Eurowings Pilot Selection: The Full Picture
Eurowings at a Glance
Fleet
~100
A320 family + 737 MAX
Network
140+
Destinations in Europe
Main Hub
DUS
Düsseldorf Airport
Questions
223
In our Prep Pack
Eurowings is the Lufthansa Group's low-cost/hybrid carrier, wholly owned by Lufthansa and headquartered in Cologne. The airline was formed in 1990 and transformed from a regional operator into Lufthansa's primary point-to-point brand, absorbing Germanwings operations in 2015 and Air Berlin routes in 2017. Eurowings operates a fleet of approximately 100 Airbus A320 family aircraft (A319, A320, A320neo) from bases across Germany — Düsseldorf (primary hub), Cologne/Bonn, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Munich — plus European bases in Palma de Mallorca, Vienna, and Salzburg through its subsidiary Eurowings Europe.
737 MAX Fleet Modernisation Programme
In January 2025, Eurowings announced the largest fleet modernisation programme in its history: 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft allocated from Lufthansa Group's order book, arriving from 2027 through 2032. These will replace the aging A319 fleet and older A320s, adding 39 seats per aircraft (189 vs 150 on the A319). This makes Eurowings the first Lufthansa Group passenger airline to operate Boeing narrowbodies in over a decade — and means newly hired pilots may transition to the 737 MAX within their first years.
A critical distinction: Eurowings uses Interpersonal in Hamburg for its pilot selection — not the DLR (German Aerospace Center) used by Lufthansa mainline. The assessment format, content, and evaluation criteria are different. Candidates who have prepared exclusively for DLR-style testing will find the Interpersonal Basic Qualification (BQ) requires adjusted preparation, particularly the timed ATPL theory component and the personality assessment structure.
Online Application
CV, licences, flight hours, medical — via Eurowings careers website
Interpersonal BQ
Aptitude tests, ATPL theory (60 Qs/40 min), maths, physics, English — in Hamburg
Personality & Group Exercise
Psychological profiling (180–300 questions), two group assessment exercises
HR Interview & Technical
Motivational, situational, and technical questions — panel format
Simulator Assessment
A320 Level D — instrument flying, abnormals, CRM assessment
Medical & Background
Class 1 medical, drug test, criminal record, reliability clearance
Stage 1: Online Application
Applications are submitted through the Eurowings careers website. Required documents include: EASA pilot licence (German or Austrian licence desirable but not mandatory), ICAO language proficiency certificate, Class 1 medical, flight hours and training certificates (theory + MCC + UPRT), a photograph, and optionally a CV (the online form captures most details). Criminal record certificate is also required. Applications are always open — Eurowings recruits continuously.
For First Officers: EASA ATPL(A) or CPL(A) with ATPL credit, or MPL(A) without operator obligation. If no valid A320 type rating is held, candidates must hold or have held a multi-engine instrument rating (MEP/IR, aircraft type/IR, or even an expired A320/IR). Advanced UPRT training and MCC are mandatory. For Captains: EASA ATPL(A) with additional minimum command time requirements. EU citizenship or valid EU work permit is required for non-EU nationals.
Wait time between application and the first assessment stage varies significantly — candidates report anything from 2 weeks to 8 months. Eurowings processes applications in batches, and the timeline depends on operational hiring needs. Patience is essential.
Stage 2: Interpersonal BQ — Aptitude & Theory
The Basic Qualification (BQ) is conducted by Interpersonal in Hamburg (not DLR). This is a full-day assessment covering multiple cognitive and knowledge domains. The ATPL theory component is the most distinctive: 60 questions in 40 minutes covering air law, instruments, meteorology, mass and balance, principles of flight, and performance. This is not a gentle refresher — candidates report that the questions require genuine operational understanding, not just memorised answers from question banks.
The aptitude tests evaluate reasoning ability (numerical, abstract, verbal), spatial awareness, multi-tasking capacity, and processing speed. A mathematics test covers aviation-relevant calculations: fuel burn, time/distance/speed, unit conversions, and basic trigonometry. A physics test covers fundamental concepts relevant to flight: forces, pressures, Bernoulli's principle, and thermodynamics. An English language test assesses ICAO-level communication proficiency.
