Pilot Interview Questions

Group Assessments

Airlines are known for their rigorous selection processes to ensure that only the most competent and skilled individuals become pilots. Other than the one-to-one interview, one of the crucial stages in this process is the group assessment. Candidates are evaluated not only on their technical knowledge but, more importantly, on their non-technical skills. British Airways emphasizes the significance of non-technical competencies and incorporates them into its pilot selection process. In this post, we will look at the British Airways group assessment stage, the importance of non-technical skills, and how they are evaluated during the assessment.

The British Airways Group Assessment 

With the announcement of the latest British Airways Cadet Scheme, preparing for the group assessment is now more important than ever. The group assessment at British Airways is designed to assess your ability to work effectively as part of a team and make critical decisions under pressure. During this stage, you will be placed into a group, with up to a maximum of 6 other people.

Each of you will have an assessor, usually a recruitment training captain watching you. It is fairly intimidating but just relax and remember to be yourself. Each of you will be given a scenario pack consisting of about 3 pages of information. The first 2 pages for all of you will be the same, however, the last page of each candidate’s pack will have a specific piece of information relevant to the scenario. Examples include weather conditions, NOTAMS (Notice to Airmen), flight time limitations, and more.

You and your group will have 3 minutes to read and absorb the scenario thoroughly in total silence. It is essential to make notes during this time to ensure you grasp all the necessary information. You then have 20 minutes to make a decision based on the scenario provided collectively. The objective of the exercise is not just to arrive at a decision but to assess how you interact with other candidates, communicate, demonstrate leadership, and tackle challenges as a team.

This post will not tell you the scenario to expect. PilotPrep has the goal of equipping you with the right skills to tackle any scenario that British Airways will give you. By publishing the exact scenario, you will be at a disadvantage in case the scenario changes and also ruins the integrity of the group assessment process. 

Importance of Non-Technical Skills

While technical skills are undoubtedly essential for pilots, non-technical skills play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of flight operations. Non-technical skills refer to the cognitive, social, and personal competencies that complement a pilot’s technical abilities. These skills are particularly crucial in complex and dynamic situations, where effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making can make a significant difference.

The British Airways pilot competencies encompass a total of nine key areas, with five being non-technical skills. These non-technical competencies are:

Leadership and Teamwork: The ability to lead and collaborate effectively within a team, fostering cooperation and cohesion to achieve shared goals.

Communication: Clear and precise communication is vital for pilots to relay information, and instructions, to your crew and other stakeholders. 

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Pilots must be adept at identifying and resolving issues swiftly, making informed decisions that prioritize safety and efficiency.

Situational Awareness: Being aware of the current conditions and factors that may impact the flight is essential for making real-time adjustments and decisions.

Workload Management: Effective workload management ensures that pilots can handle multiple tasks and responsibilities without compromising their performance.

Evaluating Non-Technical Skills in the Group Assessment

The British Airways group assessment provides a system to assess a candidate’s non-technical skills in a realistic and challenging environment. Here’s how each of the non-technical competencies is evaluated during the assessment:

Leadership and Teamwork: The assessors observe how candidates interact with one another. Do they actively participate and contribute ideas? Are they supportive of others’ opinions? Do they take on leadership roles when necessary, guiding the group towards a consensus?

Communication: Clear and effective communication is key. The assessors assess how well candidates articulate their thoughts, actively listen to others, and seek clarification when needed. They also look for candidates’ ability to adapt their communication styles to ensure mutual understanding. If you don’t understand something, or disagree, say so! But do not be rude, be adaptive and empathetic with your communication style. 

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: How candidates approach the given scenario and collectively arrive at a decision is closely monitored. Do they analyze the available information thoroughly? Are they open to considering different perspectives? How do they handle disagreements or conflicting viewpoints?

Situational Awareness: Assessors observe whether candidates pay attention to the new information presented during the exercise. Are they adaptable and willing to modify their decisions based on the latest updates? Can they prioritize critical information? How much time is left?

