Aer Lingus has launched its 2016 Cadet Pilot Training Programme.
Ireland’s national carrier will be funding the entire training programme, which will qualify successful candidates to fly A320 aircraft on Aer Lingus’ short haul network.
Captain Eamon Kierans, Manager Training & Standards Flight Operations, explained, “Previously, Aer Lingus part funded this training. This year, we are very pleased to announce that Aer Lingus will be funding the entire cost of the training programme for each successful candidate. We believe this ensures even greater accessibility to what is a very exciting career opportunity.”
The airline will also provide a structured mentoring programme over the duration of the programme. This will involve regular contact with a Cadet Liaison Pilot, who will oversee cadets’ progress and provide advice and guidance throughout the training.
According to the airline, prospective Aer Lingus trainee pilots should display technical aptitude and display maturity, commitment, flexibility, motivation and a willingness to accept responsibility. Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving and teamwork skills are essential qualities combined with a good appreciation of guests’ expectations.
The training will take place at Flight Training Europe in Jerez, Spain. Opportunities for travel home during the programme will be limited. The initial training programme will lead to the granting of a Commercial Pilots Licence with Multi Engine Instrument Rating. It is a very intensive programme and involves a significant amount of additional study. Time off from the programme is limited to set times during the programme. These will be outlined at a later stage in the recruitment process.
The training programme will begin in January 2016 and takes approximately 14 months to complete and consists of a number of phases, involving classroom study and flight training.
When cadets have qualified from the flight school, candidates will be scheduled for the Airbus A320 type rating programme. The timing of these programmes will be subject to pilot crewing demands. The programme comprises of computer based training and simulator exercises, to ensure cadets have a high standard of proficiency to qualify to fly the aircraft.
For more information and to apply, visit ftejerez.com/selection/aerlingus#