Preparation tools: SkyTest offers an Interpersonal BQ-specific preparation module, and PASS provides Eurowings-specific ATPL refresher courses. PPRuNe forum reports consistently recommend studying from ATPL question banks (PASS, AviationExam, or LatestPilotJobs) and practising timed tests to simulate the 40-minute pressure of the theory exam. The BQ has a notable failure rate — candidates who treat it as a formality often fail the ATPL theory section.
"ATPL: 60 questions in 40 minutes. Air law, instruments, meteo, mass and balance, principles of flight, performance — study from where you can. Just do questions! The time pressure is real — you cannot afford to think about any single question for more than 30 seconds." — PPRuNe, Eurowings BQ assessment feedback, 2024
Stage 3: Personality Test & Group Exercise
The personality assessment is a comprehensive psychological profiling questionnaire — candidates report 180 to 300 questions. This evaluates behavioural traits, stress management, interpersonal style, and decision-making patterns. The profile is compared against a benchmark of successful Eurowings pilots. Assessors look for consistency between the personality profile and behaviour observed in the group exercise and interview — candidates who present a personality test profile that contradicts their in-person behaviour raise red flags.
The group exercise functions both as a standalone assessment and as a validation of the personality test results. Candidates work together on a structured task under time pressure. Assessors specifically watch for: ability to contribute constructively without dominating, clear communication of ideas, active listening, conflict resolution, and adaptive leadership (stepping forward when needed, stepping back when others contribute). The group exercise may be conducted in English with some German elements, depending on the candidate pool composition.
A distinctive Glassdoor report describes a Eurowings assessment format where candidates must draw topic cards and speak about them in front of the group in English — for example, "What is my life philosophy?" or "What do I like most about myself?" This tests both language fluency and the ability to present authentically under social pressure.
"The group exercise is used as a filter and as a comparator — to see if what you said in the personality test and personal interview were actually true. Be yourself consistently. If you try to project a different personality in each stage, they will notice." — Pilot assessment guide, Eurowings selection process, 2024
Stage 4: HR Interview & Technical Assessment
The personal interview covers three domains: motivation, situational judgement, and technical knowledge. Motivation questions probe your commitment to Eurowings specifically — why this airline rather than Lufthansa mainline, Condor, Ryanair, or another Lufthansa Group subsidiary. Given the public discussion about Lufthansa's multi-brand strategy and pay differentials, the panel wants to hear that you view Eurowings as a genuine career choice, not a stepping stone to mainline.
Situational questions follow the "What would you do if your Captain..." format — testing CRM competencies, assertiveness, and safety-first decision-making. Common scenarios include: a Captain who wants to continue an unstabilised approach, a Captain who dismisses a weather concern, or handling a disagreement about fuel decisions. The panel evaluates whether your response demonstrates graduated assertiveness — not passive compliance or aggressive confrontation.
The technical interview requires knowledge of your previous aircraft type (at minimum the most recent) or basic systems knowledge of the A320 — hydraulic system architecture, engine specifications, aircraft capacity. Expect ATPL-level questions on meteorology, navigation, performance, and regulations at operational depth. The assessors are typically experienced Eurowings pilots who can distinguish between memorised textbook answers and genuine operational understanding.
Stage 5: Simulator Assessment
The simulator assessment uses an Airbus A320 Level D full-motion simulator. Candidates report a typical profile: departure, radar vectors, ILS approach, engine failure (at various points — takeoff, cruise, approach), go-around, and potentially a hold or diversion scenario. The assessment evaluates instrument flying accuracy, standard operating procedures, CRM, and workload management under increasing complexity.
A specific challenge reported by candidates: assessors may attempt to distract or add task pressure at critical moments — such as issuing instructions near minima to see if you forget the landing checklist or descend below the decision altitude. This tests compliance with procedures under pressure — not whether you can fly a perfect approach in ideal conditions. The sim is a trap for candidates who become so focused on flying precisely that they lose situational awareness.
For non-A320-rated candidates, a briefing is provided on the cockpit layout. Type-specific knowledge is not expected — fundamental instrument flying and multi-crew procedures are what matter. Candidates with an existing A320 rating may receive a slightly more challenging profile with additional abnormal scenarios, as more is expected from their systems knowledge.
