Cadets
From Cadet to Captain: Your Career Journey Starts Here
Ready to soar high? Embark on a thrilling journey towards the cockpit of your dreams.
We are currently inviting applications for the industry-leading B737 Cadet Programme through AFA for highly motivated, enthusiastic high flyers. Successful candidates can expect world-class training and endless career opportunities. If you meet the minimum requirements listed on the job ad, then get ready for your career to take off and register for the programme today.
Airline Flight Academy
Airline Flight Academy (AFA), flight training partner for a number of airline clients including Ryanair Group, is actively accepting applications for its B737 type-rating programme from prospective pilots who have fully completed all phases of the initial flight training! Successful candidates will be trained to the highest standards and will get the opportunity to fly the newest B737 8200 for Ryanair Group, paving the way to becoming the airline’s future Captains.
Benefits of the Cadet Programme
- World-class training delivered in our state-of-the-art training centres.
- Industry-leading SOPs
- Fastest time to command
- Unrivalled career progression – (opportunities for SFI, LTC, TRE & TRI)
- The best roster in the business; stable 5 days on, 4 days off
- Stable long-term career with a growing airline group
- Exposure to a diverse network of airports and operational environments
- Fast-track & priority Recruitment for Ryanair Future Flyer Academy graduates
- Fly for Europe’s largest airline group that invests in the development of its future Captains!
Application Process
Apply
Create a candidate profile, upload all required documents and apply to any roles in which you may be interested in.
Online Assessment
Candidates who meet the requirements and are shortlisted, will be invited to complete an online assessment. If successful at this stage you will be invited to a SIM assessment.
SIM Assessment
The Assessment itself takes place in one day at one of our sim centres across Europe and includes a Sim Assessment, HR Interview and Technical Interview.
Course Book
You will be notified of the assessment result within 1 week and if successful a member of our team will call to arrange an upcoming course date.
World-class training
You might wonder how we train our pilots to be the best in the industry. We are committed to supporting the development and progression of our pilots offering a clear career path. See below how we can develop you from a low hour cadet to a commander in as little as 4/5 years from your initial type rating course. Our training programme includes:
- A comprehensive and structured training plan
- Preparatory computer-based training
- Ground school dedicated to teaching you all aspects of a Boeing 737
- Continuous simulator training with experienced instructors
- Line training across our entire network in a variety of airports
- Online resources throughout your Ryanair career
- Guidance from highly professional instructors and examiners to help you achieve your full potential
- Unlimited use of our FTDs across the network
- A comprehensive “Route to Command” programme
Who we are looking for?
At Ryanair, we’re looking for more than qualifications. We’re looking for individuals with the ambition, attitude, and professionalism to build a long-term career with Europe’s largest airline group. Flying a modern Boeing 737 requires strong technical ability, but equally important are the personal qualities that enable pilots to perform consistently, work effectively as part of a team, and thrive in a fast-paced operational environment.
If you’re motivated by continuous learning, committed to the highest safety standards, and excited by the opportunity to progress from cadet to future Captain, we’d like to hear from you.
- A strong work ethic and proactive approach to learning
- A commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence
- Excellent communication and Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills
- The ability to remain calm and perform under pressure
- Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic operating environment
- A positive attitude and willingness to embrace feedback and development
- Strong teamwork skills and a collaborative mindset
- The ambition to progress and take advantage of long-term career opportunities within Ryanair Group
Want to know more?
Minimum requirements
- Hold unrestricted right to live and work in the EU and/or UK
- Date of Birth – (Not over 65)
- Licence Type – must have a valid EASA (CPL) Frozen ATPL (Air Transport Pilots Licence). We are also accepting a limited number of UK CAA Licence holders for the G Reg fleet.
- Validity of EASA Medical – Must hold a valid EU (Part-MED) issued Class 1 medical certificate.
- Hold a valid multi-engine instrument rating
- Hold a certificate of satisfactory completion of EASA Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (AUPRT) in accordance with FCL.745.A.
- Hold a certificate of satisfactory completion of EASA APS MCC in accordance with AMC2 FCL.735.A. Please note that standard MCC and MCC/JOC will no longer be accepted.
- Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Applicants who hold a certificate of mentored training completion from one of our official partner flight schools, including mentored APS MCC training;
- Will be given preference during initial selection and priority on Type Rating courses.
- Will be at a distinct advantage in the interview and assessment process.
- Must have a flight school report
- Your FLIGHT SCHOOL REPORT must be written in English. The document MUST also be signed by your Flight School’s HOT (Head of Training). This requirement applies to both Integrated and Modular students. This report MUST also contain ALL ATPL results (detailing any repeats), CPL & MEIR series passes, and information relating to your performance throughout training.
- Cadets who have conducted a modular course need to have 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), or 70 hours as PIC if completed during a course of integrated flying training as set out in Appendix 3 A, C & D to Part-FCL and AMC1 to Appendix 3 A, C & D.
- English Language Proficiency –minimum required proficiency Level is Operational Level (Level 4). (Written proficiency is required at Operational level).
- Ability to pass an enhanced background check and meet all other regulatory requirements.
Assessment and selection
Candidates who are selected will be required to do an online pre-assessment test. If you then get shortlisted to the next stage, the below steps will follow: The selection procedure takes place in Dublin (Ireland) or any other training centres used by the airline. The day begins with an introduction to Ryanair and the recruitment team. Pilots can expect:
- Pre-simulator briefing
- Company presentation
- Simulator assessment in a B737-800 simulator – 45 minutes as both Pilot Flying (PF) and Pilot Monitoring (PM). Basic handling skills, CRM and flight management will be assessed
- English language test
- Technical assessment – 30 minutes assessing your technical knowledge on your current/previous aircraft type(s)
- Personnel interview – Approximately 30 minutes to convince us of your suitability to join the team, and to prove that you are the sort of person who will thrive in an environment where hard work and effort are rewarded.
Those who emerge successfully from the selection process will be offered a place on a type-rating course at East Midlands Training Center.
Within 7 working days after the selection day, applicants will be contacted by phone or e-mail with their assessment results, be it positive or negative.
Type Rating course outline
Phase 1: Six-day introduction course
Phase 2: Ground Training
- Computer-based training on systems and equipment
- Instructor support for CBT
- Stand-up instruction on performance, weight and balance
- Fixed-base simulator sessions
- Flight management system sessions
- Standard operating procedure training
- Pre-examination
- Written theoretical knowledge examination including results and evaluation
Phase 3: Simulator Training
- 12 Fixed Base Sim sessions
- 7 Full Flight Sim sessions
- 1 crew skills test session per crew
- 1 preliminary simulator circuit training of 1 hour per trainee
- MAX Differences Training
Phase 4: Base and Line Training
- After successful completion of the training qualification course, circuits will be flown on a Ryanair B737-800
- Line training will take place from one of our many bases. The number of sectors required to complete Line Training varies with the experience level of the pilot.
If you love a challenge, are passionate about what you do and have the drive to get things done – you’re definitely ‘one of us’.
Latest Cadet Vacancies
Ryanair is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
As per our Non-Discrimination Policy as well as other applicable regulations, we adhere and comply to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, promotions, compensations and benefits, training and discipline. Applications for employment can only be made through the channels detailed on this website. Applicants who canvass (by phone, direct contact or through existing employees) will be disqualified.