BRUSSELS AIRLINES MPL CADET PROGRAM
Brussels Airlines is looking for talented individuals who are ready to embark on the amazing journey of becoming an airline pilot. For the first time in its history, Brussels Airlines is opening vacancies for cadet pilots. After an intense 19-month training, conducted by our training partner, Skywings Flight Training, successful candidates will join the ranks as a first officer for Brussels Airlines, flying passengers safely to and from the heart of Europe on the Airbus A320 fleet.
Take-off Guaranteed
High-quality training
Integrated Teamwork Focus
Prerequisites
Whether you have just graduated high school or are looking for a career change, our program is open for ambitious team players who work hard, persevere, and can perform under pressure. You do not need any flying experience or knowledge of aviation.
To be eligible for our cadet program, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Hold a passport of one of the member states of the European Union,
- Be fluent in English (oral and written command),
- Be fluent in French and/or Dutch (oral and written command). Knowledge of both languages is an advantage,
- Be able to obtain an EASA Class 1 medical certificate before the start of your training,
- Be able to present a certificate of good conduct
Selection process
After an initial screening of your application, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an extensive 3-day screening process that includes the following elements:
- Basic aptitude testing
- English written and oral test
- Psychological testing
- Mathematics and physics test
- Simulator assessment
- HR interview
Training overview
The initial training at Skywings takes 19 months and encompasses all necessary theoretical and practical training required to commence a career as a first officer at Brussels Airlines.
The training is subdivided in different phases. After graduation, trainees will be holder of an “EASA MPL License”, type rated on the Airbus A320. The MPL license will evolve into an ATPL license after 1500 flight hours and with all experience and competence requirements met.
The training is a fulltime program and is not combinable with other activities such as a (side) job. The training has little to no vacation periods but foresees in the ample rest days. Training occasionally takes places during the weekend and outside of office hours.
Theoretical phase: Part 1 (8 months)
You will start a 8-month theoretical training period, which is a combination of classroom presence learning and self-study. In this theoretical phase, you will learn about aircraft systems, instruments, aerodynamics, mass and balance, meteorology, communications, legislation, aircraft performance, flight planning, navigation, operational procedures, and general knowledge, skills, and attitude training.
Phase 1: Core Flying Skills (4 months)
In the first practical phase, you will fly a single-engine propeller aircraft and learn the basics of flying. You will learn to apply the correct cockpit procedures, turn, climb, descend, navigate, take off and land the aircraft. You will also fly some solo flights as part of your training.
Phase 2: Basic phase (4 months)
In the second practical phase, you will fly on the Airbus A320 simulator. You will learn about the aircraft systems, to apply procedures, how to work in a multi-crew cockpit and how to operate a large jet. You will learn to operate the Airbus in accordance with the Brussels Airlines procedures and fly it in instrument weather conditions.
Phase 3: Intermediate phase (1 month)
In phase 3 of the practical training, you will fly the Airbus A320 in the simulator, learning about applying normal and abnormal (emergency) procedures in a realistic flight setting (so-called “line-oriented flight training”).
Phase 4: Advanced phase (2 months)
Phase 4 encompasses the so-called “Airbus A320 Type Rating”. It initially takes place on the simulator, where you will work towards operating the Airbus A320 to the required Brussels Airlines company standards, in anticipation of your first actual flights with the Airbus A320. At the end of this phase, you will fly the actual Airbus A320 with a training captain for take-off and landing training without passengers on board. This concludes the MPL training.
Employment with Brussels Airlines
After successful completion, you will receive a contract as a first officer for Brussels Airlines and you will be scheduled for your first flights with passengers. During the first months, you will be accompanied by a training captain (line training period), who will coach and support you in operating the aircraft in a real-life operational environment. After the line training period, there is a final, practical assessment, the “line check”. Once the line check is passed, you are “fully released” as a first officer.
Price and financing
This partially sponsored training program costs 99.500 Euros (VAT inclusive). Training happens in 3 installments and includes all training costs except:
- Landing fees
- Antwerp Airport Security Badge
- Initial Class 1 medical €949
How to apply
Apply through our job platform. You will be asked to upload:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Certificate of good conduct
- Secondary school diploma
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry requirements & selections
No, you do not need any experience in aviation before coming to us.
No, you do not need a PPL before you start.
You need a secondary school diploma.
- Secondary School Diploma
- EU citizen or the right to live and work in the EU
- Fluency in English
- Fluency in French and/or Dutch (oral and written command). Knowledge of both languages is an advantage.
- Certificate of good conduct
- EASA Class 1 by the start of your training
Our selection process exist out of various steps including interviews, psychometrical testing, math & physics test, English test and a personality and psychological screening. The exact order and timings will be communicated to you once you are in our application process.
