The first step on the road for any aspiring Airline PIlot is to undertake the APP FIRST OFFICER
Skills and Aptitude Assessment - completed over a 2-day period at our Airline Training Centre at Oxford Airport. The assessment is intended to identify those individuals whom we believe to have the necessary skills, aptitude and personal characteristics to have a good prospect of succeeding during training and, subsequently, in airline type training and employment. Success at this stage leads not just to the offer of a course place, but also directly to our Skills Security Programme and Skills Funding solution with the HSBC bank; both intended to lessen the level of financial risk associated with professional pilot training and to make it possible for those of only limited financial means to undertake the training.
Skills & Aptitude Assessment is a comprehensive process but by no means a daunting one. Using tools and methodologies specifically developed and validated to meet airline needs, the procedure provides a fully objective assessment of a candidate’s potential. Conducted by current airline staff working in conjunction with our own team of specialists, the range of tests is comprehensive and ensures that each candidate has the opportunity to demonstrate his or her capacity and capabilities across a range of relevant skills. The assessment process covers:
- Pilot aptitude, including hand/eye co-ordination, motor skills and spatial awareness
- Academic, mathematical and technical capacity
- Psychometric assessment
- Team Skills
- Leadership potential
- Communication abilities
- Personal qualities
- Motivation towards the career as an airline pilot
Skills & Aptitude Assessment is specifically designed to allow for wide variations in experience, culture and background. Potential candidates need not be concerned that lack of flying experience or limited academic achievement will necessarily prejudice their prospects of success. Candidates are carefully briefed prior to all tests and we take care to ensure that the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and enjoyable. On completion of the process, all candidates are given a comprehensive and open review of their results. Those who meet the minimum standard are offered a place on our Integrated APP FIRST OFFICER course. Those who approach the standard required but are not quite be ready to start training may be given an opportunity to return to Oxford at a future date to resit part of the tests. Those who do not meet the required standard and embarking upon airline pilot training would be considered inappropriate, will be counselled accordingly.
