AIRLINE SELECTION PROGRAMME
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May 22
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Airline Selection Programme
Should You Take Your Aviation Career to the Middle East? Insights and Realities
In our latest YouTube video release, our CEO Guillaume Debauchez discusses and sheds light on the opportunities and challenges faced by pilots considering a move to the Middle East for their aviation careers. The insights, based on real experiences and industry observations, offer a comprehensive overview for those contemplating such a significant career transition.
The Middle East is often seen as a land of opportunity for aviation professionals, especially those currently working for low-cost airlines in Europe. Many pilots are drawn to the region with the prospect of flying long haul routes and operating larger, more sophisticated aircraft. The appeal of joining renowned airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Saudia, and Turkish Airlines is strong, with promises of career advancement and the excitement of international travel.
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However, expatriation is a major life decision, fraught with both rewards and risks. The video reveals several key points:
- Long Haul vs. Career Advancement: While flying long haul is attractive, the true pinnacle of a pilot’s career is achieving captaincy. The Middle East offers long haul opportunities, but pilots must weigh this against the potential delay in their progression to captain.
- Operational Realities: Long haul flying is not as glamorous as it might seem. It involves significant compromises, including constant jet lag, short layovers, and a grueling roster. The work can be physically and mentally exhausting, impacting both personal well-being and family life.
- Family and Lifestyle Impacts: The demanding schedules and the nature of expatriate life can strain family relationships. Pilots often find themselves away from home, leading to personal sacrifices and potential family discord.
- Career Risks: Moving to the Middle East can involve career risks, including delays in achieving captaincy, stricter operational scrutiny, and the potential for unforeseen career setbacks. The lack of union protections and the ability of employers to terminate contracts with little notice add to the uncertainty.
- Training and Operational Excellence: On the positive side, Middle Eastern airlines invest heavily in training and operational standards. The quality of training facilities and the comprehensive nature of the programs are significant benefits, providing pilots with valuable skills and experience.
- Strategic Career Planning: The advice underscores the importance of becoming a captain in a European low-cost airline before moving to the Middle East. This strategic approach allows pilots to gain command experience and ensures they have a robust career foundation, making any future transitions smoother and less risky.
The video encourages pilots to thoroughly evaluate their motivations and long-term career goals before making the move. It highlights that while the Middle East offers unique opportunities, the decision should be made with a clear understanding of both the potential benefits and the inherent risks.
For more detailed insights and Guillaume's personal experiences from such industry, watch the full video discussion here.
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"I really benefited from Guillaume's experience. He was able to give some practical advice based on the results of the questionnaire. I'm convinced his advice will be very useful during the interview.
I also benefited from this service as it helped me better know myself, which will help me prepare relevant examples for the interview. Definitely worth the investment.
So thank you!"
I also benefited from this service as it helped me better know myself, which will help me prepare relevant examples for the interview. Definitely worth the investment.
So thank you!"
Hello Guillaume, I just had my first airline interview, sorry it’s a long story but I’m sharing my feedback because I think this might be useful for others.
I’ve been flying for 10 years and professionally (not airlines) for 5 years, I’ve been to many ATOs, met many pilots, read books on the subject but never did I understand what the airline interview was all about before following the ASP course, and I thank you for that because it brings so much peace understanding the rules of games.
As I understand it’s not about telling the interviewers what they want to hear by being someone we are not, and it’s not about telling them true stories that has no use for them, but it’s about looking into our past for evidence of the competencies that they are looking for, preparing answers by funneling the key competencies that we have within ourselves and showcase them from past events, discarding irrelevant stuff, thus making their job easier and enhancing a pleasant overall experience.
PS : I just received a positive answer to my interview.
I’ve been flying for 10 years and professionally (not airlines) for 5 years, I’ve been to many ATOs, met many pilots, read books on the subject but never did I understand what the airline interview was all about before following the ASP course, and I thank you for that because it brings so much peace understanding the rules of games.
