-language assessment;
- result notification;
- type-rating-course allocation if successful.
For a direct-entry first officer or captain, the broad process may include:
- application;
- eligibility screening;
- online assessment;
- simulator assessment;
- HR interview;
- technical interview;
- result notification;
- course and base arrangements if successful.
The order of the simulator, HR and technical components can vary.
The Ryanair pilot recruitment process guide explains the complete selection sequence.
The Ryanair pilot interview guide covers the separate HR or personnel interview.
What does the technical interview assess?
The interview can assess more than factual recall.
Possible assessment areas include:
- knowledge appropriate to your licence;
- understanding of aviation principles;
- ability to apply technical knowledge;
- operational reasoning;
- aircraft knowledge;
- instrument-flying knowledge;
- situational awareness;
- threat recognition;
- communication;
- professional judgement;
- ability to admit uncertainty;
- ability to identify an authoritative source.
An interviewer may be interested in how you reach an answer, not only whether you remember one value.
Technical knowledge
Candidates should understand the main subjects appropriate to their current qualification and experience.
This can include:
- principles of flight;
- aircraft performance;
- mass and balance;
- meteorology;
- navigation;
- flight planning;
- air law;
- instrumentation;
- operational procedures;
- human performance;
- communications;
- general aircraft knowledge;
- current or previous aircraft systems.
Practical application
A candidate may know a definition but struggle to apply it.
An interviewer may therefore ask:
- what would happen if a variable changed;
- why a limitation exists;
- how weather affects performance;
- which risk is most important;
- what information should be checked;
- how a situation would be managed.
Technical communication
A technically correct answer can still be weak if it is:
- disorganised;
- unnecessarily long;
- unclear;
- filled with unsupported assumptions;
- expressed with inaccurate terminology.
A strong answer should normally:
- answer the question directly;
- explain the principle;
- describe the operational effect;
- identify important qualifications or limitations.
Professional judgement
Good judgement includes recognising when:
- information is incomplete;
- a value must be checked;
- a procedure applies;
- an assumption is unsafe;
- the question depends on aircraft-specific documentation.
Trainability
Cadet candidates may be assessed partly on their ability to:
- listen;
- think through a problem;
- accept correction;
- revise an answer;
- apply a prompt;
- remain composed after making an error.
Technical interview expectations by pathway
The expected level depends on the role.
Future Flyer Academy applicants
Future Flyer Academy candidates may face technical or academic questions during partner-school selection or the final Ryanair assessment.
Gateway 0 and Gateway 1 selection can include mathematics, physics, English, group exercises and an individual interview. Gateway 2 candidates complete airline-oriented psychometric and aptitude testing before training. Academy graduates must still pass the final Ryanair assessment before progressing to an available B737 type-rating course.
An ab-initio applicant should not be expected to possess the same aviation knowledge as a licensed commercial pilot.
However, the candidate may need to demonstrate:
- basic mathematics;
- basic physics;
- technical learning potential;
- clear reasoning;
- understanding of the training commitment;
- ability to explain a principle.
Licensed cadets
A licensed cadet has generally completed:
- CPL training;
- ATPL theoretical examinations;
- multi-engine instrument training;
- MCC or APS MCC;
- Advanced UPRT.
The interview may therefore assess whether the candidate has retained and can apply the knowledge associated with those qualifications.
Possible expectations include:
- sound ATPL fundamentals;
- instrument-flying knowledge;
- practical meteorology;
- flight-planning principles;
- performance and mass-and-balance knowledge;
- understanding of multi-crew operations;
- knowledge of the aircraft used during training;
- awareness of professional limitations.
Experienced first officers
An experienced first officer may be expected to demonstrate:
- current aircraft-system knowledge;
- operational understanding;
- instrument-procedure knowledge;
- performance awareness;
- fuel and weather judgement;
- multi-crew decision-making;
- knowledge derived from recent airline experience.
The assessor may compare the answer with:
- the aircraft shown on the CV;
- declared time on type;
- recent operating experience;
- licence privileges;
- training and checking history.
Direct-entry captains
A direct-entry captain may face command-level technical and operational scenarios.
Possible themes include:
- decision-making;
- leadership;
- operational risk;
- fuel planning;
- weather;
- performance;
- aircraft systems;
- abnormal situations;
- diversion decisions;
- threat and error management;
- command responsibilities.
A captain should be able to combine technical knowledge with:
- judgement;
- crew management;
- communication;
- prioritisation;
- regulatory awareness.
Possible technical interview format
The format is not guaranteed.
A technical interview may include several question types.
Direct knowledge questions
These examine whether you understand a technical concept.
Examples can include:
- defining a term;
- explaining a system;
- describing an aerodynamic effect;
- identifying a weather phenomenon;
- explaining a flight instrument.
Calculation questions
You may be asked to perform or explain a calculation involving:
- time, speed and distance;
- fuel;
- descent planning;
- percentages;
- pressure;
- mass and balance;
- performance;
- unit conversion.
