For the past decades, thousands of experienced airline pilots and aviation specialists underwent their advanced training with Airbus. However, none of them were Ab-Initio trainees. This is the cornerstone of Airbus Cadet Pilot Program, an ambitious worldwide plan of future pilot training. Currently there are 2 ATOs in operation: Escuela de Aviación México, a Mexican flight school officially licensed by Airbus to deliver this program, and Airbus Flight Academy Europe, a 100% subsidiary of Airbus group in France.
Located in Angoulême, Airbus Flight Academy Europe (AFAE) has been mentoring the very first batches of cadets since summer 2019. Trainees spend approximately 20 months in the campus to complete their integrated ATPL(A) courses and practical flight training.
Airbus Flight Academy cadets and instructors have direct access to the first-hand aviation knowledge and the latest flight training standards. At AFAE, the modern fleet composed of Cirrus SR20 and Diamond DA42 VI adapts trainees to full glass cockpit philosophy from the early stages. The Grob 120 fleet also serves as a robust platform for advanced UPRT courses.
Coming from different countries and backgrounds, Airbus cadets shape their non-technical competencies within a truly multicultural learning environment. To identify and enhance the positive personalities, Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) was set up by Airbus, which encourages team-based behaviours and such a mindset. The Airbus Cadet Label will subsequently be granted to graduates who meet the Airbus cadet code values. It consists of specific guidelines for attitude, teamwork and leadership, which need to be demonstrated all the time, which is even more complete than required by EASA.
Thanks to such cutting edge training background, Airbus cadets have established outstanding performances in both the theoretical and practical flight exams, which is no doubt due to the high-level quality training.
As of now, approximately 50 cadets have successfully graduated from Airbus Flight Academy Europe. With official support from Airbus, our Alumni association has been set-up by trainees. It will serve as a platform not only for connections between us, but a talent pool for future company recruiters.
We are #AirbusCadets