Workload Management: Managing time and resources efficiently during the 20-minute exercise is vital. The assessors gauge how candidates handle the pressure and distribute responsibilities effectively within the group.

The Importance of Reflection

Following the group exercise, candidates are required to summarize their decision and reflect on their performance. This reflection phase provides an opportunity for candidates to learn from the experience and identify areas for improvement. It also shows how open candidates are to feedback and self-improvement.

The British Airways group assessment stage comprehensively evaluates your abilities beyond technical skills. Non-technical skills, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, situational awareness, and workload management, play a critical role in the aviation industry. Teamwork and decision-making are crucial for safe and efficient operations. Flying the plane is the easy part, the non-tech skills are the more difficult part, hence why there are more competencies related to non-tech skills!

Candidates who excel in the group assessment demonstrate not only their technical knowledge but also their ability to collaborate, communicate, and adapt in a high-pressure environment. For aspiring pilots, recognizing the significance of non-technical skills and honing them is the key to success not only in the group assessment but also in their future careers as competent and reliable pilots.

In summary, be honest, be open, be nice but be professional, and you will do well at this stage in the assessment process. 

Flying a plane is no easy task. It is a job that demands a mix of technical and non-technical. Every year airline pilots are graded on their performance in accordance with 9 pilot competencies. 5 of these competencies are non-technical.

Pilot interviews are designed to assess these multifaceted capabilities, preparation is crucial to stand out in an industry that is highly competitive and stringent in terms of safety and efficiency.

Use the STAR Technique 

The STAR technique is an interview response method to help candidates provide structured and complete answers to questions requiring examples to competency-based questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and it serves as a guide to structuring your responses in a way that effectively showcases your skills, competencies, and experiences.

First, describe the “Situation” you were in, providing context and background of the task at hand. Next, define the “Task” you were given or the challenge you faced. Then, you delve into the “Action” you took, detailing the steps you took and the skills or techniques you applied, and who you worked with. Finally, you share the “Result” of your actions. Did it lead to a positive outcome? Was it a negative outcome? If yes, why? Not all answers require positive results. 

This technique enables you to paint a picture of your problem-solving abilities and how you handle specific scenarios, providing tangible evidence of your suitability for the role. Crucial for airlines like British Airways which use evidence-based interviews. 

21 Pilot Interview Questions

Here are some example questions that you might encounter during a pilot interview, both technical and behavioral, think about applying the STAR technique. For more, please see my 400+ question database.

1. What challenges does our airline face?
2. If you couldn’t be an airline pilot, what would you do?
3. What does the role of a modern-day airline pilot entail?
4. What makes a good First Officer?
5. How can you reduce our costs at this airline?
6. Tell me about a time you had to persuade someone?
7. Tell me about a time you’ve had to adapt your communication style?
8. How do you prepare for a flight?
9. How do you handle stress?
10. Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision.
11. Tell me about a time you have worked effectively as a team?
12. How would you handle a situation where you and your captain disagree on a decision?
13. How do you stay updated with the latest aviation news?
14. Describe a time you had to handle a difficult situation with a crew member.
15. Tell me about a time you gave negative feedback?
16. What methods do you use to keep yourself fit and alert?
17. Why did you decide to become a pilot?
18. Can you explain the effects of altitude on the human body?
19. How would you manage a situation with a disruptive passenger?
20. How would you ensure effective communication with air traffic control?
21. What steps would you take if you suspect a colleague of substance abuse?

Sit down with a pen and paper and think about HOW you would answer these questions. You won’t answer every question perfectly. It’s important to listen to the question being asked and apply your life experience to the question, whether that be flying or non-flying related.

Good luck!

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely passed the initial assessment down at Waterside and have been invited to the British Airways simulator assessment on the Boeing 747 (As of 2024, the assessment is now completed on the A320 or A380). Congratulations! I understand the excitement and nervousness that come with such an opportunity. In this blog post, I will guide you through the essential steps to prepare effectively for this assessment. So, seatbelt signs on and let’s jump in!