Scenario questions
A scenario can require you to:
- identify threats;
- gather information;
- explain options;
- prioritise;
- choose an action;
- identify the applicable source.
Aircraft-specific questions
Experienced candidates may be questioned about:
- aircraft systems;
- limitations;
- operating principles;
- performance;
- abnormal indications;
- recent aircraft experience.
Training-history questions
Cadets may be asked about:
- aircraft used during training;
- instrument procedures;
- CPL or MEIR training;
- MCC or APS MCC;
- Advanced UPRT;
- examination results;
- repeated assessments.
Follow-up questions
The interviewer may continue with:
- Why?
- What changes if the temperature increases?
- How would that affect performance?
- Where would you verify that?
- What is the operational risk?
- What would you do next?
Memorising one sentence is therefore less useful than understanding the subject.
Core ATPL subjects to review
The following sections provide a preparation framework.
They are not a list of guaranteed Ryanair questions.
Principles of flight
Principles of flight explain how forces and airflow affect the aircraft.
Review:
- lift;
- weight;
- thrust;
- drag;
- angle of attack;
- coefficient of lift;
- boundary layer;
- centre of pressure;
- stability;
- control;
- stalls;
- Mach effects;
- load factor;
- high-lift devices.
Lift
Lift depends on several variables, including:
- air density;
- true airspeed;
- wing area;
- coefficient of lift.
A simplified lift relationship is:
Lift = 0.5 × air density × velocity² × wing area × coefficient of lift
You should understand the relationship rather than memorising symbols alone.
For example:
- increasing speed increases lift if other variables remain constant;
- reducing air density requires another change to maintain the same lift;
- increasing angle of attack can increase coefficient of lift until the critical angle is reached.
Angle of attack
Angle of attack is the angle between:
- the wing chord line;
- the relative airflow.
It is not the same as:
- pitch attitude;
- climb angle;
- flight-path angle.
An aircraft can reach the critical angle of attack:
- at different speeds;
- in different attitudes;
- at different weights;
- during different manoeuvres.
Stall
A stall occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack.
It is not defined simply by reaching one indicated airspeed.
Stall speed can change with:
- weight;
- load factor;
- configuration;
- bank angle;
- contamination;
- thrust effects.
Load factor
In a level coordinated turn, increasing bank increases the load factor.
This increases the lift required and raises stall speed.
A candidate should understand the operational consequence:
- a steep turn can reduce the stall margin;
- increased load factor requires greater lift;
- the aircraft may stall at a higher indicated airspeed.
Stability
Review:
- longitudinal stability;
- lateral stability;
- directional stability;
- static stability;
- dynamic stability.
Be able to explain:
- which axis is involved;
- which control surface acts around that axis;
- how aircraft design contributes to stability.
High-lift devices
Review how flaps and slats can affect:
- lift;
- drag;
- stall speed;
- takeoff performance;
- landing performance;
- pitch characteristics.
Avoid saying simply that flaps “increase lift.”
The complete operational effect depends on:
- flap setting;
- speed;
- phase of flight;
- aircraft design.
Original principles-of-flight question
The following question is original.
An aircraft enters a level turn and increases bank while maintaining altitude.
What happens to the required lift?
The required lift increases because part of the lift vector acts horizontally to produce the turn. The total lift must therefore increase to preserve the vertical component needed to balance weight.
What is one important consequence?
The load factor and stall speed increase.
This is an original example and not an official Ryanair question.
Aircraft performance
Aircraft performance concerns the ability to:
- take off;
- climb;
- cruise;
- descend;
- land;
- meet obstacle and regulatory requirements.
Review the effects of:
- mass;
- pressure altitude;
- temperature;
- wind;
- runway slope;
- runway condition;
- contamination;
- configuration;
- engine condition;
- obstacles.
Density altitude
High density altitude generally reduces aircraft and engine performance.
It is associated with conditions such as:
- high elevation;
- low atmospheric pressure;
- high temperature.
Possible consequences include:
- longer takeoff distance;
- reduced climb performance;
- reduced engine or propeller performance where applicable;
- higher true airspeed for a given indicated airspeed.
Temperature
Higher temperature reduces air density.
This can worsen:
- takeoff performance;
- climb performance;
- engine performance;
- obstacle clearance.
Wind
Headwind and tailwind can affect:
- takeoff distance;
- landing distance;
- groundspeed;
- flight time;
- fuel planning;
- crosswind considerations.
Do not confuse:
- indicated airspeed;
- true airspeed;
- groundspeed.
Runway condition
A wet or contaminated runway can affect:
- acceleration;
- braking;
- directional control;
- takeoff distance;
- landing distance;
- allowable mass.
Use the applicable performance data.
Do not estimate a safety-critical distance from memory when approved data are required.
Original performance question
The following question is original.
How would a higher outside-air temperature generally affect takeoff performance?
