Air France Pilot Selection: The Full Picture
Air France at a Glance
Fleet
~229
A220 / A350 / 777
Destinations
190+
Worldwide
Main Hub
CDG
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Questions
496
In our Prep Pack
Air France is France's flag carrier and the largest airline in the Air France-KLM group, headquartered at Paris Charles de Gaulle. With approximately 4,000 pilots and a plan to recruit around 300 per year (cadets plus experienced hires), it is one of the biggest pilot employers in Europe. The fleet comprises roughly 229 aircraft: Airbus A220-300s (50+ delivered, replacing A318/A319 on short-haul), A320/A321 narrowbodies, A350-900s (40 in service for long-haul), Boeing 777-200ER/300ER (43 × 777-300ER — replacement decision pending between A350-1000 and 777-9), Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and Airbus A330s being phased out. Air France serves 190+ destinations worldwide and is a founding member of SkyTeam.
The PSY 0–1–2 Selection Structure
The selection process is uniquely French — structured, psychometric-heavy, and notoriously competitive. Air France retains only about 2% of applicants across the cadet stream. The process is divided into three eliminatory phases labelled PSY 0, PSY 1, and PSY 2, followed by a Recruitment Committee decision. The entire pipeline spans several months, with each phase capable of ending your candidacy. Two recruitment streams exist: the Cadet pathway (ab initio, fully funded) and the Professional Pilot pathway (experienced CPL/IR holders). Both follow the PSY 0–1–2 structure, though prerequisites differ.
PSY 0: Online Pre-Selection
Psychotechnics, attention, memory, verbal, numerical, aero culture, English — remote, ~2 hours
PSY 1: Aptitude Testing (ENAC Toulouse)
Advanced psychotechnics, psychomotor dual-joystick, spatial reasoning, mental math, personality — full day
PSY 2: Assessment Day (Roissy-CDG)
Group exercise, 16PF personality inventory, individual interview (CRM, motivation, flight experience)
Recruitment Committee
Panel of pilots and managers reviews full dossier — accept, postpone (1–2 years), or eliminate
Medical & Onboarding
Class 1 medical, then SADE conversion course + Type Rating or NAF standardisation at CDG
Cadet & Professional Pilot Entry Streams
The Cadet stream is open to candidates with no prior CPL — only a PPL or theoretical ATPL is accepted. Cadets receive fully funded 24-month training (valued at ~€150,000) and graduate as First Officers on A220/A320 at Air France or B737/A320neo at Transavia. The Professional Pilot stream requires a valid ATPL or CPL/IR-ME, theoretical ATPL from an EU-certified ATO, TOEIC ≥ 850 (less than 2 years old), FCL 055 Level 5+ language proficiency, Class 1 medical, MCC certificate, and UPRT training. Both streams require EU/EEA/Swiss nationality and fluent French.
One PSY 2 postponement in the Cadet stream allows either a 1-year wait (retake PSY 2 only) or a 2-year wait (repeat full PSY 0 + PSY 1 + PSY 2). Two PSY 2 failures in the Professional stream constitute elimination. After elimination with fewer than 500 flight hours, candidates can reapply via the Professional stream after a 3-year wait and 1,500 hours. A single debriefing is offered for the first PSY 2 failure across all streams combined.
PSY 0: Online Pre-Selection
PSY 0 is the first filter — an online test battery completed at home, lasting approximately 2 hours. It covers roughly a dozen psychotechnical exercises evaluating attention, numerical ability, verbal reasoning, memory and recall, logical sequences, spatial awareness, aeronautical culture, and English proficiency. English questions use a multiple-choice format with negative marking for incorrect answers, so guessing is penalised.
Preparation Strategy & Pass Rates
Air France officially states that no preparation is expected for PSY 0. In reality, candidates who pass treat it as a competitive exam. Dedicated preparation platforms (EPLtest, Pilotest) reproduce the test formats and allow candidates to benchmark themselves against other applicants. Preparation periods of 3–6 months are common among successful candidates, though some report reaching saturation with overly long preparation timelines.
Results arrive within approximately two weeks. Candidates who pass PSY 0 are invited to PSY 1 at ENAC Toulouse. Those who fail can typically reattempt the following year if the cadet campaign reopens — but PSY 0 failure resets the entire process.