Yes, if you are a passport holder of a member state of the European Union, you can apply for the Brussels Airlines Pilot Cadet Program.
Before applying, candidates must undergo a screening for an initial medical examination (EASA Class 1 medical) at a recognized aeromedical center. The regulations require a good basic health condition. Wearing glasses is allowed. Typical disqualifying conditions are color-blindness and epilepsy. When you suffer from a medical condition, it is always worth consulting with an aeromedical center and your attending physician.
Yes, you will be tested psychologically, both during your medical screening at a recognized aeromedical center and during the internal selection procedures.
You will have to go to a recognized EASA Aeromedical Center. We recommend “Brussels Aviation Medical Center” (Brussels Airport) or “Sky Medical Center” (Eindhoven). Make your appointment well in advance as the first medical screening takes a long time and places are limited.
You have to wait 1 year to re-apply.
Yes, as long as you have your secondary school diploma before you start your training with us.
Training
The MPL training takes 19 months and includes the Airbus A320 type rating. The training duration may vary, as weather and operational factors plays a factor.
After graduation, you will have all the required licenses to join Brussels Airlines as a First Officer on the Airbus A320 fleet: an MPL License and an Airbus A320 type rating.
Yes, after obtaining 1500 flying hours and passing the necessary assessments, your MPL license will transfer into an ATPL.
An MPL program is linked to an airline. From day one, you have your front seat reserved if you end the training successfully. Furthermore, from day one there is a collaboration with the airline, so you will be trained in the most professional way possible.
Yes you can, however you don’t receive credits for previously completed courses.
We aim between 20 and 30 students per year.
An MPL license is a full-fledged alternative for a frozen ATPL license, giving you the same freedoms. However with an MPL license alone, it is not possible to operate commercial airplanes in a single-pilot cockpit environment.
No, since an MPL program is linked to the airline, no credits can be taken. Your license is only obtained after successful completion of the whole training including the base training (touch & go’s).
In the event that a retake examination becomes necessary, it will undergo evaluation by an examination board dedicated to closely monitoring performance and providing guidance where needed. This process ensures a thorough assessment and offers individuals the opportunity to receive targeted support to enhance their performance. Our goal is to facilitate continuous improvement and success, and the board's oversight is instrumental in achieving this objective.
The number of retakes permitted is contingent upon several factors, including the phase of training and the individual's circumstances. Our approach is to ensure that each individual receives the necessary support and guidance to progress effectively. Therefore, a committee convenes to deliberate on the appropriate course of action to realign the individual's trajectory within the training program. This process is conducted with careful consideration and aims to facilitate the best possible outcome for the individual's development and success.
Yes, the type rating forms the last part of the MPL training. You will also perform the necessary “touch and go” training on the real aircraft before commencing your employment as a first officer.
During the 19-month training, there is no vacation. Training continuity is very important and longer blocks of vacation may negatively impact your training progress. You will however get enough rest days. These rest days can be used to relax, study, and prepare your training flights.
You will receive a partial reimbursement, depending on the flown flight hours, in accordance with your training contract, that you will receive before commencing the training at Skywings Flight Training.
You will receive a partial reimbursement, in accordance with your training contract, that you will receive before commencing the training at Skywings Flight Training. It is possible to insure yourself for a “medical loss of license” at a reasonable price.
While candidates must have a written and spoken command of Dutch or French, all training materials and training delivery is in English.
No, Skywings does not offer accommodation. Antwerp is a student town, meaning there are plenty options available. The airport is also well connected by public transport.
You will be flying on the Diamond Da40 for your single engine training. The simulator training takes place on the Airbus A320.
The school does not follow a typical school calendar. The school operates 7/7 and training sometimes starts very early or finishes very late. Courses may also take place in the weekends. There is ample rest time foreseen between training duties.
Costs
The training costs 99.500 Euros. This includes VAT. The price includes all elements of your training, except your landing fees, EASA class 1 medical license and Antwerp airport security badge.
While the training costs covers nearly everything (also training materials, fuel, exam costs etc.), it does not include the medical screening, airport security badge and landing fees.
No, the training is paid in 3 installments throughout the duration of the training.
Yes, at this moment, Belfius bank in Belgium offers so-called “pilot loans”. To know more about the terms and conditions, it is best to make an appointment with a Belfius office nearby.
While Brussels Airlines will take certain costs of the training, such as touch and go training, for its account, the trainee is responsible for financing the 99.500 Euros.
Working at Brussels Airlines
Yes, however Brussels Airlines MPL students will be prioritized.
Yes, you start as a first officer on the short and medium haul operations. After time and in accordance with the internal Brussels Airlines promotion process, you can move into a captain’s role or transfer to the long-haul operations.
Yes, you will be placed and prioritized in the holding pool of Brussels Airlines First Officers.
Approx. €60.000 gross per year, excluding allowances.