Higher temperature reduces air density. This can reduce aerodynamic and engine performance, increase the takeoff distance and reduce climb performance.
The exact effect must be determined using the approved aircraft performance data.
Mass and balance
Mass and balance affects:
- stability;
- controllability;
- performance;
- structural limits;
- fuel planning;
- takeoff and landing.
Review:
- basic empty mass;
- dry operating mass;
- zero fuel mass;
- takeoff mass;
- landing mass;
- traffic load;
- useful load;
- centre of gravity;
- moment;
- arm.
Centre of gravity
An excessively forward centre of gravity can be associated with:
- increased stability;
- greater control force;
- reduced ability to rotate or flare;
- increased trim drag;
- possible performance effects.
An excessively aft centre of gravity can be associated with:
- reduced stability;
- increased sensitivity;
- reduced recovery margin;
- possible control difficulty.
The aircraft must remain within the approved envelope.
Moment
Moment is calculated as:
Moment = Mass × Arm
The centre-of-gravity position depends on the relationship between:
- total moment;
- total mass.
Original mass-and-balance example
The following example is original.
A 20-kilogram item is placed 3 metres behind the reference point.
Its moment is:
20 × 3 = 60 kilogram-metres
This example demonstrates the calculation principle only.
Operational mass-and-balance calculations must use the approved method and units.
Meteorology
Meteorology can be a major part of a pilot technical interview.
Review:
- atmospheric pressure;
- temperature;
- stability;
- clouds;
- fronts;
- wind;
- turbulence;
- icing;
- thunderstorms;
- visibility;
- fog;
- weather reports;
- weather forecasts.
Pressure settings
Understand the purpose of:
- QNH;
- QFE;
- standard pressure setting.
Be able to explain:
- what the altimeter indicates;
- when the setting is used;
- how pressure changes can affect indicated altitude.
Temperature and altitude
Review the effect of temperature on:
- true altitude;
- density altitude;
- performance;
- icing;
- atmospheric stability.
The principle “from high to low, look out below” is a memory aid, but an interview answer should explain the underlying pressure effect.
Fronts
Review:
- warm fronts;
- cold fronts;
- occluded fronts;
- associated clouds;
- precipitation;
- visibility;
- wind changes;
- pressure trends.
Avoid treating every front as producing identical weather.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can involve:
- severe turbulence;
- wind shear;
- lightning;
- hail;
- icing;
- heavy precipitation;
- reduced visibility;
- strong updrafts and downdrafts.
The safest response is not to attempt to prove skill by operating unnecessarily close to severe convective activity.
Icing
Review:
- structural icing;
- engine icing;
- induction icing;
- clear ice;
- rime ice;
- mixed ice;
- freezing rain;
- temperature and moisture conditions;
- operational consequences.
Possible effects include:
- reduced lift;
- increased drag;
- increased mass;
- altered stall characteristics;
- sensor errors;
- engine problems.
Fog
Review types such as:
- radiation fog;
- advection fog;
- upslope fog;
- steam fog;
- frontal fog.
Understand the conditions supporting formation and dissipation.
Original meteorology question
The following question is original.
Why can freezing rain create a serious icing threat?
Supercooled large droplets can spread beyond the normal leading-edge protected areas before freezing. This can create rapid and extensive ice accumulation and may exceed the capability of the aircraft’s ice-protection systems.
The exact operational response depends on the aircraft and applicable procedures.
Navigation
Navigation topics may include:
- latitude and longitude;
- heading;
- track;
- bearing;
- drift;
- wind correction;
- distance;
- time;
- speed;
- radio navigation;
- area navigation;
- inertial systems;
- GNSS.
Heading, track and bearing
Be able to distinguish:
- heading — the direction the aircraft’s nose points;
- track — the path over the ground;
- bearing — the direction from one point to another.
Wind can cause the track to differ from the heading.
Indicated, true and ground speed
Review:
- indicated airspeed;
- calibrated airspeed;
- equivalent airspeed;
- true airspeed;
- groundspeed.
Do not use the terms interchangeably.
Time, speed and distance
The basic relationships are:
Distance = Speed × Time
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Time = Distance ÷ Speed
Original navigation calculation
The following example is original.
An aircraft has 150 nautical miles remaining and a groundspeed of 300 knots.
Time remaining is:
150 ÷ 300 = 0.5 hours
The answer is 30 minutes.
Flight planning
Flight planning can involve:
- route;
- weather;
- NOTAMs;
- fuel;
- alternates;
- performance;
- airspace;
- operational restrictions;
- mass and balance.
Fuel planning
Candidates should understand general fuel-planning concepts appropriate to their licence and operation.
Possible categories can include:
- taxi fuel;
- trip fuel;
- contingency fuel;
- alternate fuel;
- final reserve fuel;
- additional fuel;
- extra fuel.
The exact terminology and calculation requirements depend on:
- regulation;
- operator;
- aircraft;
- route.
Do not quote one company-specific policy as a universal rule.