"Almost six months beforehand I set myself a training schedule. With hindsight, it was too much and I reached saturation towards the end. After a first failure in 2022, I passed to the next phase this time." — Air France cadet candidate, tintin-dans-les-airs.fr, November 2024
PSY 1: Aptitude Testing at ENAC Toulouse
PSY 1 is a full-day assessment at the ENAC (École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile) campus in Toulouse — France's national civil aviation school. This is the most technically demanding phase. Tests run back-to-back with short breaks (15-minute breaks plus one 1-hour break), and there are no food or drink facilities provided — candidates are advised to bring their own. Air France offers several dates, and candidates choose their slot.
Psychotechnical Tests
These are significantly more advanced than PSY 0 and include: timed mental arithmetic (calculation series, interval problems, equation solving), logical sequences, Raven progressive matrices (3×3 and 4×4), spatial reasoning (tangrams, object recognition), verbal tests (synonyms, reading comprehension, word categorisation), attention and memory exercises (multi-back numerical recall, sequential memory), and a personality questionnaire. All tests are computer-based with strict time limits.
Psychomotor Dual-Joystick Assessment
This is the component that distinguishes Air France selection from most other European carriers. Candidates use two joysticks simultaneously to complete multitasking exercises that evaluate reaction time, coordination, and the ability to perform multiple heterogeneous tasks under time pressure. The psychomotor test assesses skills that are far from innate — they require methodical practice. Minimum stanine thresholds vary by year (in 2018, minimum class 5 was required for psychomotor and spatial, class 3 for verbal, class 4 for others), but the competitive nature means higher scores are needed in practice.
PSY 1 uses the Stanine system — a 9-point bell curve where class 5 is the median. Your score is relative to other candidates in your session, making PSY 1 effectively a competitive exam (concours). The pass threshold is not fixed — it depends on the cohort. Results are communicated by Air France within a few weeks. Candidates who pass proceed to PSY 2; those who fail have one more attempt (restarting from PSY 0).
"Selection in France is different from all other European countries… harder maybe? I'd fly on Air France each time for safety and professionalism of its crews." — Pilot, PPRuNe French Forum
"Unfortunately this day was not up to my expectations. My almost two months of PSY 1 revision and 3 hours of weekly private maths tutoring weren't enough. The pressure of the day didn't help either." — Air France cadet candidate who failed PSY 1, tintin-dans-les-airs.fr, November 2024
Know what Air France will ask you
Questions from pilots who passed Air France selection. HR scenarios, technical questions, sim prep — with model answers.
Get Assessment Prep Pack — €49.90PSY 2: Group Exercise & Individual Interview (CDG)
PSY 2 is the human assessment — held at Roissy-CDG (or the nearby Villepinte facility). This is the round that determines whether Air France sees you as someone they want in their cockpit. It evaluates personality, interpersonal skills, CRM mindset, and motivation through three components: a group exercise, the 16PF personality inventory, and an individual interview.
Group Exercise & Team Dynamics
Candidates are observed working together on a group discussion or problem-solving task. Typical formats include icebreakers (introduce the person next to you after a 5-minute conversation), structured debates, and collaborative decision-making scenarios. Assessors are watching for communication style, leadership balance, ability to listen, and whether you allow others to contribute. The objective is not to dominate — candidates who report success describe aiming to be "the good second" rather than the loudest voice.
16PF Personality Inventory
The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire is a standardised psychometric tool measuring 16 core personality traits. Air France uses it as the foundation for the individual interview — your results are cross-referenced with your spoken answers. Inconsistencies between the 16PF profile and interview responses are flagged. Candidates who have taken the 16PF with a specialist debriefing beforehand report that three-quarters of the individual interview questions were directly linked to their personality profile results.
This is a one-on-one interview with a psychologist or recruiter, lasting approximately 30–45 minutes. The focus is on CRM competencies: communication with captains, cockpit teamwork, cabin coordination, stress management, error acceptance, and decision-making under pressure. Candidates report being asked about their most difficult flight, a situation that stressed them, how they communicate disagreements with a captain, and what human competencies they still need to develop. The interviewer is not looking for perfect answers — they want honesty, self-awareness, and evidence that your personality aligns with a multi-crew environment.
