Qantas Airways Pilot Recruitment 2026
Hiring status, requirements, selection steps and the path to the seat. Requirements checked against Qantas Airways' official careers pages on .
Is Qantas Airways hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes. Qantas Airways is recruiting pilots, according to its official careers pages as of August 22, 2026. Flight Time (route A): 250 hours in command of a powered fixed-wing aeroplane, plus 1,000 hours as co-pilot of a multi-crew multi-engine aircraft. Low-hour route: the Qantas Group Future Pilot Programme.
Qantas Airways 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 Qantas Airways?
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 | Australia · Asia-Pacific |
| Bases | 4 bases · SYD, MEL, BNE, PER |
| Fleet types | A330-200/300, A380-800, B737-800, B787-9 |
| Contract type | Permanent employment |
| Type ratings accepted | B737, A330, A380, B787 |
| Assessment stages | 5 stages · 5-step pipeline |
Qantas Airways pilot requirements
As published on Qantas Airways' official careers pages, checked August 22, 2026.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certificates | CASA ATPL(A), or CASA CPL(A) with passes in all Australian ATPL theory subjects |
| Flight Time (route A) | 250 hours in command of a powered fixed-wing aeroplane, plus 1,000 hours as co-pilot of a multi-crew multi-engine aircraft |
| Flight Time (route B) | 250 hours as PIC or PICUS (at least 70 as PIC), plus 1,500 hours as co-pilot of a multi-crew turbine aircraft |
| English | English Language Proficiency Level 6 endorsed on the licence (QantasLink Direct Entry FO) |
| Ratings | Instrument Approach 2D and 3D endorsements on an Australian Multi-Engine Instrument Rating |
| Medical | Current CASA Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate |
| Right to Work | Australian citizenship, or the right to work in Australia/New Zealand without restriction or sponsorship |
What the job pays
Estimate — not yet verified against the pilot contract. Full Qantas Airways pay table, by year and aircraft
The full table with every figure is on the Qantas Airways salary page.
From student pilot to Qantas Airways 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
Qantas Airways 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
Qantas Airways Captain
Command course Depends on seniority and growthUpgrade criteria (hours, time in seat, assessment) are set by each airline.
How to Apply: Qantas Airways Pilot Application Process
The Qantas Airways 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 Qantas Group pilot recruitment.
- 2
Aptitude Testing
1 dayPILAPT-style testing in Sydney or Melbourne.
- 3
Simulator Assessment
Half dayB737 or A330 sim evaluation.
- 4
Interview
Half dayPanel interview with flight ops.
- 5
Training
8-12 weeksType rating.
Assessment Stages: What Qantas Airways 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
Qantas Airways Pilot Interview Questions
Typical questions in airline pilot panel and HR interviews, including at Qantas Airways. Prepare STAR-format answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and 8-10 real aviation stories.
- Q1
Why Qantas?
- Q2
Describe experience with long-haul operations.
- 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 Qantas Airways
4 aircraft types currently operated
Type ratings accepted at application
Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.
Qantas Airways Pilot Bases (4)
Available pilot bases — bid by seniority
Cadet Program (No Experience Required)
Qantas Group Future Pilot Programme
Pathway from Qantas-approved flight schools through QantasLink to Qantas mainline.
Read full cadet program guide →
Insider Tips for Qantas Airways Applicants
Australian lifestyle is unmatched
Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul routes coming
Qantas Group includes Jetstar pathway
Strong union (AIPA) protection
Knowing the Qantas Airways 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 Qantas Airways 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 Qantas Airways hiring pilots in 2026?
What are the minimum requirements to fly for Qantas Airways?
What is the Qantas Airways pilot selection process?
What aircraft does Qantas Airways fly?
Where are Qantas Airways pilot bases?
Does Qantas Airways have a cadet pilot program?
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Qantas Airways Cadet Program
Training costs at partner schools (AUD 80,000-120,000)
No-experience route into Qantas Airways: training, requirements, and selection.
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