The first step in preparing for any simulator assessment is to familiarize yourself with the process. The British Airways simulator assessment on the Airbus A320 or A380 is a full-on day. Expect a 4-hour simulator (with a break in the middle) with a 90-minute pre-briefing and a 15-minute debrief. That’s an almost 6-hour day before you factor in travel time. You will be part of a 2 person crew tasked with flying the aircraft, manually, all raw data and manual thrust from A-B where something non-technical will happen along the way and you will have to consider if continuing your flight is the best course of action. The BA simulator profile is ever-changing but think along the lines of a medical emergency, a closed airport, and deteriorating weather. 

There will be two sectors, you will be PF (pilot flying) for one and PM (pilot monitoring) for the other. Don’t worry too much about SOP callouts, as BA understands there’s a lot to learn already so they are expecting you to use the SOPs you know and use currently. However, LEARN the pitch and power settings and profiles they give you. Two of the competencies you will be graded against are Professional Standards and Knowledge, therefore your knowledge of these will be expected. Additionally, knowing these will give you spare capacity in the sim!

You will be given a 4-5 page document with everything you need to know which includes the pitch and power settings mentioned above. It also includes the profiles for take-off, approach, and landing. Note the landing is NOT assessed. This pack also includes a copy of the checklist used during recruitment. Learn this document and learn it well. I cannot overemphasize the importance of putting the work in beforehand.

Effective communication and Crew Resource Management (CRM) are vital skills for any pilot. During the assessment, you’ll be evaluated on your ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with your partner. Remember, you may not come from the same airline or country, so communication is essential (and also a pilot competency). Practice using standard phraseology, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor, and actively listening to instructions and suggestions. Collaborate with your partner! You are a team, you generally pass or fail as a crew (not always!), so help each other out like you would in the real world. This is not a points-scoring exercise, you are working together as a team to get the safest outcome. If you think your partner is doing something unsafe or unstable, SAY SO!

Consider booking additional simulator sessions before your assessment to gain familiarity with the aircraft’s handling characteristics and practice specific maneuvers. Yes, they are expensive. But joining British Airways is considered a career airline. Spending £500 now will pay dividends for your future. If you would like recommendations, please send me an email (paul@pilotprep.co.uk). I do not get kickbacks or commissions so any suggestions from me are genuine. 

The assessment process can be mentally and physically demanding. Prioritize your mental well-being by staying focused, managing stress effectively, and getting adequate rest before the assessment day. Seniority is important at BA but don’t shoot yourself in the foot and only give yourself a week to prepare. I would recommend taking a full 2 to 3 weeks to digest all of the documentation, armchair fly the profiles and attend a privately paid-for sim session.

Do your best, but don’t stress too much. You will make mistakes. Everyone I know who has got in to BA made mistakes during the sim assessment. As long as you fly safely, recover from your mistakes and keep focused you will be fine. Finally, enjoy! Not everyone gets to fly a full-motion A320 or A380 simulator.

British Airways are recruiting.

Preparing for a British Airways interview is crucial if you want to secure a job with one of the world’s most prestigious airlines. Being prepared shows the interviewer that you are enthusiastic and committed to the role, and also complies with their “Professional Standards” competency, and that you have taken the time to research the company and the requirements of the position. British Airways is known for its high standards and professionalism, so it is essential that you come across as confident and capable during the interview.

To prepare for a British Airways interview, you should research the company’s values and mission statement, as well as the requirements of the role you are applying for. Make sure you have the correct hours on the correct type! You should also think about your own skills and experiences and how they relate to the job. Practicing common interview questions can also help you feel more prepared and confident on the day. Below is a selection of questions that were asked during the recent round of recruitment to sources of mine.

