ACTIVELY HIRINGFrancePermanent (CDI contract under French law)APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

Air France Pilot Recruitment Process 2026

Renzo Madueño

Former Airbus A320 First Officer · FAA Commercial Pilot · Founder, Rotate Pilot

Ex-airline pilot, 1,400+ flight hours. Writes from real cockpit and checkride experience — not a content farm.

Everything you need to know about the Air France pilot hiring process, from application to final assessment. Updated 2026-03-01.

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

How to Apply: Air France Pilot Application Process

The Air France pilot selection pipeline runs 4 steps from initial application through to first day of training. Here is exactly what to expect at each stage.

1
Online Application
2-4 weeks
Apply through Air France pilot recruitment portal.
2
Selection Tests
1-2 days
ENAC-style aptitude testing in Paris.
3
Simulator & Interview
1 day
Full-motion sim and competency interview.
4
Training
8-12 weeks
Type 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

Recent Air France pilot candidates report these questions appearing in their panel and HR interviews. Use STAR-format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses and have 8-10 aviation anecdotes ready.

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.

Minimum Requirements

Requirement	Detail
Certificates	EASA ATPL (frozen or full)
Medical	EASA Class 1 medical
English	ICAO English Level 4 minimum
Right to Work	EU/EEA right to work
Language	French language proficiency required
Citizenship	EU citizenship or work permit

Fleet You Could Fly at Air France

5 aircraft types currently operated

A318/319/320/321A330-200A350-900B777-200/300B787-9

Type ratings accepted at application

A318A319A320A321A330A350B777B787

Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.

Air France Pilot Bases (2)

Available pilot bases — bid by seniority

CDGORY

Cadet Program (No Experience Required)

CADET PROGRAMME

Air France Cadet Programme

In partnership with ENAC and approved schools, Air France selects ab-initio cadets for integrated ATPL training with guaranteed employment.

Cost: EUR 80,000-100,000Duration: 24 months training

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Air France hiring pilots in 2026?

Yes, Air France is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Check their official careers portal for current openings.

What are the minimum requirements to fly for Air France?

Certificates: EASA ATPL (frozen or full). Medical: EASA Class 1 medical. English: ICAO English Level 4 minimum. Right to Work: EU/EEA right to work. Language: French language proficiency required. Citizenship: EU citizenship or work permit.

What is the Air France pilot interview process like?

The Air France recruitment process involves 4 stages: Online Application, Selection Tests, Simulator & Interview, Training.

What aircraft types does Air France operate?

Air France operates: A318/319/320/321, A330-200, A350-900, B777-200/300, B787-9.

Where are Air France pilot bases located?

Air France pilot bases include: CDG, ORY.

What type ratings does Air France accept?

Air France accepts the following type ratings: A318, A319, A320, A321, A330, A350, B777, B787. Holding one of these can accelerate your hiring.

Does Air France have a cadet pilot program?

Yes, Air France offers the Air France Cadet Programme. In partnership with ENAC and approved schools, Air France selects ab-initio cadets for integrated ATPL training with guaranteed employment. Duration: 24 months training. Cost: EUR 80,000-100,000.

Ace the Air France Assessment