Travel directions
Call usBecome an airline pilot
Selection procedure
Screenings are an extremely important first step in becoming an airline pilot. After all, it would be pretty frustrating if, after having invested precious time and money (with no advance screening), you’d be faced with the fact you wouldn’t be able to pass an actual airline screening procedure! And that’s why Skywings takes this initial screening step so seriously.
The standard screening procedure takes about 3 days in total
DLR certificate holders get an exemption for the COMPASS and personality tests
DAY 1
COMPASS test
This test takes about 2.5 hours and offers a realistic view of some of the most important qualities a pilot should have. You need to pass this test before you can move on to the next day of the screening.
How to prepare? You can’t really prepare for this test, but it might help to train your memory and mental calculation skills using an app on your smartphone.
It contains the following elements:
hand-eye and foot-eye coordination
multitasking
three-dimensional insight
memory tests
orientation
mathematical insight
Math & physics test
This written test (in English) contains 20 exercises, to be solved in 2 hours without the use of a calculator. You need a score of at least 15/20 on this part. This test examines whether you have sufficient basic knowledge to understand the theory courses. The contents are at a level comparable to the first four years of general secondary education.
What topics do I need to know?
- Order of operations
- Calculation rules
- First-degree equations
- Rule of 3
- Arithmetic (long division, etc.)
- Basic geometry (area, perimeter, and volume of basic shapes, e.g. rectangles, triangles, cylinders, cubes, etc.)
- Triangle mathematics and goniometry: right triangles (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, cosecant), radians, Pythagoras
- Newton’s laws
- Velocity-related problems
- Acceleration and gravitational acceleration
- Converting volume to mass and vice versa
- Archimedes’ principle
- Energy and power
- Momentum
- Work
How to prepare?
Test your math and physics skills with a sample exam. This will give you a better understanding of the level of knowledge that is required to pass the screening procedure.
DAY 2
Personality test
Technical and motor skills aren’t the only important characteristics. Your personality also has a significant impact on your chances of success, both as a student and as a pilot after graduation. This personality test is made up of a questionnaire, which will take about 45 minutes to complete.
How to prepare? You can’t do well or bad on this test, so you can’t prepare for it either. Just be honest when you answer the questions, and don’t overthink it.
English test
This test was developed to examine candidates’ command of English, as this is the main language used for airline communications. Most of the training is in English, which is why this step is an important part of the screening.
How to prepare? Read an English book or watch your favorite Netflix show in English without subtitles. You could also listen to an audiobook in the car, on the bus, or on the train to expand your vocabulary.
Simulator test
During the screening, you will get to enter the simulator. This test checks whether you’re capable of learning new techniques and shows us your coordination and agility. You’ll learn some new information which you’ll need to apply in a later phase. This test takes about 3-4 hours.
How to prepare? You can’t really prepare for this test. Make sure you get a good night’s rest, come to school with a positive attitude, and be open to constructive criticism.
DAY 3
Motivation interview
The last step is a motivation interview with our selection team. We’ll discuss your screening as a whole and evaluate your personality and motivation, accompanied by our psychologist.
How to prepare? Think about why you want to become a pilot—what motivates you? Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses (ask people who know you well for help, if need be) and reflect on how your weaknesses could impact your career as a student and future professional pilot. Try to think about how you’d like to deal with your weaknesses too. Feel free to write down any questions you’d like to ask us as well, of course.
What does it cost?
The COMPASS test (step 1 of the screening) costs 245 EUR, tax included. If you pass this test, Skywings will cover the costs for the remaining steps in the screening.
Successful candidates must also undergo an EASA medical examination before the training starts. Any costs related to this medical examination are not included in the price of the selection tests. These should be paid directly to the medical centre. Depending on the centre, you should expect to pay around 700 to 800 EUR.
DLR certificate holders get an exemption for the COMPASS and personality tests. If you have this certificate you no longer have to book a COMPASS test.