"They will try to give you instructions when reaching minima — to see if you forget the landing checklist or go below minimums. The sim is testing your resistance to distraction, not your flying skill alone. Know your callouts, stick to the procedure, and do not let anything pull you off your scan." — Pilot assessment preparation guide, Eurowings sim assessment, 2024
Know what Eurowings will ask you
Questions from pilots who passed Eurowings selection. HR scenarios, technical questions, sim prep — with model answers.
Get Assessment Prep Pack — €49.90Stage 6: Medical & Final Checks
The final stage requires: a valid EASA Class 1 medical, a negative drug test, a valid reliability clearance (Zuverlässigkeitsüberprüfung — the German aviation security check), a certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis), and an unrestricted passport. Non-EU citizens must provide proof of EU work permit eligibility. Candidates also need a certificate of training covering all required competencies.
The reliability clearance is a German-specific requirement that involves a background check by the aviation security authority (Luftsicherheitsbehörde). Processing time varies — candidates should apply for this as early as possible, as delays can push back the start date by several weeks. The drug test follows German aviation authority standards and includes screening for controlled substances.
Fleet, Bases & 737 MAX Transition
Eurowings currently operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet: A319 (approximately 150 seats), A320/A320neo (approximately 180 seats), across German and European bases. The subsidiary Eurowings Europe Limited operates from non-German bases (Palma, Vienna, Salzburg, formerly Pristina) under a separate AOC with different contract conditions, including a seasonal Wings Pattern roster with two off-months between November and February.
737 MAX Transition & Dual-Fleet Operations
The 737 MAX transition announced in January 2025 is the biggest operational change in Eurowings's history. Forty Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will arrive between 2027 and 2032, each offering 189 seats — a 26% capacity increase over the A319. Current A320-type-rated pilots will need cross-type transition training. For candidates joining now, this means potential dual-fleet qualification within the first few years — a significant career development opportunity and an important topic for interview preparation.
Main bases by operational volume: Düsseldorf (DUS, primary hub, largest base), Cologne/Bonn (CGN, headquarters location), Hamburg (HAM), Stuttgart (STR), Berlin (BER), Munich (MUC). Eurowings Europe bases include Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Vienna (VIE), and Salzburg (SZG). The Lufthansa Group strategy positions Eurowings as the primary leisure and point-to-point brand, distinct from Lufthansa mainline (premium hub-and-spoke) and Lufthansa City Airlines (hub feeder).
EFA Cadet Pathway
Ab initio candidates can enter Eurowings through the European Flight Academy (EFA), the Lufthansa Group's training organisation. Unlike the Lufthansa mainline pathway (which uses DLR for initial screening), EFA candidates selecting Eurowings undergo the Interpersonal BQ and CQ process in Hamburg. A DLR certificate with the appropriate group qualification rating is required for EFA entry — though the Eurowings-specific selection stages are administered by Interpersonal.
Training costs for the EFA programme are approximately €80,000–€100,000 (ATPL route). EFA's "Take-off Promise" applies: if no Lufthansa Group job offer is made within 24 months of graduation, EFA reimburses 50% of training costs. However, it is important to understand that in 2024–2026, the majority of EFA graduates are being funnelled into Eurowings or Lufthansa City Airlines rather than mainline — the EFA pipeline has effectively become a feeder for the subsidiaries.
"I did many assessments in my life, but Eurowings and Interpersonal make the selection process the longest possible. You do the BQ one month, the simulator after 3, and eventually the interview after another few months. Even passing everything, some people never get called. Be patient." — PPRuNe, Eurowings Europe F/O thread, 2024
Eurowings Pilot Assessment Preparation — Sample Questions
Preparing for the Eurowings pilot assessment? Below are three questions from our Eurowings 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 223 questions in the full pack averages 600 words of structured coaching per answer.
Describe the A320 Normal Law flight-envelope protections. How do these change in Alternate Law and Direct Law, and what triggers reversion?
Normal Law Protections — In Normal Law, the A320's flight control system provides comprehensive envelope protection: (1) pitch — alpha protection limits the aircraft's angle of attack to alpha-max regardless of sidestick input, preventing aerodynamic stall; alpha-floor provides automatic TOGA thrust if the aircraft decelerates below a critical AoA threshold; load factor protection limits to +2.5G/-1.0G in clean configuration; (2) roll — bank angle protection limits bank to 67° with sidestick input and 33° in hands-off flight; (3) speed — high-speed protection prevents exceeding VMO/MMO by introducing a nose-up command; (4) pitch attitude — limited to 30° nose up and 15° nose down. These protections allow pilots to manoeuvre aggressively if needed (such as during windshear escape or TCAS RA) without fear of exceeding structural or aerodynamic limits.
