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Avianca Pilot Recruitment Process 2026

Renzo Madueño, CPL
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 Avianca pilot hiring process, from application to final assessment. Updated 2026-08-22.

Avianca 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.

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Where are you with Avianca?

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 statusActive— applications open
Country / RegionColombia · Latin America
Bases3 bases · BOG, SLV, MDE
Fleet typesA319/320/321neo, A330-200, B787-8
Contract typeContract-based
Type ratings acceptedA319, A320, A321, A330, B787
Assessment stages4 stages · 3-step pipeline

How to Apply: Avianca Pilot Application Process

The Avianca pilot selection pipeline runs 3 steps from initial application through to first day of training. Here is exactly what to expect at each stage.

  1. 1

    Online Application

    2-4 weeks

    Apply via Avianca pilot careers.

  2. 2

    Assessment

    1 day

    Testing and interview in Bogota.

  3. 3

    Training

    8-10 weeks

    Type rating.

Assessment Stages: What Avianca 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

Avianca Pilot Interview Questions

Recent Avianca 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.

  1. Q1

    Why Avianca?

  2. Q2

    Describe a situation where you made a critical decision under time pressure.

  3. Q3

    Why do you want to fly for this airline specifically?

  4. Q4

    Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for safety.

  5. Q5

    How do you handle fatigue management during long duty periods?

Minimum Requirements

RequirementDetail
LicenceAerocivil ATPL, or an ICAO licence convertible in the country of the operating affiliate
MedicalClass 1
LanguageSpanish proficiency required
Flight timeAvianca states hour requirements with each recruitment campaign rather than as a standing figure, and they differ by seat and by fleet. Read the live posting — a single number quoted for Avianca is a guess.

Fleet You Could Fly at Avianca

3 aircraft types currently operated

A319/320/321neoA330-200B787-8

Type ratings accepted at application

A319A320A321A330B787

Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.

Avianca Pilot Bases (3)

Available pilot bases — bid by seniority

BOGSLVMDE

Insider Tips for Avianca Applicants

One of the oldest airlines in the world

Bogota hub connects Americas

Post-restructuring growth

Knowing the Avianca 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. And when you reach the interview, there are 100 Avianca-specific questions with model answers, the red flags that fail each one, and the follow-ups the panel actually asks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avianca hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes, Avianca is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Check their official careers portal for current openings.
What are the minimum requirements to fly for Avianca?
Licence: Aerocivil ATPL, or an ICAO licence convertible in the country of the operating affiliate. Medical: Class 1. Language: Spanish proficiency required. Flight time: Avianca states hour requirements with each recruitment campaign rather than as a standing figure, and they differ by seat and by fleet. Read the live posting — a single number quoted for Avianca is a guess..
What is the Avianca pilot interview process like?
The Avianca recruitment process involves 3 stages: Online Application, Assessment, Training.
What aircraft types does Avianca operate?
Avianca operates: A319/320/321neo, A330-200, B787-8.
Where are Avianca pilot bases located?
Avianca pilot bases include: BOG, SLV, MDE.
What type ratings does Avianca accept?
Avianca accepts the following type ratings: A319, A320, A321, A330, B787. Holding one of these can accelerate your hiring.

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