SAS Scandinavian Airlines Pilot Recruitment 2026
Hiring status, requirements, selection steps and the path to the seat. Requirements checked against SAS Scandinavian Airlines' official careers pages on .
Is SAS Scandinavian Airlines hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes. SAS Scandinavian Airlines is recruiting pilots, according to its official careers pages as of August 22, 2026. Flight time — First Officer: Not published as a standing figure; SAS states it in each open application. The selection process has 3 steps, set out step by step below.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines 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 SAS Scandinavian Airlines?
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 | Sweden/Denmark/Norway · Europe |
| Bases | 3 bases · CPH, ARN, OSL |
| Fleet types | A319/320/321neo, A330-300, A350-900 |
| Contract type | Permanent employment |
| Type ratings accepted | A319, A320, A321, A330, A350 |
| Assessment stages | 5 stages · 3-step pipeline |
SAS Scandinavian Airlines pilot requirements
As published on SAS Scandinavian Airlines' official careers pages, checked August 22, 2026.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licence | EASA ATPL(A), CPL(A) or MPL. Non-Scandinavian EASA licences are accepted but must be converted before the course starts. |
| Medical | EASA Class 1 |
| Courses | MCC completed, and a completed Advanced UPRT course |
| English | ICAO English Level 5 or 6 — Level 4 is not sufficient. No Scandinavian language is required. |
| Right to work | Unrestricted right to live and work in the EU |
| Pre-employment checks | Clean criminal record, background screening, a security interview, and alcohol and drug testing. Employment is conditional on passing all of them. |
| Flight time — First Officer | Not published as a standing figure; SAS states it in each open application |
| Flight time — Captain | Published inside the open Captain application only |
| Bases and fleet | Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo and Bergen, on the A320 or Embraer 195LR, with a mixed-fleet programme that allows flying both, and long-haul on the A330 and A350 |
| Terms (published) | Permanent contract, variable/flexible roster for all new hires, minimum 11 days off per month, roster published on the 16th of the previous month, 42 days annual leave, type rating paid by SAS, fixed base, and seniority recognised across SAS Group from date of hire |
What the job pays
Estimate — not yet verified against the pilot contract. Full SAS Scandinavian Airlines pay table, by year and aircraft
The full table with every figure is on the SAS Scandinavian Airlines salary page.
From student pilot to SAS Scandinavian Airlines 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
SAS Scandinavian Airlines 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
SAS Scandinavian Airlines Captain
Command course Depends on seniority and growthUpgrade criteria (hours, time in seat, assessment) are set by each airline.
How to Apply: SAS Scandinavian Airlines Pilot Application Process
The SAS Scandinavian Airlines 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 via SAS pilot recruitment.
- 2
Assessment
1-2 daysAptitude testing, sim, and interview in Copenhagen or Stockholm.
- 3
Training
8-12 weeksType rating on assigned fleet.
Assessment Stages: What SAS Scandinavian Airlines 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
SAS Scandinavian Airlines Pilot Interview Questions
Typical questions in airline pilot panel and HR interviews, including at SAS Scandinavian Airlines. Prepare STAR-format answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and 8-10 real aviation stories.
- Q1
Why SAS?
- Q2
Describe experience with Scandinavian 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?
Fleet You Could Fly at SAS Scandinavian Airlines
3 aircraft types currently operated
Type ratings accepted at application
Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines Pilot Bases (3)
Available pilot bases — bid by seniority
Insider Tips for SAS Scandinavian Airlines Applicants
Three Scandinavian capital bases
SkyTeam alliance offers global network
Strong work-life balance culture
Post-restructuring stability improving
Knowing the SAS Scandinavian Airlines 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 SAS Scandinavian Airlines 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 SAS Scandinavian Airlines hiring pilots in 2026?
What are the minimum requirements to fly for SAS Scandinavian Airlines?
What is the SAS Scandinavian Airlines pilot selection process?
What aircraft does SAS Scandinavian Airlines fly?
Where are SAS Scandinavian Airlines pilot bases?
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