Alternate Law Changes — If certain sensors or computers fail, the system degrades to Alternate Law. Key changes: (1) load factor protection is retained; (2) alpha protection is LOST — replaced by a low-speed stability function that provides reduced nose-up authority near the stall, but the aircraft CAN be stalled; (3) bank angle protection may be reduced or lost depending on the specific failure; (4) pitch attitude protection is lost. The practical implication: in Alternate Law, the pilot must actively manage the speed-alpha relationship to avoid stall, which in Normal Law is handled automatically. An ECAM message 'USE MAN PITCH TRIM' may appear if the autotrim function is also degraded.
Direct Law — In Direct Law (typically entered after landing gear extension in Alternate Law, or with multiple system failures), all protections are removed. Sidestick inputs produce proportional control surface deflections without any augmentation. The aircraft handles like a conventional airplane — the pilot must manage all aspects of the flight envelope manually. There is no alpha protection, no bank angle protection, no load factor protection, and autotrim is unavailable — the pilot must trim manually using the pitch trim wheels. This is the most demanding flight condition for the A320 and is practised in simulator training.
Eurowings Operational Relevance — Understanding flight law degradation is essential for Eurowings A320 operations because: (1) the pilot must recognise which law is active — the FMA and ECAM provide this information, but recognising it quickly under stress requires training; (2) recovery actions differ by law — a stall recovery in Normal Law requires only releasing backpressure and allowing alpha protection to function, while a stall recovery in Alternate Law requires the classic nose-down-power-up technique; (3) approach and landing procedures change — in Direct Law, manual trim and direct control require significantly more pilot skill.
During Eurowings' recurrent simulator training, law degradation scenarios are standard training items. The simulator assessment may include a scenario where flight law changes occur, though this is more common in type rating exams than initial screening.
Tip: Know the three laws and the key differences between them. The critical exam/assessment point: Normal Law prevents stall through alpha protection; Alternate Law does NOT — this single difference is the most operationally significant. Be able to explain what the pilot must do differently in each law. Draw the degradation sequence: Normal → Alternate (with/without reduced protection) → Direct → Mechanical Backup.
5 coaching paragraphs + tips · this level of detail for every question
Why Eurowings? Why Germany?
Eurowings' Unique Position in European Aviation — Lead with what makes Eurowings distinctive: it occupies a niche that no other European carrier matches — a value airline with the operational standards and safety culture of the Lufthansa Group. Unlike ultra-low-cost competitors such as Ryanair or Wizz Air, Eurowings positions itself as a quality-conscious carrier — voted Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe at the 2025 Skytrax Awards. Explain that this balance between affordability and service quality creates an environment where pilots can deliver professional operations without the cost-cutting pressure that defines some competitors.
+ 2 more paragraphs + tips in the full version
Immediately after takeoff from Düsseldorf runway 23L with 180 passengers, you hear a loud bang and the left engine fire warning illuminates. You are at 1,500 feet, gear retracted, flaps retracting. Describe your complete decision-making process — memory items, engine securing, whether to return to DUS or continue to an alternate, crew communication, passenger considerations, and ATC coordination — considering Eurowings' operational context.
I Would Maintain Aircraft Control and Assess — If immediately after takeoff from Düsseldorf 23L I hear a loud bang with abnormal vibrations, I would first ensure the aircraft is climbing safely. My immediate check: are all engines producing thrust? If one engine shows abnormal parameters — N1 drop, EGT rise, vibration — I would follow the engine failure procedure. If all engines are normal, the bang may have been a bird strike, tyre failure, or FOD. I would not attempt to diagnose while climbing — I would advise ATC, maintain the climb, and assess once at a safe altitude.
