Air France operates from Paris-Charles de Gaulle with a fleet of A320 family, A330, A350, and Boeing 777/787 aircraft. The airline is part of the Air France-KLM Group and has one of the most distinctive pilot selection processes in Europe — the PSY0/PSY1/PSY2 system, with aptitude testing conducted at ENAC in Toulouse. French language proficiency is the primary filter.
Your CV for Air France serves a dual purpose: it is screened by the recruitment team during PSY0 pre-selection, and it forms the basis for your PSY2 individual interview at CDG. For the full selection breakdown, see the Air France interview guide.
CV Guide Summary
- This guide covers how to format your pilot CV specifically for Air France applications.
- How to write a pilot CV for Air France.
- Structure your CV to highlight the specific qualifications and experience Air France values most.
- Includes formatting templates, common mistakes to avoid, and section-by-section guidance.
- Air France operates from Paris-Charles de Gaulle with a fleet of A320 family, A330, A350, and Boeing 777/787 aircraft.
French Language: The Gatekeeper
Air France is unique among European flag carriers: French is the operational cockpit language, and the standard recruitment path requires native-level French. Your CV, cover letter, and the PSY2 individual interview are all conducted entirely in French. This is not a "nice to have" — it is the first elimination criterion.
Standard path (French speakers)
Submit CV and cover letter in French. The entire PSY2 interview — motivation, CRM scenarios, personality discussion — is in French. This is the primary recruitment channel for cadets and First Officers.
Direct entry (non-French speakers — rare)
Air France occasionally opens experienced pilot positions that accept non-French speakers, typically for specific widebody fleets (A350, B777). CV in English is accepted. French language acquisition is expected during employment.
If you are applying through the standard path, your CV must be flawless in French — grammar, vocabulary, and aviation terminology. A French CV with English-style phrasing signals non-native fluency. Have a native French speaker review it before submission.
PSY0–PSY2 & What Your CV Must Show
Air France's selection is structured around three PSY phases. Your CV matters most at PSY0 (pre-screening) and PSY2 (individual interview). At PSY2, the interviewer has your CV in front of them and will probe specific items — employment gaps, career decisions, and motivation.
What the PSY2 interviewer looks for on your CV
- Career trajectory coherence — why aviation, why Air France specifically
- CRM evidence — team roles, conflict resolution, decision-making under pressure
- Resilience indicators — how you handled setbacks, failures, or career changes
- Personality alignment — the 16PF results are discussed alongside your CV
- Motivation depth — generic "I love flying" is insufficient. Research Air France's fleet strategy, routes, and values
ENAC Cadets vs Direct Entry
ENAC Cadet Path (EPL)
State-funded through ENAC (École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile). Extremely competitive — first-stage pass rate is approximately 10%. No previous flight experience required.
CV focus: education (French baccalauréat with strong maths/physics, or university STEM degree), French language (native), English (ICAO Level 4+), extracurriculars demonstrating discipline and teamwork, and a clear motivation statement for aviation.
Direct Entry (Experienced)
Apply via Air France careers portal. Must hold EASA ATPL with Class 1 Medical. Minimum hours vary by fleet — typically 1,500+ total with jet time.
CV focus: type ratings (A320, A330, A350, B777, B787), total hours with jet time breakdown, multi-crew experience, CRM credentials, current employer and base, and notice period/availability.
CV Format & Structure
French CV conventions differ from Anglo-Saxon ones. Air France expects a structured, concise document — typically 1 page for cadets, 2 pages maximum for experienced pilots. Use a clean, single-column layout with standard fonts. A professional photo is acceptable in French CV culture but not mandatory.
Section order for experienced pilots: État Civil (personal info), Résumé Professionnel (professional summary with total hours), Licences et Qualifications, Expérience de Vol (flight experience by aircraft type), Parcours Professionnel (employment history), Formation (education and training), Langues (languages with CEFR levels). Include both English and French language levels.
Photo Policy
Most European airlines do not require a photo on your CV, and including one can trigger unconscious bias concerns in some HR departments. Do not add a photo unless the airline specifically requests one on their careers page.
Submit as PDF
Always submit your CV as a PDF unless the airline specifically requests Word format. ATS systems can strip formatting from .docx files — tables, columns, and custom fonts often render as garbled text. Use a single-column layout with standard section headings.
Air France–Specific Mistakes
Submitting a CV in English for the standard path — instant elimination. French-language CV is mandatory for the primary recruitment channel.
French CV with anglicisms — using English aviation terminology ("flight hours" instead of "heures de vol") signals non-native French. Use proper French aviation vocabulary throughout.
No motivation for Air France specifically — the PSY2 interviewer will ask "Pourquoi Air France?" based on your CV. Generic aviation motivation is not enough.
Employment gaps without explanation — French CV culture expects chronological continuity. Unexplained gaps will be probed at PSY2. Brief notes ("Formation type rating A320, juin–août 2025") resolve this.
Confusing Air France with Transavia France — separate airlines, separate recruitment, separate bases. Make sure you are applying to the right entity.