"The questions were focused on CRM and teamwork in the cockpit as well as in the cabin. The rest of the questions were very standard." — Successful Air France candidate, Airline Selection Programme testimonial, January 2025
"They asked about communication with a captain, a stressful situation, a difficult flight, and accepting errors. I had more difficulty describing the human competencies I still needed to develop." — Air France PSY 2 candidate, Airline Selection Programme testimonial, 2024 (translated from French)
"For the group tests I made sure to be the good second, to give everyone a chance to speak. I did not chase my nature, I just made sure not to be too enthusiastic." — Successful Air France/HOP candidate, Airline Selection Programme testimonial, 2024
Preparing for Air France? Two things get you to CDG.
A professional pilot CV that passes Air France HR screening, and 496 real selection questions with model answers from pilots who passed.
Recruitment Committee & Medical
After PSY 2, your complete dossier — psychotechnical scores, psychomotor results, 16PF personality profile, group exercise assessment, and individual interview notes — is reviewed by a Recruitment Committee composed of Air France pilots and management. The committee can recommend acceptance, postponement (1 or 2 years), or elimination. In some cases for the Professional stream, the committee may also request an additional assessment. Each candidate receives an individual notification of the committee's decision.
Postponement vs Elimination
One postponement is not uncommon — it means the committee saw potential but wants either more experience or maturity. Candidates postponed for 1 year may be called back directly to PSY 2; those postponed for 2 years must repeat the full PSY 0 + PSY 1 + PSY 2 cycle. The debriefing offered after a first PSY 2 failure is valuable — candidates report it identifies specific areas for development rather than broad negative feedback.
Accepted candidates must hold a valid EASA Class 1 medical certificate before entering training (cadets) or the SADE conversion course (experienced pilots). Upon joining Air France, pilots undergo the SADE (Stage d'Adaptation à l'Exploitation — Operator Conversion Course), followed by simulator training for either a Type Rating on a new type or NAF (Normalisation Air France) standardisation if already type-rated.
"I tried Air France 2 years ago without specific preparation — result: postponed 2 years. The debriefing did not reveal any really negative points, but rather errors in how I approached the tests." — Air France candidate on second attempt, Airline Selection Programme testimonial, 2024
A330 Technical Preparation
Air France operates the Airbus A330 across its medium and long-haul network, and experienced pilot candidates applying for A330 positions will face type-specific technical questions during the selection process. These questions test your understanding of A330 systems, limitations, and operational differences compared to the A320 family or Boeing types you may have flown previously.
Key technical areas to prepare include the A330 autoflight system (autopilot modes, flight director logic, autothrust behaviour, flight envelope protections and their differences from the A320), the hydraulic system (three independent systems — Green, Blue, Yellow — and their priority logic during degraded operations), the electrical system (AC/DC generation, busbar architecture, emergency electrical configuration), the fuel system (inner/outer tank sequencing, centre tank transfer, fuel trim tank management for centre-of-gravity optimisation), and the air conditioning and pressurisation system (pack logic, cabin altitude management, ditching button function).
The A330 shares Airbus common type rating philosophy with the A320 family, but critical differences exist that assessors specifically test. The A330 uses a different thrust management architecture with separate engine and autothrust computers. The flight control system uses mechanical backup for the trimmable horizontal stabiliser and rudder, unlike the A320's full fly-by-wire. Weight and performance limitations differ substantially — maximum landing weight restrictions, approach speed calculations, and go-around performance with one engine inoperative on a heavy aircraft require specific preparation. Air France assessors expect you to know these differences precisely, not approximately.
Tip: Browse our Air France interview questions database for A330 type-specific technical questions with detailed answer frameworks covering all major systems.
Air France Pilot Assessment Preparation — Sample Questions
Preparing for the Air France pilot assessment? Below are three questions from our Air France question bank with the coaching frameworks that candidates use to prepare. The first shows the complete answer — all paragraphs, tips, and airline-specific context. Each of the 496 questions in the full pack averages 600 words of structured coaching per answer.
It is your SOSIE debrief at PSY 2. The psychologist tells you that your profile shows low stress tolerance and asks you to respond. How do you handle this?
I Would Accept the Feedback Constructively — If the SOSIE debrief at PSY 2 tells me I scored lower than expected on certain dimensions, I would listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and reflect honestly. I would not become defensive or argue with the psychologist's assessment. I would say: "I appreciate the feedback. Can you help me understand what I could have done differently?" The PSY 2 is assessing self-awareness and adaptability — how I respond to the debrief is itself part of the evaluation.