Diversion decisions
A diversion scenario can require consideration of:
- fuel;
- weather;
- airport suitability;
- runway;
- aircraft condition;
- passenger or medical concerns;
- crew workload;
- available approaches;
- maintenance support;
- operational restrictions.
A strong answer identifies the information needed before selecting an option.
Original fuel question
The following example is original.
An aircraft has 3,600 kilograms of usable fuel and is consuming 900 kilograms per hour.
Ignoring all reserve and operational requirements, how long would the fuel last at that rate?
3,600 ÷ 900 = 4
The mathematical answer is 4 hours.
This is only an arithmetic example.
Operational fuel decisions must include all required reserves and applicable procedures.
Air law
Air-law preparation may include:
- licensing;
- rules of the air;
- airspace;
- flight rules;
- operational requirements;
- responsibilities;
- documents;
- minima;
- reporting;
- commander authority.
Regulations can change.
Use current authoritative material rather than old question banks.
Pilot-in-command responsibility
A commander is responsible for the safe conduct of the flight within the applicable legal and operational framework.
This does not mean the captain should ignore:
- crew input;
- dispatch information;
- air traffic control;
- maintenance advice;
- company procedures.
Command includes using all available resources while retaining responsibility for the final operational decision.
VFR and IFR
Review the broad distinctions between:
- visual flight rules;
- instrument flight rules.
Understand how these affect:
- weather requirements;
- flight planning;
- navigation;
- separation;
- procedures;
- clearances.
Do not rely on a single memorised minimum without identifying:
- airspace;
- aircraft;
- operation;
- jurisdiction;
- current regulation.
Instrumentation
Review:
- pitot-static instruments;
- gyroscopic instruments;
- air-data systems;
- attitude and heading systems;
- radio altimeters;
- flight directors;
- autopilots;
- warning systems.
Pitot-static system
The pitot-static system supports instruments such as:
- airspeed indicator;
- altimeter;
- vertical-speed indicator.
Be able to explain the effect of:
- pitot blockage;
- static blockage;
- combined blockage.
The exact indications can depend on the failure and instrument design.
Altimeter
An altimeter measures pressure and displays an altitude based on the selected pressure setting.
It does not directly measure geometric height above the ground.
Airspeed
The airspeed indication is based on the relationship between:
- total pressure;
- static pressure.
Errors can arise from:
- instrument error;
- position error;
- density effects;
- compressibility;
- system blockage.
Attitude indication
Modern aircraft may use:
- inertial reference systems;
- attitude and heading reference systems;
- electronic flight displays.
A candidate should understand the principle appropriate to the aircraft they operate.
Operational procedures
Operational questions may examine:
- standard operating procedures;
- checklists;
- briefings;
- stabilised approaches;
- go-arounds;
- rejected takeoffs;
- automation;
- monitoring;
- threat and error management.
Do not disclose or reproduce confidential company procedures.
Discuss general principles unless the assessor asks about authorised material you are permitted to use.
Standard operating procedures
SOPs provide a common method for:
- operating the aircraft;
- communicating;
- managing workload;
- responding to normal and abnormal situations.
Standardisation supports:
- predictability;
- monitoring;
- coordination;
- training;
- safety.
Checklist use
A checklist supports verification that required actions have been completed.
It is not a substitute for:
- understanding;
- situational awareness;
- correct procedure;
- crew communication.
Stabilised approach
A stabilised-approach policy normally defines criteria that should be met by a specified point.
Possible criteria can concern:
- flight path;
- speed;
- configuration;
- descent rate;
- power;
- checklist completion;
- briefing.
The exact criteria are operator-specific.
Go-around decision
A go-around is a normal safety manoeuvre when the approach does not meet the applicable criteria or conditions become unsuitable.
Candidates should not describe a go-around as a failure.
Human performance
Human-performance topics may include:
- fatigue;
- stress;
- workload;
- attention;
- decision-making;
- situational awareness;
- communication;
- error;
- startle;
- hypoxia;
- spatial disorientation.
Fatigue
Fatigue can affect:
- attention;
- memory;
- reaction time;
- judgement;
- communication;
- monitoring.
Mitigation can include:
- rest;
- reporting;
- fatigue-risk procedures;
- workload management;
- appropriate use of crew resources.
Stress
Stress can narrow attention and reduce working-memory capacity.
Useful management strategies can include:
- prioritisation;
- structured procedures;
- communication;
- slowing the decision process where time permits;
- using available resources.
Situational awareness
Situational awareness involves:
- perceiving relevant information;
- understanding what it means;
- anticipating what may happen next.
A person can look at an instrument without fully understanding the developing situation.
Decision-making
A structured decision process can include:
- identify the problem;
- gather information;
- assess time;
- consider options;
- evaluate risk;
- choose an action;
- communicate;
- review.
Startle and surprise
Startle can temporarily reduce:
- cognitive capacity;
- fine motor control;
- communication;
- situational awareness.
