Wizzair Pilot Academy

The Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) program is an ab-initio frozen ATPL program designed to help aspiring pilots launch their careers. While Wizz Air might not be traditionally seen as one of the top European airlines, it offers a remarkable starting point for a pilot’s career. With plans to more than double its fleet in the next decade by investing in the Airbus A321neo, the needs for new pilots are huge.

The financing plan is one of the best available: students only need to pay an initial fee of €13,950, with the remaining costs to be repaid once they start working for Wizz Air.

Cost of the program : 81 460 € (ab-initio : 61 460€  QT : 20 000€ )

last program opening : Currently open

 1. Requirement

 

  • To be based and have an unrestricted right to live and work in one of the following countries where Wizz Air has an operational base: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia.

  • Aspiring pilots aged 18 or above

  • Ability to swim 50m without any aid

  • Minimum high school degree achieved

  • Fluent in English (both written and spoken)

 2. Selection Process 

Stage 1 : Pilot aptitude tests (online)

The first stage of the selection process is conducted online by testAir360. These comprehensive assessments include various psychometric and psychomotor tests designed to evaluate the candidate’s suitability for a career in aviation. Additionally, candidates are tested on their knowledge of mathematics, physics, and English to ensure they possess the fundamental skills necessary for pilot training.

Stage 2: Personality Questionnaires (Online)

The second stage of the selection process involves completing extensive personality questionnaires online. Candidates are required to answer between 200 and 300 questions designed to measure various aspects of their personality, values, behavior, and attitudes.

This assessment aims to identify specific psychological and behavioral traits that are crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient flight deck environment. It is based on an EASA regulatory requirement to ensure the highest standards of safety and compatibility among crew members.

Stage 3: Group Exercise at Wizz Air Training Center (Budapest, Hungary)

The third stage of the selection process takes place at the Wizz Air Training Center in Budapest, Hungary. During this stage, candidates participate in a group exercise designed to evaluate their ability to understand and cooperate on complex tasks under time pressure.

This exercise measures several key competencies, including decision-making, cooperation skills, communication skills, and leadership responsibility. It is an essential part of the selection process, ensuring that candidates can perform effectively in a team-oriented and high-pressure environment.

Stage 4: Interview at Wizz Air Training Center (Budapest, Hungary)

The fourth and final stage of the selection process involves an interview conducted at the Wizz Air Training Center in Budapest, Hungary. Candidates meet with a panel consisting of a Wizz Air pilot, members of the recruitment team, and representatives from the flight school.

The purpose of this interview is to assess the candidate’s motivation to join the program and eventually become a pilot at Wizz Air. Additionally, the panel aims to determine if the candidate’s personality traits align with Wizz Air’s culture and the expectations for their pilot profile.

Additional Criteria Considered as Advantages

During the pre-screening phase of the selection process, certain criteria can provide candidates with an advantage.

A university degree and previous flight experience up to a PPL (Private Pilot License) are taken into consideration. Additionally, a strong understanding of Mathematics and Physics is highly valued.

Proficiency in the local languages of the countries where Wizz Air operates, such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Serbia, will also be considered an advantage during the pre-screening process.

 3. Training outline

Phase 1: Ab-Initio Training (17 – 21 Months)

The first phase of the Wizz Air cadet pilot training program is an ab-initio training course, lasting between 17 and 21 months. This integrated flight training is an intense, full-time program that alternates between theoretical and practical training. It takes cadets from the very basics to obtaining their Commercial Pilot License with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings, along with the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) theory.

The ab-initio training takes place at Trener Flight Academy in Hungary. The course begins with a ground training phase dedicated to ATPL studies, laying the foundation for practical flight training. Starting from the third or fourth month, flight training is introduced in parallel with theoretical studies to ensure a smooth transition into the flying phase.

Phase 2: Advanced Training

After graduating from the Wizz Air Pilot Academy and meeting the general requirements, you will become an official member of the Wizz Air team as a Pilot Trainee. Depending on operational needs, it may take an additional 2-4 months after graduation to be enrolled in further training, which includes both advanced and Wizz Air-specific training.

As a Pilot Trainee, Wizz Air will guide you through the next phases of your pilot training to prepare you for airline operations. The advanced training consists of two stages:

Airline Transition Program (ATP): Cadets who successfully complete the ab-initio training phase will undergo an Airline Transition Program (ATP) provided by Wizz Air. This 5-day course, which includes 3 days of simulator training, prepares cadets for the Airbus A320 Type-Rating Course and multi-pilot airline operations.

Airbus A320 Type-Rating Course: This is a 5-week transition course designed to train successful trainees for operations on the Airbus A320.


Phase 3: Wizz Air Training

The Wizz Air training phase consists of two steps:

Introduction and Conversion Training: During this training, you will learn about Wizz Air’s specific airline operations and procedures. This step takes approximately 6-7 weeks and is designed to familiarize you with the company’s operational standards.

Line Flying Under Supervision: This is the final training stage, where you will operate the aircraft under the supervision of experienced Line Training Captains. This training also takes around 6-7 weeks and is essential for gaining practical experience in real airline operations.

 4. Why choose Wizz Air Pilot Academy

1. Super Fast-Growing Company: Wizz Air, like Ryanair, is a rapidly expanding airline in Europe, providing ample opportunities for career growth and advancement.

2. One of the Best Financing Plans: Wizz Air offers one of the most favorable financing plans in the industry. Cadets are not required to repay training costs until they secure a First Officer contract, which incentivizes them to begin their careers promptly.

3. Safest Financing Plan: With Wizz Air’s significant investment in cadet training, there is a strong motivation for the airline to expedite cadets’ progression into operational roles, ensuring a safe and structured path towards repayment of training costs.

4. Opportunities in Eastern Europe: For those interested in being based in Eastern Europe, joining Wizz Air provides exceptional opportunities to work and grow within this dynamic region of Europe.