Provide Context and Nuance — Explain what specific situations trigger your stress response and how the SOSIE result maps to your actual experience. 'I tend to experience higher stress in evaluation situations — like this selection — and in situations with high ambiguity and low control. In operational flying contexts where I have trained procedures to follow, my stress response is significantly lower because preparation and SOPs give me a framework to manage uncertainty.' This context is important: the SOSIE measures self-reported tendencies across general life situations, but cockpit performance depends on trained responses, not raw personality traits. A pilot with high trait anxiety who has developed excellent coping strategies may perform better under pressure than a pilot with low trait anxiety who has never been tested. Air France's training department recognises this — psychologist Nathalie Pain has stated they look for 'adapted behaviours,' not perfect profiles.
Demonstrate Your Coping Strategies — Show that low stress tolerance with strong management is fundamentally different from low stress tolerance with poor management. Name specific strategies you use: structured preparation (thorough briefing reduces uncertainty, which reduces stress), breathing techniques (4-7-8 breathing or box breathing during high-workload phases), cognitive reframing (treating stressful situations as challenges rather than threats), compartmentalisation (focusing on the immediate task rather than spiralling into downstream worries), and post-event debriefing (processing stress after the event rather than during). If you have worked with a performance psychologist or used specific frameworks (mental rehearsal, progressive desensitisation, EMDR for specific anxieties), mention them. Provide a concrete example: 'During my last simulator check, I felt significant pre-check anxiety. I used my preparation routine — 30 minutes of mental rehearsal, breathing exercises, and a structured brief — and my performance was above standard.'
Connect to the Air France Safety Culture — Close by reframing your stress awareness as a safety asset, not a liability. 'I believe my awareness of my own stress response actually makes me a safer pilot. Because I know how I react to pressure, I prepare more thoroughly, I recognise when my performance might be degrading, and I am more likely to speak up and ask for help. The pilots who are most dangerous are those who do not recognise their own stress — they cannot manage what they cannot see.' Reference Air France's startle effect training (developed post-AF447) — this training exists because stress responses are real, physiological events that affect all pilots. The airline does not select for the absence of stress but for the ability to manage it. Your SOSIE profile is the starting point of a conversation, not a verdict. Show the psychologist that you can engage honestly with unflattering data about yourself — this openness to feedback is the most important quality the debrief tests.
Tip: DO: accept the result, provide context, demonstrate coping strategies with evidence, reframe stress awareness as a safety asset. DO NOT: argue with the SOSIE, claim the test is wrong, deny experiencing stress, become visibly anxious during the debrief. Reference 'adapted behaviours' concept. Reference AF447 startle training. This is the ultimate PSY 2 test: can you handle honest, uncomfortable feedback about yourself? End strong.
4 coaching paragraphs + tips · this level of detail for every question
You are operating an A350 from CDG to Tokyo-Haneda. Four hours into cruise over Central Asia, your Captain announces he has a severe headache and blurred vision. How do you manage this?
I Would Assess the Situation and Begin Contingency Planning — If operating an A350 from CDG to Tokyo-Haneda and four hours into cruise a situation develops — medical emergency, technical issue, or weather diversion — I would gather all available information, assess the urgency, and identify my options. Over central Asia or Siberia, diversion options may be limited. I would brief the captain on my assessment, contact Air France dispatch via ACARS, and prepare to make the best decision with the information available.
+ 4 more paragraphs + tips in the full version
Describe the A320 flight control system — how does fly-by-wire work?
FBW Fundamentals and A320 Innovation — The A320 was the first civil aircraft to feature full fly-by-wire flight controls when it entered service in 1988. In a conventional aircraft, the pilot’s control inputs are transmitted to the control surfaces through mechanical cables, pushrods, and hydraulic actuators. In the A320’s FBW system, the side-stick controller generates electrical signals that are processed by flight control computers, which then command hydraulic actuators to move the control surfaces. There is no mechanical linkage between the side-stick and the flight surfaces in normal operation. The side-stick itself provides spring-loaded centering with no force feedback from the aerodynamic loads on the surfaces — a fundamental philosophical difference from Boeing’s FBW implementation (which uses a yoke with force feedback). This design was controversial at introduction but has become the standard for all subsequent Airbus types including the A220, A330, A350, and A380.