1. Walk me through your CV and tell me about yourself.
2. What does Integrity mean to you?
3. Why British Airways and why short haul?
4. Tell me about a time you dealt with a complex problem and why was it complex.
5. Tell me about a time you persuaded someone to come around to your thinking.
6. How can you impact the cost of the operation on a daily basis?
7. Tell us about a time you gave both positive and negative feedback.
8. When you make a mistake, do you share those mistakes with your peers? If yes, how?
9. How do you keep on top of your mental health?
10. If a passenger stopped you in the terminal and pointed towards a thunderstorm looking concerned and nervous, how would you respond?
11. Tell me about a time you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer.
12. What do you think professionalism means?

Being prepared for a British Airways interview is essential if you want to secure a job with one of the world’s leading airlines. By researching the company and the role, as well as practicing common interview questions, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm, commitment, and suitability for the job. This will increase your chances of success and help you to stand out from other candidates.

The question, “Tell me about yourself?” is a classic interview opener that is almost always asked in a cadet pilot job interview as either the first or second question. It may seem like an easy question to answer, but it can actually be quite challenging to know where to begin and what information to include. In this post, we will explore the key considerations when answering this question, and provide some tips for crafting a strong response. If possible keep your answer to a maximum of 2 minutes!

Why Is This Question Asked?

It’s important to first understand why this question is asked. This question is designed to allow the interviewer to get to know you better and assess your suitability for the cadet pilot job but also allows them to assess your communication skills. Can you convey information clearly and concisely in a short period of time? By asking you to tell them about yourself, the interviewer is trying to determine whether you have the skills, experience, and qualities that are necessary to succeed as a cadet pilot.

Tips for Answering the Question

When answering this question, there are several key things to keep in mind:

1. Start with a brief introduction.

Begin your answer by introducing yourself and providing some basic information about your background. This could include your name, where you’re from, and your educational background and working background. I would go in reverse chronological order. Depending on your age, start with what you studied at school or University, then move onto work experience in order. Keep things short, but still specific. If you had any managerial responsibilities or worked in a team mention them. This allows the interviewer to springboard onto other questions from your responses.

2. Talk about your interest in flying.

As a cadet pilot, it’s obviously important to demonstrate a genuine passion for flying. Talk about how you have always been fascinated by aviation, and how you have pursued this interest by learning about planes, taking flying lessons, getting a PPL, attending air shows or career events, doing an internship, etc. Be sure to highlight any specific experiences or achievements that demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career as a pilot.

3. Highlight your skills and qualities.

Being a cadet pilot requires a range of skills and qualities, including strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, as well as a high level of technical proficiency. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight these qualities and demonstrate how they make you well-suited to the role.

4. Be specific.

Finally, when answering this question, it’s important to be specific and avoid vague or generic answers. Use concrete examples from your own experience to illustrate your passion for flying, your understanding of the challenges and rewards of the job, and your skills and qualities.

Sample Answer

“I’m Paul, I’m 26 (not true by the way) and grew up in the south of England. I went to University to study computer science and achieved first-class honours. At the same time, I worked multiple-part time jobs doing shift work to help pay for my study. I then moved abroad to work in finance for the last 5 years, working in teams of up to 20 people from all over the world working on projects to improve efficiency in our company, but also to boost the revenue of our clients. From a young age, I was fascinated by planes and knew that I wanted to pursue a career as a pilot. I don’t have the money for a PPL but I’ve taken a trial lesson and try and go gliding once a month. I’ve also been involved in a number of aviation-related extracurricular activities, including volunteering at air shows, clearing at my local gliding club, and visiting air traffic control towers. 

What I love most about flying is the sense of freedom and adventure it provides, and the fact that it requires a high level of technical skill and precision. I’m also a strong communicator and problem-solver, and I’m confident that these skills will serve me well as a cadet pilot.”

Conclusion

Crafting a strong answer to the question “Tell me about yourself?” is an important step in preparing for your cadet pilot job interview. By introducing yourself, highlighting your interest in flying, showcasing your skills and qualities, and being specific in your answer and keeping it to less than 2 minutes, you can make a strong case for why you are well-suited to this challenging and exciting career.