Training, procedures and crew communication can help restore structured performance.
Multi-crew cooperation and CRM
CRM topics may include:
- communication;
- leadership;
- followership;
- monitoring;
- challenge;
- workload distribution;
- decision-making;
- threat and error management.
The technical and simulator interviews may both evaluate CRM.
Authority gradient
An excessive authority gradient can discourage a junior crew member from raising a concern.
An ineffective response is either:
- remaining silent;
- challenging aggressively without first communicating clearly.
A professional challenge should be:
- timely;
- specific;
- operationally relevant;
- increasingly assertive when the risk continues.
Monitoring
Pilot Monitoring should:
- follow the flight path;
- verify actions;
- identify deviations;
- communicate relevant information;
- support the Pilot Flying;
- maintain an independent mental model.
Monitoring is not a passive activity.
Threat and error management
Threat and error management involves:
- identifying threats;
- anticipating possible errors;
- using countermeasures;
- detecting deviations;
- recovering before consequences develop.
Threats can include:
- weather;
- time pressure;
- unfamiliar airports;
- fatigue;
- technical defects;
- communication problems.
Communications
Review general communication principles such as:
- clarity;
- brevity;
- standard phraseology;
- readbacks;
- confirmation;
- avoiding ambiguity.
Readback
Safety-critical clearances commonly require accurate readback according to the applicable rules.
The purpose is to identify misunderstanding before action is taken.
Communication failure
A communication-failure scenario depends on:
- flight rules;
- airspace;
- phase of flight;
- equipment;
- last clearance;
- applicable procedures.
Avoid giving one universal response without defining the context.
General aircraft knowledge
General aircraft knowledge can include:
- electrical systems;
- hydraulic systems;
- pneumatic systems;
- pressurisation;
- flight controls;
- landing gear;
- brakes;
- fuel systems;
- engines;
- fire protection;
- ice protection.
Electrical systems
Review general concepts such as:
- generators;
- alternators;
- batteries;
- AC and DC power;
- buses;
- rectifiers;
- inverters;
- circuit protection.
For aircraft-specific answers, use approved documentation.
Hydraulic systems
Hydraulic systems can power:
- flight controls;
- landing gear;
- brakes;
- steering;
- high-lift devices.
A hydraulic failure can have different effects depending on:
- system architecture;
- redundancy;
- aircraft type.
Pneumatic systems
Pneumatic systems can support:
- engine starting;
- air conditioning;
- pressurisation;
- anti-icing.
The source and architecture are aircraft-specific.
Pressurisation
Review:
- cabin altitude;
- differential pressure;
- outflow valve;
- pressure controllers;
- decompression;
- hypoxia.
Do not assume that every aircraft uses the same automatic or backup system.
Jet engines
Review general concepts such as:
- intake;
- compression;
- combustion;
- turbine;
- exhaust;
- thrust;
- compressor stall;
- surge;
- engine limitations.
Aircraft-specific knowledge
Ryanair’s cadet page currently states that the technical assessment examines knowledge of the candidate’s current or previous aircraft types.
This means that a candidate should be ready to discuss aircraft genuinely shown in:
- the application;
- CV;
- logbook;
- flight-school report;
- employment history.
Cadet aircraft knowledge
A cadet may be asked about training aircraft used during:
- CPL training;
- multi-engine training;
- instrument training;
- MCC or APS MCC.
Review:
- engine type;
- fuel system;
- electrical system;
- landing gear;
- propeller system where applicable;
- limitations;
- performance;
- emergency principles.
Do not claim knowledge of a system you did not study.
Experienced-pilot aircraft knowledge
Experienced first officers and captains should review the aircraft they currently or recently operated.
Possible areas include:
- limitations;
- electrical;
- hydraulic;
- pneumatic;
- flight controls;
- pressurisation;
- fuel;
- engines;
- fire protection;
- ice protection;
- performance;
- abnormal indications.
Use current approved material.
Do not share proprietary company manuals or confidential questions.
Is Boeing 737 knowledge required?
Ryanair operates a Boeing 737-based fleet, and cadet simulator selection is currently described as taking place in a B737-800 simulator.
The Ryanair simulator assessment guide covers the practical selection stage in detail.
However, cadet technical-assessment information currently refers to knowledge of the candidate’s current or previous aircraft type or types.
Do not assume that every cadet must memorise detailed Boeing 737 systems before the interview unless:
- the invitation requires it;
- preparation material has been supplied;
- the pathway includes prior B737 training;
- the vacancy is specifically type-rated.
General awareness of the future operating environment can be useful, but it should not replace:
- ATPL knowledge;
- training-aircraft knowledge;
- instrument fundamentals;
- current operational knowledge.
Original technical interview questions
The following questions are original.
They are not official Ryanair questions.
Principles of flight
- What is angle of attack?
- Why does stall speed increase in a level turn?
- What is the difference between pitch attitude and angle of attack?
- How does weight affect stall speed?
