<p><img alt="Jieun" src="/getasset/f44f0aba-f3d4-4484-b367-16b5c4938cc6/" /></p>
<p>Last month I discussed my first steps towards becoming an airline pilot - but before I get anywhere near a cockpit, I had to actually get into flight school first!</p>
<p>At Alpha Aviation Academy UAE the application process for new cadets is split into five different sections: English, Maths and Physics testing; Computer-Based Aptitude Testing; Psychometric Evaluation; an interview; and finally, a medical examination.</p>
<p>Some parts were easier than others. The medical examination and English, Maths and Physics testing we’re fairly straightforward. For the Physics and Maths testing you require year 11 academic knowledge, where you are tested on subjects such as Newton’s three laws, acceleration, gravity and calculations, for example. If you’re struggling with concepts such as basic calculation, speed, time, distance, acceleration and gravity it may be that a career as a commercial pilot may not be for you.</p>
<p>Following this, I undertook the computer-based memory tests and psychometric testing, which takes up to two hours. You are asked about how you feel and what kind of person you are, so that a psychological profile of you can be formed. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Yes, effective piloting depends on a lot of technical knowledge – but equally on the ability to perform under pressure whilst being responsible for the safety of hundreds of passengers.</p>
<p>For the interview stage, I was asked questions such as how hydraulics work to land a plane, or what the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is - so some basic aircraft knowledge is required. As former cabin crew, I was lucky that I was already familiar with a lot of the terminology and I could picture in my mind how the different components work.</p>
<p>I was also asked about why I wanted to become a pilot, my views leadership within aviation and how I would handle certain situations such as a disagreement with senior management; they key is to demonstrate your passion, with the whole interview taking approximately 40 minutes.</p>
<p>Overall, the whole application process took place over the course of about a fortnight. I received my results about half an hour after each test, and if you fail to pass certain modules you have the opportunity to resit – although by no means does everyone make it through. Even if every test is passed, you are given constructive feedback on how you can further improve.</p>
<p>My advice for the application process would be to be confident – you aren’t going to pass 100% in everything, but make sure to brush up on your basic maths and physics in advance and take a look online for some aptitude testing practice. Have a think about why you <em>really</em> want to be a pilot, and make sure you have a good knowledge of the basic components and workings of a commercial aircraft.</p>
<p>At Alpha Aviation Academy UAE a new batch of cadets is received every two months, so once you’ve been accepted the wait to start Ground School isn’t too long (often straight away). My first step was towards Ground School was to purchase my cadet uniform from Air Arabia, and on my first day meet my fellow cadets – where I’ll be picking up again next month.</p>
<p>Last month I discussed my first steps towards becoming an airline pilot - but before I get anywhere near a cockpit, I had to actually get into flight school first!</p>
<p>At Alpha Aviation Academy UAE the application process for new cadets is split into five different sections: English, Maths and Physics testing; Computer-Based Aptitude Testing; Psychometric Evaluation; an interview; and finally, a medical examination.</p>
<p>Some parts were easier than others. The medical examination and English, Maths and Physics testing we’re fairly straightforward. For the Physics and Maths testing you require year 11 academic knowledge, where you are tested on subjects such as Newton’s three laws, acceleration, gravity and calculations, for example. If you’re struggling with concepts such as basic calculation, speed, time, distance, acceleration and gravity it may be that a career as a commercial pilot may not be for you.</p>
<p>Following this, I undertook the computer-based memory tests and psychometric testing, which takes up to two hours. You are asked about how you feel and what kind of person you are, so that a psychological profile of you can be formed. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Yes, effective piloting depends on a lot of technical knowledge – but equally on the ability to perform under pressure whilst being responsible for the safety of hundreds of passengers.</p>
<p>For the interview stage, I was asked questions such as how hydraulics work to land a plane, or what the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is - so some basic aircraft knowledge is required. As former cabin crew, I was lucky that I was already familiar with a lot of the terminology and I could picture in my mind how the different components work.</p>
<p>I was also asked about why I wanted to become a pilot, my views leadership within aviation and how I would handle certain situations such as a disagreement with senior management; they key is to demonstrate your passion, with the whole interview taking approximately 40 minutes.</p>
<p>Overall, the whole application process took place over the course of about a fortnight. I received my results about half an hour after each test, and if you fail to pass certain modules you have the opportunity to resit – although by no means does everyone make it through. Even if every test is passed, you are given constructive feedback on how you can further improve.</p>
<p>My advice for the application process would be to be confident – you aren’t going to pass 100% in everything, but make sure to brush up on your basic maths and physics in advance and take a look online for some aptitude testing practice. Have a think about why you <em>really</em> want to be a pilot, and make sure you have a good knowledge of the basic components and workings of a commercial aircraft.</p>
<p>At Alpha Aviation Academy UAE a new batch of cadets is received every two months, so once you’ve been accepted the wait to start Ground School isn’t too long (often straight away). My first step was towards Ground School was to purchase my cadet uniform from Air Arabia, and on my first day meet my fellow cadets – where I’ll be picking up again next month.</p>