Ryanair is Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, operating over 590 Boeing 737 aircraft to 250+ destinations. The airline recruits hundreds of pilots annually through its cadet program and direct entry routes. This guide covers everything you need to know about applying: requirements, the assessment process, and how to prepare.
Entry Routes to Ryanair
Ryanair offers several pathways depending on your experience level:
Cadet Programs
- Ab-initio (Future Flyer) — Zero experience to FO
- Gateway 1 — Modular CPL holders
- Gateway 2 — Frozen ATPL, no type rating
- Gateway 3 — Type-rated low-hour pilots
Direct Entry
- First Officer — 1,200 total, 1,000 on jet >30,000kg
- Captain — 3,500 total, 800 PIC on jet >30,000kg
- No training cost for direct entry
- Standard employment contract
Minimum Requirements
Cadet Requirements (Gateway 2/3)
- Valid EASA CPL with frozen ATPL (all theory exams passed)
- UK CAA licenses accepted (limited numbers)
- Valid EU Part-MED Class 1 medical certificate
- ICAO English Level 4 minimum (written proficiency required)
- Advanced UPRT certificate per FCL.745.A
- MCC certificate per AMC1 FCL.735.A
- Modular: 100 hours PIC (or 70 hours if integrated training)
Experienced First Officer Requirements
- Minimum 1,200 hours total flight time
- Minimum 1,000 hours on multi-crew, multi-engine jet aircraft >30,000kg MTOW
- Must have operated on qualifying aircraft within 36 months
- Flight Instructor hours are NOT considered
- Turboprop hours are NOT counted toward jet requirement
Captain Requirements
- Minimum 3,500 hours total flight time
- Minimum 800 hours PIC on multi-crew, multi-engine jet >30,000kg MTOW
- PIC hours on turboprop aircraft are NOT considered
Key Difference from Wizz Air
Ryanair does NOT use factorization. All hours must be actual flight time on qualifying aircraft types. Your 1,000 hours on a Cessna 172 won't count toward the 1,000-hour jet requirement for experienced FO.
Application Process Overview
- Online Application — Create profile on careers.ryanair.com, upload CV and documents
- Screening — Recruitment team reviews against minimum requirements
- Online Assessment — Cut-e (AON) psychometric tests (~€55 fee)
- Assessment Day — Simulator, technical interview, HR interview
- Result — Notification within 7 working days
- Type Rating Course — If successful, assigned to upcoming course date
This article covers a few schools. The database has them all.
Verified prices, fleet, airline partnerships, contacts — filterable and sortable. Updated quarterly.
Unlock All Schools — €19.99Online Assessment (Cut-e/AON)
After initial screening, you'll receive an invitation to complete online psychometric tests. The process:
- 3 days to pay the €55 fee to Cut-e (AON)
- 3 days to complete the assessment after receiving the link
- Total duration: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- Must be completed in one sitting
Test Components
| Test | What It Measures | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Spatial Orientation | 3D visualization, attitude recognition | Navigate through tube, avoid obstacles |
| Complex Control | Multitasking, divided attention | Align runway + solve math + identify letters |
| Numerical Reasoning | Mathematical ability under pressure | Quick calculations, true/false answers |
| Reaction Test | Speed and accuracy of response | Identify matching shapes quickly |
| Working Memory | Short-term memory capacity | Count objects, remember sequences |
Assessment Day
If you pass the online tests, you'll be invited to an assessment day in Dublin or another European sim center. The day typically includes:
Assessment Day Schedule
- 08:00 — Arrival, registration, document verification
- 08:30 — Briefing, introduction to Ryanair
- 09:00 — Paired with sim partner, receive charts (typically Liverpool or similar)
- 09:30-12:00 — Simulator sessions (rotating with partner)
- 12:00-13:00 — Lunch break
- 13:00-15:00 — Technical and HR interviews
- 15:00 — Debrief and departure
Simulator Assessment
The simulator assessment uses a B737-800 full flight simulator. Key points:
- Duration: 45 minutes total (as both PF and PM)
- Aircraft: B737-800 — you're NOT expected to know the type
- Assessor role: Acts as ATC, cabin crew, reads checklists
- Focus: CRM skills, basic handling, decision-making
What They're Looking For
According to candidate reports, Ryanair assessors focus on:
- CRM skills — Communication, workload sharing, supporting your partner
- Briefings — Structured, complete, appropriate timing
- Callouts — Standard phraseology, correct timing
- Basic handling — Reasonable accuracy (not perfection)
- Trainability — Response to feedback, learning during session
Candidate Tip
"They aren't looking for a B737 master. They don't expect you to not deviate some feet from altitude. They're looking for your CRM skills: the ability to share tasks, ask for help, accept help. Don't forget briefings, checklists, callouts, or your smile." — Successful candidate report
Interview Components
Technical Interview (30 minutes)
Covers ATPL theory subjects relevant to your current/previous aircraft:
- Principles of Flight
- Meteorology
- Operational Procedures
- Air Law
- Human Performance
- General Navigation
HR/Competency Interview (30 minutes)
Behavioral questions using STAR method:
- Tell me about yourself / Why Ryanair?
- Describe a time you made a mistake and what you learned
- Give an example of working under pressure
- How do you handle conflict in a team?
- Describe a situation where you showed leadership
- What would you do if a captain made an unsafe decision?
How to Prepare
For Online Tests
- Practice Cut-e style tests (available from various prep providers)
- Work on multitasking — the complex control test is challenging
- Ensure stable internet connection and quiet environment
- Complete in one sitting — you cannot pause
For Simulator
- Review MCC procedures and standard callouts
- Practice briefings (departure, approach, emergency)
- Consider simulator prep session (Dublin has several providers)
- Focus on CRM, not aircraft knowledge
For Interviews
- Refresh ATPL knowledge, especially POF, Met, and Ops
- Prepare 5-6 STAR examples covering key competencies
- Research Ryanair: fleet, destinations, values, recent news
- Prepare questions to ask at the end
Salary & Contract
| Position | Base Salary | Total (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| First Officer | €26,000-€36,000 | €50,000-€70,000 |
| Captain | €84,000-€155,000 | €90,000-€165,000 |
Get the Full Schools Database
Flight schools with verified pricing, fleet details, and airline partnerships. Sortable by 15+ criteria.
Get Database — €19.99Additional pay includes €20 per flight hour (~850 hours/year expected) and per diem allowances. Roster pattern is typically 5 days on / 4 days off or 5 days on / 3 days off. Most flying is "out and back" same-day operations.
Key Takeaways
- Ryanair uses actual hours — no factorization
- Cut-e online tests are the first major filter — prepare thoroughly
- Simulator assesses CRM and trainability, not B737 knowledge
- Type rating costs ~€29,000 for cadets (plus frozen ATPL costs separately)
- Results communicated within 7 working days of assessment
- Command upgrade possible in 4-5 years
Official application: careers.ryanair.com/pilots