+ 5 more paragraphs + tips in the full version
223 Eurowings questions with full coaching frameworks
HR Interview (93) · Technical Interview (91) · Simulator Assessment (26) · Written Test (12)
223
questions
~600
words per answer
30
airlines total
Lifetime access · Alternatives charge €130+ for 90-day subscriptions
What Successful Candidates Say
Based on candidate reports across PPRuNe, Glassdoor, PASS assessment data, and pilot assessment forums, here are the patterns that separate successful Eurowings candidates:
Treat the ATPL theory test seriously. Candidates who haven't touched their ATPL theory since their exams consistently fail the BQ. 60 questions in 40 minutes means less than 40 seconds per question — and the topics cover the full ATPL syllabus. Spend at least 2–3 weeks doing timed practice tests from PASS, AviationExam, or similar. Focus on air law, instruments, meteorology, and performance — these are reported as the heaviest-weighted subjects.
Eurowings is not a "stepping stone" — and the panel knows if you think it is. The most common interview failure is a candidate who clearly views Eurowings as a temporary stop before Lufthansa mainline. The panel will ask directly why Eurowings and not mainline. Good answers focus on Eurowings's specific strengths: the leisure/hybrid model, the upcoming 737 MAX fleet diversity, the base flexibility, the Vereinigung Cockpit collective agreement, the work-life balance with 42 days leave, and the faster command upgrade (5–8 years versus 12–15 at mainline).
The process is brutally long — do not lose momentum. Candidates report 2–8 months from application to final decision, with months-long gaps between stages. Some pass all stages and never receive a start date. This is not unusual for Eurowings — the airline processes candidates in batches aligned with training capacity. Stay current on your ATPL knowledge, keep your medical valid, and do not let the silence discourage you.
Know the 737 MAX story. This is the biggest operational change in Eurowings's history and the panel will almost certainly ask about it. Forty MAX 8 aircraft from 2027 replacing A319s, 189 seats versus 150, dual-fleet transition, cross-type training implications for existing A320 pilots. Demonstrating awareness of this shows operational engagement — you are not just applying for a job today, you are joining an airline in transformation.
"Skills and mentality they look for: patient (not impulsive), resilient (not an over-thinker), positive attitude, team player. The entire process is designed to detect these traits — not just at the interview, but in how you behave during breaks, how you interact with other candidates, how you handle the long wait." — Pilot assessment guide, Eurowings selection process, 2024
Preparing for Eurowings? Two things get you to Germany.
A professional pilot CV that passes Lufthansa Group screening, and 223 real assessment questions with model answers.
Quick Salary Reference (2026)
Eurowings pilot salaries are governed by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) collective agreement and are paid 13 times per year (12 monthly + 13th-month bonus). In addition to base salary, pilots receive variable FDP (Flight Duty Period) pay that escalates with monthly duty hours, plus per diem allowances. VC negotiated 5% raises for both 2025 and 2026, retroactive to January 2024. All figures are gross annual estimates including 13th month.
| Rank / Seniority | Annual Gross (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FO entry (year 1–3) | €60,000–€80,000 | Base + variable. 2-year TR bond if non-rated |
| FO mid-career | €80,000–€120,000 | Seniority progression + variable FDP pay |
| Captain (newly upgraded) | €120,000–€140,000 | Command upgrade at ~5–8 years |
| Captain (senior) | €140,000–€170,000 | With maximum seniority + instructor premium |
Figures compiled from VC collective agreement, PilotJobsNetwork, FlightDeckFriend, and Lufthansa Group reporting (2024–2026). Variable FDP pay adds €500–€1,500/month (season-dependent). Benefits: 42 days annual leave, 126 days off/year, 10 days off/month, Lufthansa Group staff travel. Wings Pattern roster at Eurowings Europe bases includes seasonal variation.
Sources & Methodology
This guide is compiled from Eurowings's official recruitment documentation, pilot community reports on PPRuNe (Professional Pilots Rumour Network), Glassdoor interview reviews, PASS pilot assessment preparation data, SkyTest and Vimana preparation software documentation, LatestPilotInterviews question databases, the VC collective agreement framework, and Lufthansa Group fleet strategy announcements. Question content in our Interview Prep Pack is sourced directly from candidate reports — each question shows its source type and confidence level.
Eurowings's recruitment process evolves over time. Always check the Eurowings careers page for the most current requirements and open positions. This guide was last updated in April 2026.
For Lufthansa Group comparisons, see our Lufthansa interview guide (DLR testing, mainline pathway) and Swiss interview guide (Gubsomat, PIT). For European LCC alternatives: Ryanair, easyJet, or Wizz Air.