AB INITIO PILOT TRAINING PROGRAM – FAQS
1. Payment Schedule / Installments
Question:
What is the payment schedule for expat students each phase of the programme, including due dates for instalments?
Answer:
Payments are made in phase-based instalments aligned with the start of each stage:
2. Payment Flexibility / Delay Policy
Question:
If there is a delay in payment beyond the 10-day window mentioned in the contract, will the cadet be allowed a grace period (with interest), or would the contract be terminated immediately?
Answer:
Delays beyond the 10-day grace period may result in temporary suspension from training until payment is cleared. In extreme cases, the contract can be terminated, but extensions may be granted upon written request and approval.
3. Assessment Process
Question:
Is there an assessment fee?
Answer:
Yes, candidates invited to the assessment stage will be required to pay an assessment fee of AED 1,000 plus 5% VAT.
Question:
What is the MPL application & assessment process?
Answer:
- Online application and eligibility screening
Applications are reviewed against the programme’s age, education, English-language and eligibility requirements.
- Online Ability assessments
Shortlisted candidates complete aptitude and psychomotor assessments, including tests of coordination, concentration, multitasking and suitability for pilot
- Onsite assessment & competency-based interview
An interview assesses motivation, communication, teamwork, resilience, decision-making and understanding of the pilot career.
- Medical assessment
Successful candidates must obtain the required GCAA Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Final review and selection
Assessment results, eligibility documents and medical clearance are reviewed before successful candidates receive an offer to join the programme.
4. Duration of Training Phases / Overall Programme
Question:
What is the expected duration of each phase Ground School, Core Flying, Synthetic Phase, Base Training, and Line Training and are Base and Line Training included within the overall 18–24 month programme duration?
Answer:
Yes, Base and Line Training are included. The approximate breakdown is:
- Ground School: 9 months to 10 months
- Core Flying : 4 months
- Synthetic Phase: 6 months
- Base & Line Training : 3 to 4 months
Total: 18–24 months depending on weather and scheduling.
5. Training Locations
Question:
Which parts of the training will take place in the UK, USA, and UAE? Specifically, where will the Ground School, Core Flying, and Synthetic phases be conducted?
Answer:
- Ground School – flydubai campus, UAE
- Core Flying Phase – USA, Greece or any flydubai and GCAA approved school.
- Synthetic Phase (MCC/Jet Orientation) – flydubai Campus, UAE
- Base & Line Training – flydubai, UAE.
6. Visa & Documentation
Question:
Will cadets require a Student Visa if they already hold a UAE Golden Visa, and will flydubai sponsor visas for training in the UAE, UK, or USA?
Answer:
- UAE: flydubai will act as your sponsor and provide you with a Student / Residence visa. If you hold a UAE Golden Visa you may not be required to transfer onto the flydubai visa.
- Overseas Training: flydubai will assist in providing you in applying for the relevant visa to complete your training. It is the responsibility of the cadet to ensure they have the proper documentation.
7. Second Officer Role / Salary Start
Question:
At what stage do cadets officially become Second Officers, and when do the associated salary and benefits begin during Base Training, Line Training, or after completing both?
Answer:
Cadets officially become Second Officers upon successful completion of Base Training and type rating validation. Salary and benefits begin once they join flydubai as a Second Officer, not during Line Training or earlier.
8. Travel Coverage & Arrangements
Question:
Will flydubai cover travel from UAE to the overseas flight schools (training locations), and will travel be arranged by the airline or the flying school?
Answer:
Travel between training locations is arranged and covered by flydubai. Personal travel outside the official schedule is self-funded.
9. Accommodation & Meals
Question:
Is accommodation provided during training in the UAE or overseas (training locations), and are meals included in this support?
Answer:
- Accommodation in UAE : Is the responsibility of the cadet. flydubai can provide a recommended list of preferred hotels.
- Accommodation Overseas (training locations) : Provided by flydubai and or the training school.
- Meals are not included, and it is the responsibility of the candidate.
10. Cadet Pool / Employment Transition
Question:
After completing the training, what is the contract status between finishing the programme, joining the Cadet Pool, and officially starting employment as a Second Officer?
Answer:
Once training is completed, cadets enter the flydubai Cadet Pool. Employment as a Second Officer is based on operational requirements, typically within 3–6 months of completion. During this time, cadets are not yet employed or paid but remain in active communication with the flydubai.
11. Progression to First Officer / ATPL
Question:
After joining as a Second Officer, what is the progression path toward becoming a First Officer? How long does this stage typically last, and will cadets obtain a fully unfrozen ATPL upon reaching 1500 flight hours?
Answer:
Cadets progress from Second Officer → First Officer upon meeting required flight hours, simulator checks, and performance milestones (usually 24–30 months). Once they accumulate 1500 total flight hours, the ATPL license becomes unfrozen.