- What is induced drag?
- How do flaps affect lift and drag?
- What creates directional stability?
- Why can an aircraft stall at different airspeeds?
Performance
- How does high temperature affect takeoff performance?
- Why does increased aircraft mass increase takeoff distance?
- How does a tailwind affect landing distance?
- What factors affect climb performance?
- Why is a contaminated runway significant?
- What is density altitude?
- Where would you obtain approved performance data?
Mass and balance
- What is a moment?
- How is centre of gravity calculated?
- What are the risks of an excessively aft centre of gravity?
- What are the risks of an excessively forward centre of gravity?
- What is zero fuel mass?
- Why must the aircraft remain within the centre-of-gravity envelope?
Meteorology
- What conditions support thunderstorm development?
- Why is freezing rain hazardous?
- What weather is associated with a cold front?
- What is wind shear?
- What is a temperature inversion?
- How does fog form?
- What is the difference between clear and rime ice?
- How can mountain waves affect a flight?
Navigation
- What is the difference between heading and track?
- What is the relationship between true airspeed and groundspeed?
- How does wind create drift?
- How would you calculate estimated flight time?
- What is a bearing?
- What is the difference between magnetic and true direction?
Flight planning
- What fuel categories may need to be considered?
- What factors influence alternate selection?
- What information would you review before departure?
- How would deteriorating destination weather affect the plan?
- What factors would influence a diversion decision?
- Why should operational fuel not be calculated from simple endurance alone?
Instruments
- Which instruments use static pressure?
- How does an altimeter work?
- What happens after a static-system blockage?
- What information does the airspeed indicator use?
- What is the function of an attitude reference system?
- Why can pitot heat be required?
Human performance
- How can fatigue affect pilot performance?
- What is situational awareness?
- What is startle?
- What is an authority gradient?
- How should a first officer raise a safety concern?
- How does workload affect decision-making?
- What is confirmation bias?
Operational scenarios
- What information would you gather before deciding to divert?
- How would you respond to an unstable approach?
- What would you do if you did not understand a clearance?
- How would you manage a disagreement about a safety issue?
- How would you prioritise several simultaneous problems?
- What would you do if a required value was not known from memory?
Calculation practice
The following examples are original.
Time, speed and distance
An aircraft has 180 nautical miles remaining and a groundspeed of 360 knots.
Time = Distance ÷ Speed
180 ÷ 360 = 0.5 hours
The answer is 30 minutes.
Fuel consumption
An aircraft burns 1,200 kilograms per hour.
How much fuel is consumed in 45 minutes?
Convert 45 minutes to hours:
45 ÷ 60 = 0.75
Then calculate:
1,200 × 0.75 = 900
The answer is 900 kilograms.
Descent calculation
An aircraft must descend 18,000 feet at an average rate of 1,500 feet per minute.
18,000 ÷ 1,500 = 12
The descent takes 12 minutes, ignoring level-offs and changes in rate.
Percentage
A planned quantity increases from 4,000 to 4,600.
The increase is:
4,600 − 4,000 = 600
Percentage increase:
600 ÷ 4,000 × 100 = 15%
The increase is 15%.
How to answer a technical question
Use a structured method.
Step 1: Identify the question
Determine whether the interviewer wants:
- a definition;
- an explanation;
- a calculation;
- an operational consequence;
- a scenario decision;
- an aircraft-specific value.
Step 2: Answer directly
Begin with the central answer.
Do not spend excessive time introducing the topic.
Step 3: Explain the principle
Show that you understand why the answer is correct.
Step 4: Add the operational consequence
Where relevant, explain why the subject matters in flight operations.
Step 5: State important limitations
If the answer depends on:
- aircraft type;
- regulation;
- operator procedure;
- approved data;
say so.
Original structured answer
Question:
How does high temperature affect takeoff performance?
Structured answer:
Higher temperature reduces air density. This can reduce aerodynamic and engine performance, so the aircraft may require a longer takeoff distance and have reduced climb performance. The exact allowable mass and distance must be determined using the approved aircraft performance data for the runway and conditions.
This answer:
- responds directly;
- explains the principle;
- identifies the operational consequence;
- refers to approved data.
What if you do not know the answer?
Do not invent technical information.
A professional response can involve:
- stating what you understand;
- identifying the uncertain point;
- avoiding an unsupported guess;
- naming the correct source.
For example:
I understand the general principle, but I am not certain of the exact limitation. I would verify it in the approved aircraft documentation before making an operational decision.
This is more professional than confidently giving a false value.
However, repeatedly saying that you would consult a manual is not a substitute for knowing fundamental material appropriate to your role.
What if you make a mistake?
If you recognise that an answer is wrong:
- stop;
- acknowledge the mistake;
- correct it;
- explain the correct principle;
- continue.
For example:
I need to correct that answer. I confused heading with track. Heading is the direction the aircraft nose points, while track is the aircraft’s path over the ground.
