Student Guide • Selection Intelligence
Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program Pilots Academy Student Guide
A premium, ready-to-prepare walkthrough of the selection journey—eligibility, stage-by-stage assessments, the unique Air Arabia elements, fees overview, core competencies, and a quick intelligence comparison.
3 Stages
ADAPT assessment → ELP interview → Panel interview
Unique Differentiators
Extended Flight Test + Solo aviation-English + Sharjah relocation prompt + 9-topic Technical PPT
Selection Intelligence
Aviation-Context Prep
Quick Study Promise
Don’t memorize. Understand. Train precision. Speak with clarity. Stay consistent.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply?
Eligibility summary (no mock claims)
2. Selection Process — Overview
Your selection journey (Air Arabia)
Based on firsthand intelligence from recent candidate rounds.
3. Stage 1 — ADAPT Assessment
8 Modules + Air Arabia’s Extended Flight Test
Module-by-module what to expect & what to practise
MOD 1
Progressive Maths
Speed • Distance • Fuel • Bearings
- Speed, Distance, Time, Fuel Consumption, Bearings — foundation and intermediate levels
Tip: Same as IndiGo ADAPT. Practise mental maths daily—foundation first, then intermediate.
MOD 2
Physics Test
Class 11–12 Physics
- Newton's Laws, Bernoulli's principle, forces, pressure
- Bernoulli: as fluid speed increases, pressure decreases
- Newton 2nd Law: if force doubles and mass stays constant, acceleration doubles
- Drag opposes motion through air
Tip: Bernoulli and Newton’s Laws are most common. Revise Class 11–12 Physics thoroughly.
MOD 3
English Test
Comprehension • Vocabulary
- Grammar, sentence correction, vocabulary, comprehension
- Aviation-context comprehension passages appear here
Tip: Read aviation articles to build familiarity with aviation-context comprehension.
MOD 4
FAST — Multitasking
Simulated cockpit + questions
- Fly simulated cockpit + answer questions + track background events simultaneously
Tip: Stabilise the aircraft first. Answer questions in the gaps. Do not sacrifice flight control.
MOD 5
Cognitive Reasoning
6 sub-sections
- Numerical, Verbal, Spatial (SRR), Abstract, Perceptual Speed (PSA), Working Memory
Tip: Practise each sub-type separately. Instrument reading (PSA) often surprises candidates.
MOD 6
Flight Test (EXTENDED)
Key Air Arabia Differentiator
- Fly at set airspeed and altitude parameters following headings and waypoints
- Sustained performance under time pressure (not just brief introduction)
- Precision over speed: small, deliberate inputs throughout
Tip: Practise longer extended simulator sessions specifically. Do not just practise starting—practise
sustaining precision for the full duration.
MOD 7
Coordination Test
Ball game
- Keep a ball centred on screen
- Same ball game format as IndiGo
Tip: Small, smooth corrections only. Over-correcting is the most common failure.
MOD 8
Personality Questionnaire
~300 questions • Untimed
- Forced-choice: pick which option best describes you, then rate moderate or strong preference
- Untimed — no right or wrong answer
Tip: No right or wrong. Be honest and consistent—~300 questions cross-check automatically. Answer as who you genuinely are.
Air Arabia Insight
What the extended Flight Test really tests
Focus: sustained precision, not speed theatrics
Personality questionnaire: consistency is everything
Key insight: 300 questions cross-check each other. Inconsistent answers are flagged automatically. Answer as who you genuinely are.
Choice example
If pay same, prefer: counsellor vs engineer
Choice example
More distracted by: mental vs physical task
Choice example
On new project first: succeed vs potential problems
Module 5 Breakdown
Cognitive reasoning: what it tests
Samples included for faster revision
Numerical Reasoning
Algebra, sequences, fractions, arithmetic.
Example: If 8x + 3 = 75, what is x? • 2/8th of 640
Verbal Reasoning
Anagrams, synonyms, antonyms, logic puzzles.
Example: Rearrange r-i-p-t-o-r-a → AIRPORT • Word most similar to “help”
Spatial Reasoning (SRR)
Reflections, rotations, cube folding, map navigation.
Example: Select reflection across red line
Abstract Reasoning
Odd one out, sequence completion, comparison grids.
Example: Select shape that does NOT fit
PSA — Perceptual Speed
Aviation instrument reading & grid identification.
Example: Select airspeed indicator showing 94 knots
Working Memory
Recall and match radar patterns, dot patterns, sequences.
Example: How many contacts on radar image?
4. Stage 2 — ELP Interview (One-on-One)
Aviation-English that sounds structured, not memorised
ICAO Level 4+ benchmark
HR Questions (common prompts)
What you may be asked
Prepare examples, not scripts
Tell me about yourself
Explain your path and motivation to become a pilot.
Why do you want to be a pilot?
Show a genuine aviation connection and long-term purpose.
Strengths & weaknesses
Give practical examples and show growth mindset.
5. Stage 3 — Panel Interview
HR + Relocation + Technical PPT (unique to Air Arabia)
Depth matters more than breadth
Technical PPT Topics
The 9-topic presentation map
Presented 10 minutes per topic
1Forces of Flight
Lift • Drag • Thrust • Weight
- How they interact in level and climbing flight
2Angle of Attack and Stall
Recognition • Recovery
- What causes a stall
- How to recognise it and correct recovery procedure
3Aircraft Controls
Ailerons • Elevator • Rudder
- Control surfaces and their effects
- Role of flaps
4Cockpit Layout — Six Pack
Instruments
- ASI, Altimeter, VSI, Attitude Indicator, Heading Indicator, Turn Coordinator
5Importance of Weather in Flight
Planning • Safety • Diversion
- How weather affects planning, safety decisions, diversion planning
6GPS and Navigation
Modern aviation
- How GPS works, its role, and its limitations
7Power Plant Types
Piston • Turboprop • Jet
- Piston, turboprop, turbojet, turbofan—how each works & applications
8Situational Awareness
Critical cockpit skill
- What it is, why it’s critical, and how to maintain it
9Phases of Flight
Taxi • Takeoff • Landing
- Taxi, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach, landing—key tasks in each
Pilots Academy note: These presentations must be self-prepared. Do not memorise—understand.