As I understand it’s not about telling the interviewers what they want to hear by being someone we are not, and it’s not about telling them true stories that has no use for them, but it’s about looking into our past for evidence of the competencies that they are looking for, preparing answers by funneling the key competencies that we have within ourselves and showcase them from past events, discarding irrelevant stuff, thus making their job easier and enhancing a pleasant overall experience.
PS : I just received a positive answer to my interview.
I had already tried AF 2 years ago without specific preparation, result: postponed 2 years, the debriefing did not reveal any really negative points but rather errors in apprehension of the tests.
I took the Psy2 HOP in September and not wanting to make the same mistake, I took an AIC preparation at ASP, I also added a 1:1 interview supplement with Guillaume. Note that I also passed the Wizzair selections which I succeeded (also in September) The 2 selection processes are different but the AIC allowed me to better understand the expectations of recruiters.
For each of the 2 companies, I did a lot of personal work on the operating mode of the companies so as not to get caught during the interviews. As a good student, I thought about the most relevant examples I could give by filling in the boxes in the excel skills table… a bit laborious but it allows you to sort by choosing the most relevant examples.
I focused my examples on recent flights (< 3 years) but not only, especially the flight that marked you the most… there’s only one and it was 15 years ago!
I really appreciated the 16PF and the debriefing is important to understand, I think about 3/4 were common with the brief debriefing done at the end of the individual psy2 interview.
By understanding the philosophy of the individual interview, I did not go there on the defensive (like the first time) but with the spirit of dispelling the doubts they could express and confirm their expectations. For the group tests, for Wizz or Hop, I made sure to be the good second, to give everyone a chance to speak. I did not chase my nature, I just made sure not to be too enthusiastic. In my case the 1:1 interview was very profitable because I wanted to see the adequacy of the questions asked by the recruiter according to the 16PF without forgetting the debriefing that goes with it… It reassured me about my ability to succeed (even if everything is not in my hands!!!)
I also did a lot of work understanding the skills to guide my answers, without distorting the trait but just by explaining more accurately and clearly arguing. As it is explained in the courses, honesty is important and the preparatory work you do will allow you to bring clarity to your words.
I took the Psy2 HOP in September and not wanting to make the same mistake, I took an AIC preparation at ASP, I also added a 1:1 interview supplement with Guillaume. Note that I also passed the Wizzair selections which I succeeded (also in September) The 2 selection processes are different but the AIC allowed me to better understand the expectations of recruiters.
For each of the 2 companies, I did a lot of personal work on the operating mode of the companies so as not to get caught during the interviews. As a good student, I thought about the most relevant examples I could give by filling in the boxes in the excel skills table… a bit laborious but it allows you to sort by choosing the most relevant examples.
I focused my examples on recent flights (< 3 years) but not only, especially the flight that marked you the most… there’s only one and it was 15 years ago!
I really appreciated the 16PF and the debriefing is important to understand, I think about 3/4 were common with the brief debriefing done at the end of the individual psy2 interview.
By understanding the philosophy of the individual interview, I did not go there on the defensive (like the first time) but with the spirit of dispelling the doubts they could express and confirm their expectations. For the group tests, for Wizz or Hop, I made sure to be the good second, to give everyone a chance to speak. I did not chase my nature, I just made sure not to be too enthusiastic. In my case the 1:1 interview was very profitable because I wanted to see the adequacy of the questions asked by the recruiter according to the 16PF without forgetting the debriefing that goes with it… It reassured me about my ability to succeed (even if everything is not in my hands!!!)
I also did a lot of work understanding the skills to guide my answers, without distorting the trait but just by explaining more accurately and clearly arguing. As it is explained in the courses, honesty is important and the preparatory work you do will allow you to bring clarity to your words.
Intervention models provide a real structure and a simple and effective method to refer to in any circumstance.
The advice and examples drawn from Guillaume’s experience bring invaluable added value to the content of the briefing.
The advice and examples drawn from Guillaume’s experience bring invaluable added value to the content of the briefing.
Having followed this course has been a real pleasure. A lot of good advices, concrete examples, and explanations about aviation HR processes.