This can demonstrate:
- awareness;
- honesty;
- composure;
- trainability.
What if the interviewer challenges your answer?
A challenge does not always mean that the answer is wrong.
The interviewer may be testing whether you:
- understand the subject;
- can justify the answer;
- remain composed;
- reconsider when necessary;
- avoid changing a correct answer without reason.
Listen carefully.
If new information changes the problem, revise the answer.
If your original answer remains correct, explain the reasoning respectfully.
How detailed should the answer be?
The appropriate depth depends on:
- the question;
- your experience;
- the assessor’s follow-up;
- the aircraft involved.
Begin with a concise answer.
Allow the interviewer to ask for more detail.
Do not respond to every question with a long lecture.
How to prepare for the technical interview
Ryanair assessment preparation: Review Ryanair pilot assessment and technical interview preparation.
Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you. JobTestPrep is not an official source of aircraft procedures, limitations or technical data.
Review your own records
The assessor may ask about information shown in:
- application;
- CV;
- flight-school report;
- logbook;
- licence;
- training certificates;
- employment history.
Review:
- aircraft types;
- flight hours;
- examination results;
- training difficulties;
- recent operations;
- ratings;
- proficiency checks.
Identify your expected level
Determine whether you are applying as:
- Academy candidate;
- licensed cadet;
- first officer;
- captain.
Do not prepare only basic cadet material for a command-level vacancy.
Do not spend all preparation time memorising advanced B737 details when your cadet interview may focus on ATPL principles and training-aircraft knowledge.
Build a syllabus checklist
Create a checklist containing:
- principles of flight;
- performance;
- mass and balance;
- meteorology;
- navigation;
- flight planning;
- air law;
- instrumentation;
- operational procedures;
- human performance;
- communications;
- aircraft systems.
Mark each subject as:
- strong;
- adequate;
- weak;
- not reviewed.
Use authoritative sources
Use material such as:
- approved ATPL textbooks;
- current regulations;
- training manuals;
- aircraft flight manual;
- operations manual you are authorised to use;
- flight-crew operating manual;
- quick-reference material where permitted;
- official meteorological guidance;
- current charts and publications.
Do not rely only on:
- forum posts;
- interview-question lists;
- social-media reports;
- outdated summaries.
Practise verbal explanation
Knowing an answer silently is different from explaining it.
Practise answering aloud.
Use this structure:
- definition;
- mechanism;
- consequence;
- verification source.
Practise calculations without overreliance on tools
Review:
- mental arithmetic;
- fractions;
- percentages;
- ratios;
- unit conversion;
- time, speed and distance;
- fuel calculations;
- descent calculations.
Use only the equipment permitted by your assessment instructions.
Practise scenario reasoning
For scenarios, use a structured approach:
- maintain control;
- identify immediate threats;
- gather information;
- apply procedures;
- communicate;
- consider options;
- decide;
- review.
The exact priority and action depend on the scenario and applicable procedures.
Review current or previous aircraft
Prepare a concise technical summary for each important aircraft in your records.
Possible headings include:
- engine;
- fuel;
- electrical;
- hydraulic or pneumatic systems;
- landing gear;
- flight controls;
- ice protection;
- limitations;
- performance;
- abnormal considerations.
Four-week preparation plan
Week 1: ATPL foundations
Review:
- principles of flight;
- performance;
- mass and balance;
- meteorology.
Complete:
- short calculations;
- verbal explanations;
- end-of-topic questions.
Week 2: Navigation and operations
Review:
- navigation;
- flight planning;
- air law;
- instrumentation;
- communications.
Practise:
- time, speed and distance;
- fuel reasoning;
- pressure-setting explanations;
- operational scenarios.
Week 3: Human factors and aircraft knowledge
Review:
- human performance;
- CRM;
- threat and error management;
- current or previous aircraft;
- limitations and systems.
Practise explaining:
- system purpose;
- system failure effect;
- operational consequence.
Week 4: Interview integration
Complete mock technical interviews.
Include:
- direct questions;
- follow-ups;
- calculations;
- scenarios;
- aircraft questions;
- correction after an error.
Focus on:
- concise delivery;
- clear terminology;
- calm reasoning;
- honest uncertainty.
Seven-day preparation plan
Day 1
Review:
- invitation;
- pathway;
- likely technical level;
- CV and training history.
Day 2
Review:
- principles of flight;
- performance;
- mass and balance.
Day 3
Review:
- meteorology;
- navigation;
- flight planning.
Day 4
Review:
- air law;
- instrumentation;
- operational procedures.
Day 5
Review:
- human performance;
- CRM;
- current or previous aircraft.
Day 6
Complete a mock technical interview.
Record:
- incorrect answers;
- unclear explanations;
- weak calculations;
- subjects requiring verification.
Day 7
Complete light review.
Avoid attempting to learn an entire aircraft system in one final session.
Mock technical interview structure
A useful mock session can contain:
Round 1: Definitions
Five short questions on:
- aerodynamics;
- weather;
- navigation;
- instruments;
- human factors.