+ 4 more paragraphs + tips in the full version
496 Air France questions with full coaching frameworks
Technical Interview (324) · HR Interview (113) · Simulator Assessment (40) · Group Exercise (19)
496
questions
~600
words per answer
30
airlines total
Lifetime access · Alternatives charge €130+ for 90-day subscriptions
What Successful Candidates Say
Prepare the psychomotor tests seriously. The dual-joystick multitasking test at PSY 1 is not something you can improvise. It requires managing multiple simultaneous tasks that combine dexterity, spatial awareness, and logical reasoning. Dedicated preparation platforms (EPLtest, Pilotest) that replicate the ENAC test formats are used by the overwhelming majority of successful candidates. Aim for Stanine class 7 or above in practice before your test date.
Understand the 16PF before PSY 2. The 16PF personality inventory drives the individual interview. Candidates who took the 16PF with a specialist debriefing beforehand — understanding their own profile and how it maps to the competencies Air France assesses — report significantly higher confidence and performance. This is not about faking a personality. It is about understanding how your traits are interpreted and preparing examples that illustrate your strengths without contradicting your profile.
Know Air France deeply. This is a flag carrier with 90+ years of history, strong union culture (SNPL), and a complex group structure. Know the fleet transition (A220 replacing A318/A319, A350 replacing A330, 777-300ER replacement decision pending), the CDG hub consolidation (all Air France operations moving to CDG by 2026, Orly transferring to Transavia), the Transavia relationship and the SNPL pilot agreement, the cadet program relaunch in 2018, the 300 pilots/year hiring target, and the €33 billion group revenue in 2025. Show that you understand Air France as a company, not just as an airline you want to fly for.
Practice mental arithmetic daily. Multiple candidate reports identify mental math as the component that catches people out at PSY 1. Speed and accuracy under time pressure, without a calculator. Spend 2–3 weeks doing 20 minutes of daily mental maths before your ENAC date — calculation series, percentages, speed/distance/time, interval problems.
French fluency is non-negotiable. All training, all SOPs, all cockpit communication, and the PSY 2 interview itself are conducted in French. If your French is not native-level, invest in intensive language preparation before applying. The English proficiency requirement (TOEIC ≥ 850 for Professional stream) is separate and additional — you need both.
Quick Salary Reference (2026)
Air France pays a monthly base salary plus a per-flying-hour rate. Total compensation depends on rank, aircraft type, seniority, and flight hours. Unlike low-cost carriers, Air France pays for all type rating conversions and pays pilots a salary during training — representing a €30,000+ saving compared to self-funded type rating requirements at other airlines. Benefits include layover allowances, staff travel for family and friends (after 6 months), and SkyTeam partner discounts.
| Rank | Monthly Base (EUR) | Per Hour | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / Second Officer | €3,500–€4,500 | — | ~€42,000–€54,000 |
| First Officer | €5,000–€11,500 | €40–€95 | €60,000–€132,000 |
| Captain (Short-haul) | €12,000–€15,000 | €90–€135 | €150,000–€180,000 |
| Captain (Long-haul widebody) | €15,000–€20,000+ | €90–€135 | €200,000–€250,000+ |
Figures are approximate gross estimates from Aviation A2Z (August 2025), VisaVerge (August 2025), and Aero World (August 2025). Actual pay varies by seniority, aircraft type, and hours flown. See our full Air France salary breakdown for detailed analysis including benefits, cadet program financials, and career progression.
Sources & Methodology
This guide is compiled from Air France Careers official selection pages (corporate.airfrance.com/en/airline-pilot), Air France corporate press releases on cadet recruitment (June 2024, June 2025), pilot community reports on PPRuNe French Forum, Glassdoor Air France interview reviews (224 questions, 210 reviews as of 2025), Airline Selection Programme candidate testimonials (2024–2025), Pilotest.com and EPLtest.fr PSY 1 preparation documentation, tintin-dans-les-airs.fr first-hand cadet selection blog (November 2024), Cap'Aviation and Aerocontact selection guides, and multiple salary sources including Aviation A2Z, VisaVerge, and Aero World (all August 2025). Fleet data from Air France-KLM Group annual report 2025, FlightGlobal, and Air France corporate fleet announcements (December 2025).
Air France's recruitment process evolves annually — deferral rules were updated in January 2025, and the A220/A350 fleet transition is changing type rating pathways. Always check the Air France Careers pilot page for the most current requirements and open vacancies. This guide was last updated in March 2026.