Aer Lingus Pilot Recruitment 2026
Hiring status, requirements, selection steps and the path to the seat. Page updated .
Is Aer Lingus hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes. Aer Lingus is recruiting pilots. Flight time: Stated per vacancy. European operators run separate Direct Entry Captain, Direct Entry First Officer and low-hour cadet gates at the same time… The selection process has 3 steps, set out step by step below.
Aer Lingus screens with an aptitude battery before a human reads your application.
Sit a timed practice paper free — no account. Scored on pace as well as accuracy, because pace is what the real battery culls on.
Where are you with Aer Lingus?
Selection runs on its own timetable, and what helps depends entirely on where you are in it. Tell us, and what we send you matches that — nothing else.
| Hiring status | Active— applications open |
|---|---|
| Country / Region | Ireland · Europe |
| Bases | 3 bases · DUB, SNN, ORK |
| Fleet types | A320-200/neo, A321neo/LR, A330-300 |
| Contract type | Permanent employment |
| Type ratings accepted | A320, A321, A330 |
| Assessment stages | 4 stages · 3-step pipeline |
Aer Lingus pilot requirements
As published by the airline; confirm on the live posting.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licence | EASA ATPL, or a frozen ATPL (CPL/IR with ATPL theory complete) where the vacancy allows it |
| Medical | EASA Class 1 |
| English | ICAO English Level 4 minimum |
| Right to work | The right to live and work in the base country without sponsorship. This is set per operator and per base, not by EU membership alone — check the posting rather than assuming. |
| Flight time | Stated per vacancy. European operators run separate Direct Entry Captain, Direct Entry First Officer and low-hour cadet gates at the same time, so a single figure for the airline would be wrong for most readers. |
| Hours | 500+ hours multi-crew |
What the job pays
Estimate — not yet verified against the pilot contract. Full Aer Lingus pay table, by year and aircraft
The full table with every figure is on the Aer Lingus salary page.
From student pilot to Aer Lingus Captain
Shown for the EASA system most non-US airlines recruit from; other authorities are similar. Hour figures are regulatory minimums, time ranges are typical.
Step 1
Class 1 medical + theory
First month EASA Part-MED / Part-FCLBook the Class 1 medical before paying any school. Then ATPL theory: 13 subjects under the EASA syllabus (other authorities differ).
Try free private-pilot theory questions (FAA format)Step 2
CPL / IR / multi-engine training
≈ 200 h (EASA integrated minimum 195 h) 18–24 months integrated EASA FCL Appendix 3Integrated course in one go, or modular (PPL first, then hour building, CPL, IR). Ends with multi-crew (MCC/APS) training.
Step 3
Type rating (A320 / 737)
Simulator + base training 2–3 monthsPaid by the airline in some cadet or direct-entry schemes, self-funded in others — check the specific vacancy.
Step 4
Aer Lingus First Officer
See the requirements aboveLow-hour pilots usually join with a frozen ATPL.
Step 5
Full ATPL (unfrozen)
1,500 h incl. 500 h multi-pilot 3–4 years of line flying EASA FCL.510.AThe licence you need to be pilot-in-command of a multi-pilot airliner.
Step 6
Aer Lingus Captain
Command course Depends on seniority and growthUpgrade criteria (hours, time in seat, assessment) are set by each airline.
How to Apply: Aer Lingus Pilot Application Process
The Aer Lingus pilot selection process step by step. Where the airline does not publish a stage, we say so.
- 1
Online Application
2-4 weeksApply via Aer Lingus pilot careers.
- 2
Assessment Day
1 dayDublin: aptitude tests, sim, interview.
- 3
Training
8-12 weeksA320 or A330 type rating.
Assessment Stages: What Aer Lingus Tests
1. Online Application & Screening
Initial review of qualifications, flight hours, certificates, and background.
Preparation Tips
- Ensure logbook is accurate and up to date
- Have all certificates scanned and ready
- Tailor your CV to airline operations
2. Aptitude & Psychometric Testing
Computer-based tests measuring cognitive ability, multi-tasking, spatial awareness, and personality traits.
Preparation Tips
- Practice with COMPASS or PILAPT test preparation
- Work on mental math speed
- Get adequate sleep before test day
3. Simulator Assessment
Fixed-base or full-motion simulator session evaluating hand-flying, instrument skills, and multi-crew coordination.
Preparation Tips
- Practice raw-data instrument approaches
- Brief out loud as you would with a real crew
- Manage workload verbally
4. Panel / HR Interview
Competency-based interview with senior pilots and HR covering behavioral scenarios, motivation, and airline knowledge.
Preparation Tips
- Use STAR method for behavioral answers
- Research the airline thoroughly
- Prepare 8-10 strong aviation anecdotes
Aer Lingus Pilot Interview Questions
Typical questions in airline pilot panel and HR interviews, including at Aer Lingus. Prepare STAR-format answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and 8-10 real aviation stories.
- Q1
Why Aer Lingus?
- Q2
Describe transatlantic operations knowledge.
- Q3
Why do you want to fly for this airline specifically?
- Q4
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for safety.
- Q5
How do you handle fatigue management during long duty periods?
Fleet You Could Fly at Aer Lingus
3 aircraft types currently operated
Type ratings accepted at application
Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.
Aer Lingus Pilot Bases (3)
Available pilot bases — bid by seniority
Insider Tips for Aer Lingus Applicants
Dublin base with transatlantic A321LR routes
IAG group membership
Good quality of life in Ireland
Growing transatlantic network
Knowing the Aer Lingus process is step one. Being ready for the stages that actually cut people is step two.
Before a human reads your application there is an aptitude battery, and candidates consistently report it as the heaviest cull — pace, not difficulty. You can practise it here for free: timed papers generated fresh each run, plus a divided-attention drill that measures how much your performance degrades under load.
Already past the paperwork and preparing for the panel? , scored against the answers a panel is listening for. Seven days of access, no subscription.
No Aer Lingus pack yet — want it built?
We will not pretend to have one. We build the next pack for the airline that gets asked for most, so leaving your address here is a vote. No sequence, one email when it ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aer Lingus hiring pilots in 2026?
What are the minimum requirements to fly for Aer Lingus?
What is the Aer Lingus pilot selection process?
What aircraft does Aer Lingus fly?
Where are Aer Lingus pilot bases?
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