Round 2: Application
Five questions requiring:
- operational consequence;
- comparison;
- explanation of changing conditions.
Round 3: Calculations
Three calculations involving:
- time, speed and distance;
- fuel;
- descent or percentages.
Round 4: Scenarios
Three scenarios involving:
- weather;
- fuel;
- approach stability;
- communication;
- crew decision-making.
Round 5: Aircraft
Five questions about the current or previous aircraft shown on the application.
Technical answer review sheet
Use this checklist after practice.
| Area | Review question |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Was the technical content correct? |
| Relevance | Did I answer the question asked? |
| Structure | Was the answer easy to follow? |
| Principle | Did I explain why? |
| Consequence | Did I identify the operational effect? |
| Terminology | Did I use the correct terms? |
| Limits | Did I identify aircraft- or procedure-specific information? |
| Honesty | Did I avoid guessing? |
| Delivery | Did I speak clearly and calmly? |
| Depth | Was the detail appropriate to my experience? |
Common technical interview mistakes
Memorising reported questions
A reported question may be:
- outdated;
- incomplete;
- incorrectly remembered;
- intended for another pathway;
- followed by a different question.
Learn the subject, not one sentence.
Learning definitions without application
Be ready to explain:
- why;
- what changes;
- what the operational consequence is.
Preparing at the wrong level
A captain should not prepare only cadet theory.
A cadet should not ignore training-aircraft knowledge while attempting to memorise advanced airline systems.
Ignoring your CV
If you claim substantial time on an aircraft, expect questions about it.
Bluffing
A confident false answer can be more damaging than honest uncertainty.
Speaking for too long
Begin with the direct answer.
Add detail when requested.
Giving unexplained numbers
If you state an exact limit, be prepared to explain:
- the aircraft;
- the source;
- the conditions;
- whether the value is current.
Treating every rule as universal
Many values depend on:
- regulation;
- aircraft;
- operator;
- phase of flight;
- environmental conditions.
Using imprecise terminology
Examples of important distinctions include:
- heading and track;
- altitude and height;
- indicated and true airspeed;
- mass and weight;
- pitch and angle of attack;
- slip and skid.
Arguing after correction
Listen to the correction.
Reassess the answer professionally.
Changing a correct answer immediately
A challenge may test your reasoning.
Do not abandon a well-supported answer without analysing the new information.
Ignoring human factors
Technical knowledge and CRM are connected in airline operations.
Relying on leaked material
Confidential questions do not replace real knowledge and may breach assessment rules.
Ethical technical preparation
Ethical preparation includes:
- reviewing ATPL subjects;
- studying authorised aircraft material;
- practising original questions;
- completing original calculations;
- discussing principles with an instructor;
- completing mock interviews;
- improving technical communication.
Do not use:
- leaked interview questions;
- confidential assessor guides;
- copied company examinations;
- proprietary manuals you are not authorised to possess;
- another candidate’s exact assessment recording;
- false aircraft experience;
- altered training records.
Practice knowledge and judgement, not leaked content.
For additional structured practice around selection-day technical themes, you can also review the JobTestPrep Ryanair assessment preparation package.
Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you. Third-party materials cannot replace authorised technical study and do not guarantee the exact questions asked by Ryanair.
What to verify officially
Before the technical interview, verify:
- whether the interview is separate from HR;
- whether it occurs on the simulator-assessment day;
- expected duration;
- interview location;
- online or in-person format;
- aircraft knowledge expected;
- subjects specified in the invitation;
- supplied preparation material;
- permitted calculator;
- permitted notes;
- documents required;
- current or previous aircraft records;
- licence level being assessed;
- whether a technical written test is included;
- whether an English test is included;
- result timetable.
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 live vacancy;
- your candidate portal;
- your assessment invitation;
- your recruiter;
- your approved partner flight school;
- approved training and aircraft documentation.
Current official instructions always take priority over candidate reports and independent preparation guides.
Bottom line
The Ryanair technical interview may assess aviation knowledge appropriate to your:
- training;
- licence;
- current aircraft;
- previous aircraft;
- operational experience;
- pilot pathway.
Cadets may be assessed on:
- ATPL subjects;
- instrument-flying knowledge;
- aircraft used during training;
- practical application;
- technical communication.
Experienced first officers and captains may face deeper questions about:
- aircraft systems;
- operational scenarios;
- performance;
- weather;
- fuel;
- decision-making;
- command judgement.
Prepare by:
- reviewing your application and aircraft history;
- revising core ATPL subjects;
- practising calculations;
- reviewing current or previous aircraft;
- answering questions aloud;
- practising scenario reasoning;
- using authoritative sources;
- admitting uncertainty professionally.
Do not depend on leaked or supposedly exact questions.
The strongest preparation allows you to explain the principle, apply it to an operational situation and identify the correct source when an exact aircraft-specific value must be checked.