The panel will ask follow-up questions within the 10-minute slot.
Depth matters more than breadth. Be ready for Q&A on every slide.
6. Fees, Instalments & Career Progression
Investment overview (estimates)
Official payments must be made in AED
Category breakdown
| Category | Amount | Estimate (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 2,000 AED | ~Rs. 50,000 |
| Pilot Training Programme Fee | 7,29,750 AED (inclusive of VAT) | ~Rs. 1.85 Crores |
| Food & Accommodation Allowance | 40,000 AED | ~Rs. 10 Lakh |
| TOTAL | — | ~Rs. 1.96 Crores (approximately) |
Note: These are estimates for preparation guidance only.
7. Core Competencies Assessed
The nine competencies behind every decision
Evaluated across ADAPT • ELP • Panel
8. Quick Comparison (Preparation Guidance)
Air Arabia vs IndiGo vs Air India (with Pilots Academy references)
Based on firsthand intelligence • for guidance only
| Criterion | Air Arabia • Pilots Academy | IndiGo | Air India |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Status |
Currently Open — Applications being accepted • Total investment approximately Rs.1.96 Crores
Follow @pilots_academy_ or visit pilotsacademy.co.in for the latest batch updates.
|
Rolling Opens — 2 to 3 FTOs open per year | Check pilotsacademy.co.in for latest status |
| Stage 1 Platform | Symbiotics ADAPT — 8 modules plus Extended Flight Test | Symbiotics ADAPT — 8 modules plus ~300Q Personality | Aon Cut-E — 8 modules, approximately 84 minutes |
| Stage 2 | ELP Interview — 1-on-1, Aviation English proficiency | Group Discussion (topic/data case study) | Group Discussion (self-intro + leadership topic) |
| Stage 3 | Panel Interview — HR + Relocation question + 9-topic Technical PPT | Personal interview — Aviation knowledge + mental math on spot | Psychologist & ELP & HR panel — Physics, DGCA, situational |
| Unique Element | 9-topic Technical PPT (10 min each) and Relocation to Sharjah question | Mental math live on the spot and FTO-specific knowledge check | Family support question and 3 emergency scenarios verbal |
| Approx Cost | Approximately Rs.1.96 Crores | Indian: ~Rs.90L / Australia: ~Rs.1.5 Cr | US: ~Rs.1.5–1.6 Cr / Indian: ~Rs.1.3 Cr |
Pilots Academy links in the source: pilotsacademy.co.in • @pilots_academy_. For guidance only.
Preparation Map
Module 1–8: What to practise (fast revision)
Turn content into training priorities
MOD 1
Progressive Maths
Mental maths daily
- Speed, Distance, Time, Fuel Consumption, Bearings
Tip: Foundation → Intermediate progression.
MOD 2
Physics
Bernoulli + Newton
- Newton's Laws • Bernoulli’s principle • forces • pressure
Tip: Revise Class 11–12 thoroughly; focus on Bernoulli & Newton’s Laws.
MOD 3
English
Aviation comprehension
- Grammar • sentence correction • vocabulary • comprehension
Tip: Read aviation articles; build comprehension familiarity.
MOD 4
FAST — Multitasking
Control first
- Simulated cockpit + questions + background events
Tip: Stabilise first; answer in gaps; never sacrifice flight control.
MOD 5
Cognitive Reasoning
6 sub-types
- Numerical • Verbal • SRR • Abstract • PSA • Working Memory
Tip: Practise sub-types separately; PSA instrument reading surprises candidates.
MOD 6
Flight Test (EXTENDED)
Precision under time pressure
- Maintain parameters throughout headings and waypoints
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR: Sustained precision flying under time pressure.
Small, deliberate inputs. Practise longer sessions specifically.
MOD 7
Coordination
Small smooth corrections
- Ball game: keep a ball centred on screen
Tip: Over-correcting is the most common failure—keep it smooth.
MOD 8
Personality Questionnaire
~300 questions • Untimed
- Forced-choice pairs; rate moderate/strong preference
Tip: No right or wrong. Be honest and consistent. Inconsistencies can be flagged automatically.
FAQ
Common student questions (guided answers)
Quick clarity for your prep
Is Stage 2 (ELP) about grammar?
No. It’s an aviation-context English interview (ICAO Level 4+ benchmark). The assessor wants structured, clear
communication and aviation-appropriate vocabulary—not grammar corrections.
What makes Air Arabia different in ADAPT?
The Flight Test (Module 6) is significantly more extensive and demanding. You’re tested on sustained precision flying
under time pressure with small, deliberate inputs throughout.
How should I answer the Sharjah relocation question?
Don’t treat it as a formality. Provide specific substance: family support, cultural adjustment, financial planning for Sharjah,
and long-term career commitment. Research practically and speak with credibility.
Do I need to memorise the Technical PPT?
No—understand instead of memorising. The panel can ask follow-up questions within the 10-minute slot. Depth matters more than breadth,
and you should be ready for Q&A on every slide.
What’s the biggest “success pattern” across stages?
Consistency. Across ADAPT and personality questionnaire cross-checks (~300 questions), inconsistent answers can be flagged automatically.
Also align your communication with the nine core competencies—teamwork, communication, leadership, confidence, motivation, aviation knowledge,
adaptability, decision-making, and resilience.