How are Airbus Cadets trained? And what makes them unique?
From the very first step of screening, candidates followed a series of examinations, including computer based aptitude test, group exercise, interview and flight simulator check. There seemed to be no much difference when compared with the entry tests for the airlines, however, after the initial selection process, a specifically designed Core Course will be performed.
A selection that makes the difference
Trainees will subsequently be placed in a both knowledge and practice heavy environment for 5 weeks, in order to examine their performance and adaptability to future airline working environment. The Core Course is specially designed by Airbus to examine how trainees absorb such great amount of knowledge and develop essential cockpit skills. After the written test, trainees begin their flight training and will be able to perform solo flight in approximately 20 flight hours. In the end of this phase, a Pilot Confirmation check will be performed to evaluate the overall capability of cadets.
Those who succeed the Core Course will begin their integrated ATPL course shortly.
A training that exceeds the regulation standards
During their ATPL(A) course, cadets undergo more than 800 hours of theoretical training in a fully digitalized classroom in small groups. Airbus always keep a small batch in order to improve general interaction between trainers and trainees, hence enhance learning efficiency tremendously. In addition to traditional exams, cadets also prepare group presentation and other exercises together, which indulges them within the culture of teamwork. Furthermore, cadets are all granted the opportunities to visit Airbus factory or other aviation organizations during their stay with Airbus Flight Academy.
Flight Phase begins after cadets obtain their ATPL(A) written exam certificate. It consists of basic VFR/IFR, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) and multiengine piston VFR/IFR. For cadets in Airbus Flight Academy Europe, the single engine training will be conducted in Cirrus SR20, Grob G120A-F for UPRT, and Diamond DA42 for multiengine upgrade. The total flight hours upon obtaining CPL(A), ME/IR and UPRT will be approximately 200h, including training on the EASA certified FNPT2 simulator.
The JOC/MCC training can be completed in all of the Airbus Training Centre worldwide. For example, cadets wishing to conduct it in Europe will be assigned to the centre in Toulouse, France. This final stage takes approximately 3 weeks. Airbus cadets will become capable of enrolling their type rating and optional conversion courses upon their graduation.
Airbus standard non-technical skills confirmed by an Airbus certification
Last but not least, graduates who fully meet the Airbus cadet code will be granted an official certificate. This serves as a solid proof of excellence in the non-technical competencies formed up upon the completion of Airbus Cadet Pilot Programme.