Air France Pilot Recruitment 2026
Hiring status, requirements, selection steps and the path to the seat. Requirements checked against Air France's official careers pages on .
Is Air France hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes. Air France is recruiting pilots, according to its official careers pages as of August 22, 2026. UPRT and PIC time: Since 20 December 2019, pilots who do not already hold a first CS-25 type rating must hold an EASA Advanced UPRT certificate… Low-hour route: the Air France Cadet Programme.
Air France 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 Air France?
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 | France · Europe |
| Bases | 2 bases · CDG, ORY |
| Fleet types | A318/319/320/321, A330-200, A350-900, B777-200/300 +1 more |
| Contract type | Permanent (CDI contract under French law) |
| Type ratings accepted | A318, A319, A320, A321, A330, A350, B777, B787 |
| Assessment stages | 5 stages · 4-step pipeline |
Air France pilot requirements
As published on Air France's official careers pages, checked August 22, 2026.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licence | ATPL, or a valid CPL with multi-engine IR |
| ATPL theory | Issued by an ATO certified by an EU member state |
| Medical | Valid Class 1 |
| MCC | Multi-crew cooperation training certificate at a satisfactory level |
| English | FCL 055 / 055D at level 5 or above, valid — plus a TOEIC score of at least 850 obtained less than two years before selection |
| French — the real gate | Fluent French is mandatory. Candidates whose first language is not French must hold FCL 055 at level 6 IN FRENCH, and the CV and cover letter must be written in French. |
| Nationality — not a work permit | Must be a national of a European Economic Area state or of Switzerland. Holding the right to work in France is not sufficient. |
| UPRT and PIC time | Since 20 December 2019, pilots who do not already hold a first CS-25 type rating must hold an EASA Advanced UPRT certificate and 70 hours PIC or the EASA equivalent |
| Logbook evidence | A copy of the last two pages of the logbook, certified on honour, plus an employer certificate validating those flight hours. Both must be uploaded and kept current in the candidate space before any selection invitation. |
| Disqualifier | Any previous failure in Air France or Transavia training |
| Selection — PSY 1 | After a CV and cover-letter admissibility review, psychotechnical and psychomotor testing at ENAC. Candidates are then placed on a main list, a secondary list or not admitted. Everyone on the main list is called to PSY 2; the secondary list is called according to company need. |
| Selection — PSY 2 | Personality inventories, group exercises and an individual interview, possibly followed by a flight simulator assessment. Each stage remains valid for two years. |
| How to apply | Only through the online vacancy. Air France states that postal applications are not processed, regardless of training background or whether it is a first or repeat application. |
What the job pays
Estimate — not yet verified against the pilot contract. Full Air France pay table, by year and aircraft
The full table with every figure is on the Air France salary page.
From student pilot to Air France 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
Air France 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
Air France Captain
Command course Depends on seniority and growthUpgrade criteria (hours, time in seat, assessment) are set by each airline.
How to Apply: Air France Pilot Application Process
The Air France pilot selection process step by step, as the airline describes it (checked August 22, 2026). Where the airline does not publish a stage, we say so.
- 1
Online Application
2-4 weeksApply through Air France pilot recruitment portal.
- 2
Selection Tests
1-2 daysENAC-style aptitude testing in Paris.
- 3
Simulator & Interview
1 dayFull-motion sim and competency interview.
- 4
Training
8-12 weeksType rating at Air France training center.
Assessment Stages: What Air France 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
5. Medical & Background
Class 1 medical examination and comprehensive background verification.
Preparation Tips
- Disclose all medical history honestly
- Bring all documentation to the medical exam
- Ensure your record is clean
Air France Pilot Interview Questions
Typical questions in airline pilot panel and HR interviews, including at Air France. Prepare STAR-format answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and 8-10 real aviation stories.
- Q1
Pourquoi Air France?
- Q2
Describe managing a complex situation.
- 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?
- Q6
Describe your most challenging flight and what you learned from it.
Fleet You Could Fly at Air France
5 aircraft types currently operated
Type ratings accepted at application
Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.
Air France Pilot Bases (2)
Available pilot bases — bid by seniority
Cadet Program (No Experience Required)
Air France Cadet Programme
In partnership with ENAC and approved schools, Air France selects ab-initio cadets for integrated ATPL training with guaranteed employment.
Read full cadet program guide →
Insider Tips for Air France Applicants
French language is a hard requirement
Strong union protection under French labor law
ENAC pipeline provides many cadets
CDG base for long-haul flying
Knowing the Air France 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 Air France pack yet — want it built?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air France hiring pilots in 2026?
What are the minimum requirements to fly for Air France?
What is the Air France pilot selection process?
What aircraft does Air France fly?
Where are Air France pilot bases?
Does Air France have a cadet pilot program?
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