I am measuring my words but I can tell that knowing all of this can be a game changer into an interview environment. 16PF questionnaire with specialist debriefing is a real added value into this course, I fairly recommend it, it is definitely worth it.
I am measuring my words but I can tell that knowing all of this can be a game changer into an interview environment. 16PF questionnaire with specialist debriefing is a real added value into this course, I fairly recommend it, it is definitely worth it.
Entretien terminé, Assez content, j’ai appliqué tes conseils avec des motivations claires Sans digression, sans contradiction et sans dévalorisation. Niveau question tu as fait un sans faute.
Ils m’ont demandé la communication avec un capitaine, une situation qui me stresse, un vol difficile et l’acceptation de l’erreur, J’ai eu plus de mal à décrire les compétences humaines que je devais continuer à développer mais dans l’ensemble très correcte. Entretien de groupe j’ai pris soin de bien structurer et de partager le lead comme dans les vidéos, Résultat dans 6-8 semaines !
Ils m’ont demandé la communication avec un capitaine, une situation qui me stresse, un vol difficile et l’acceptation de l’erreur, J’ai eu plus de mal à décrire les compétences humaines que je devais continuer à développer mais dans l’ensemble très correcte. Entretien de groupe j’ai pris soin de bien structurer et de partager le lead comme dans les vidéos, Résultat dans 6-8 semaines !
I took the Gold Package.
Regarding Advanced Interview Course, liked how clear, concise, relevant and straight to the point it is. I like the fact that Guillaume knows exactly what he's talking about.
His experience is invaluable!
Regarding Advanced Interview Course, liked how clear, concise, relevant and straight to the point it is. I like the fact that Guillaume knows exactly what he's talking about.
His experience is invaluable!
Having followed Advanced Interview Course version 2 has been a real pleasure. A lot of good advices, concrete examples, and explanations about aviation HR processes.
I am measuring my words but I can't tell that knowing all of this can be a game changer into an interview environment. 16PFquestionnaire with specialist debriefing is a real added value into this course, I truly recommend it, it is definitely worth it.
I am measuring my words but I can't tell that knowing all of this can be a game changer into an interview environment. 16PFquestionnaire with specialist debriefing is a real added value into this course, I truly recommend it, it is definitely worth it.
I liked the explanations about the different types of interviews and what recruiters are looking for in them.
The Key Competencies and examples of related questions allow me to see exactly what to expect and how to orient my speech to allow recruiters to see in me the qualities necessary for the position.
The company info sheets are very well done and the explanations of how to create them for yourself are also good. The 16PF test and the debrief is very useful for orientation as well.
The Key Competencies and examples of related questions allow me to see exactly what to expect and how to orient my speech to allow recruiters to see in me the qualities necessary for the position.
The company info sheets are very well done and the explanations of how to create them for yourself are also good. The 16PF test and the debrief is very useful for orientation as well.
I took the Gold Package, which includes the CV and Cover Letter Course. Part of that, I took a CV and Cover Letter review service.
I appreciated Guillaume’s meticulous revision of my CV and Cover Letter. The patient explanations behind each recommendation and change were helpful in understanding the rationale for the adjustments proposed.
His insightful feedback not only helped me understand how recruiters perceive my CV and cover letter, but also helped me to streamline the information for quick comprehension.
By focusing on quality content and reducing its length, it helped me create application documents that capture attention effectively.
I appreciated Guillaume’s meticulous revision of my CV and Cover Letter. The patient explanations behind each recommendation and change were helpful in understanding the rationale for the adjustments proposed.
His insightful feedback not only helped me understand how recruiters perceive my CV and cover letter, but also helped me to streamline the information for quick comprehension.
By focusing on quality content and reducing its length, it helped me create application documents that capture attention effectively.
I got a lot of benefits from the Advanced Interview Course and feel very well prepared. From the 16PF debrief, I’ve learned some aspects of my personality that I did not know about before.
The 16PF analysis shows how could you prepare for difficult questions you could have from the recruiters. This way, I can approach any interview feeling much more confident.
The 16PF analysis shows how could you prepare for difficult questions you could have from the recruiters. This way, I can approach any interview feeling much more confident.
Dear Guillaume, I want to tell you how happy I’m about finding your platform and courses. It made my preparation so much easier to plan and to undergo. Kind regards.
Dear Guillaume, I hope you’ve been well. I wanted to let you know how happy I am. I just heard back from FlyDubai and I my application was successful. I’d like to thank you for your help. It was instrumental to this positive outcome.
After experiencing failure in a selection process for which I was poorly prepared, I followed the AIC program, which clearly made me understand the expectations of an airline recruiter.
As a result, I arrived well-prepared, ready to answer all the questions, which also allowed me to have confidence in myself, reduce my stress, and therefore present the best image of myself.
As a result, I arrived well-prepared, ready to answer all the questions, which also allowed me to have confidence in myself, reduce my stress, and therefore present the best image of myself.
Despite being already experienced and current on type, I find the content of the Sim Preparation Course very helpful.
For me it was also a good review of everything after having been away from aviation for a while, and very good inputs about common mistkes and how to avoid them.
For me it was also a good review of everything after having been away from aviation for a while, and very good inputs about common mistkes and how to avoid them.
Advanced Interview Course gave me an excellent overview of what will be expected from me during an airline selection. With that in mind and all the simple models, I feel more comfortable entering the room for the interview.
Regarding the Air France selection, the big plus points of this course are for me the 16PF, the experience sheet and the option of a practice 121 interview.
I actually believe that it was easier to fill the experience sheet after having done the 16PF.
I actually believe that it was easier to fill the experience sheet after having done the 16PF.
I like in Advanced Interview Course the fact that Captain Guillaume goes really deep into the discussion and gives me an overall big picture of the hiring process.
I particularly liked module 8 with examples given for tricky questions. I also like that Guillaume is very passionate about his field of work.
The CV and Cover Letter Course was precise, to the point and gave valuable information.
I particularly liked module 8 with examples given for tricky questions. I also like that Guillaume is very passionate about his field of work.
The CV and Cover Letter Course was precise, to the point and gave valuable information.
The whole Advanced Interview Course is very interesting. A real fascination for human resources and recruitment process transpires from each module and make them easy to handle. In a word, I wish I had learned all of this earlier !
The CV and Cover Letter explanations are clear. Each part of CV or CL are viewed step by step and also reminded in a pdf. All examples given are relevant.
I liked the explanations about the different types of interviews and what recruiters are looking for in them. The competency questions and related question examples allow me to see precisely what to expect and how to guide my answers to demonstrate the necessary qualities for the position.
The company information sheets are well done, and the explanations of how to get there are also helpful. The 16PF questionnaire and the debrief are very useful for orientation as well.
The company information sheets are well done, and the explanations of how to get there are also helpful. The 16PF questionnaire and the debrief are very useful for orientation as well.
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November 26, 2024
Going through the Aer Lingus and easyJet selection processes was a real experience. While I didn’t make it through Aer Lingus after reaching the simulator stage, I kept moving forward—and I’m happy to share that I succeeded in the easyJet selection this October!
Looking back, I can’t overstate how important the training I received was. The program wasn’t just about ticking boxes; it provided a structured, comprehensive approach—company knowledge, competency-based questions, simulator prep—you name it. It gave me the framework I needed to go deeper, to really understand how to stand out when it mattered most.
That preparation made all the difference on selection day. To anyone pursuing their dream, I’d say this: invest in your preparation, trust the process, and keep pushing forward.
A huge thank you to Guillaume and the team for creating something so impactful. You helped make this possible!
DECEMBER 3, 2024
Hello Guillaume,
Here's my feedback on my interview. Everything was very similar to what you explain in your courses and in our 1:1 session. My personality inventory highlighted the same points as the 16 PF, no surprises. I can therefore say that the preparation I did with you was very useful in approaching this interview well. I can also add that the questions asked were focused on CRM and teamwork in the cockpit as well as in the cabin. The rest of the questions were very standard. Thank you again for your advice!