How to Get a Pilot Job with flyDubai?

Embarking on a career with flyDubai Airlines offers aspiring Aerocadet’s full integrated flight training program graduates a dynamic pathway in the aviation industry, with opportunities for progression to esteemed carriers like Emirates. In this articles we will answer popular questions about how to apply for employment as a flyDubai pilot, the prerequisites for its Second Officer (Junior First Officer) program, what to expect from the CAE flyDubai 2-day assessment phase, and how Aerocadet’s specialized training through partnerships can enhance your prospects.​

Understanding flyDubai and Its Fleet

FlyDubai, established in 2008, is a Dubai-based low-cost airline that has rapidly expanded its network across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Operating a fleet primarily composed of Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, flydubai has also placed orders for several Boeing 787 Dreamliners to further enhance its long-haul capabilities. While flyDubai operates independently, it maintains a close relationship with Emirates, offering a collaborative network that benefits passengers and employees alike. Notably, pilots who accumulate approximately 2,000 flight hours over three years as First Officers with flyDubai have a favorable pathway to transition to Emirates, leveraging their experience within Dubai’s aviation ecosystem.​

Minimum Application Requirements for flydubai’s Second Officer Program

To be considered for flydubai’s Second Officer (Junior First Officer) program, candidates must meet the following criteria:​

• Age: from 20 and up to 35 years​ of age.

• Education: Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent​.

• English Language Proficiency: ELP level 4 or above​ (“upper-intermediate”, or IELTS Academic 6.0)

• Medical Certification: Valid FAA or EASA or TCCA 1st Class Medical certificate​

• Licenses and Ratings: For FAA or TCCA program graduates: Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-engine rating (AMEL)​; for EASA program graduates: EASA ATPL (Frozen), with the same ratings. Minimum of 220 total flying hours​ (simulator/FTD does not count – must be flight hours) is required for application.

Additionally, candidates should be prepared to commit to a 5-year training bond totaling USD 36,000, effective from the final line check until the fifth anniversary, non-prorated. Compensation (salary, after tax) includes a monthly package of AED 22,465, (approx. $6,100 USD) encompassing basic salary, housing, and transportation allowances during the initial training, and approximately 40,000 AED ($11,000 USD) after completion of all the airline training requirements. Additional benefits feature medical insurance, end-of-service gratuity, 36 days of annual paid leave, concessional tickets for family and friends, an open-ended contract, annual leave ticket, and pilot income protection. ​

Enhancing Your Job Application Success

For international applicants aiming to join flyDubai, tailored preparation can significantly boost the chance of success. Aerocadet, in partnership with Sharp Aviation—a Dubai-based consultancy led by airline professionals with operational experience in the region—offers specialized programs designed to equip candidates for airline assessments and interviews. These programs are aligned with common industry practices and include preparation for simulator evaluations. This approach ensures that graduates receive practical guidance and develop the confidence needed to perform successfully in competitive airline selection processes, offers specialized programs designed to equip candidates for flyDubai’s rigorous assessments and interviews. This collaboration equips graduates with preparation aligned to common airline assessment procedures, increasing their readiness and confidence when applying to airlines in the UAE.

Upon completing flight training and an initial internship with Aerocadet, candidates undergo preparatory courses focusing on the competencies evaluated during flyDubai’s selection process. Following this, trainees obtain a Boeing 737 type rating tailored to flyDubai’s operational specifications. This comprehensive approach not only prepares candidates for the airline’s selection assessments but also familiarizes them with the aircraft and procedures specific to flyDubai, thereby enhancing their employability.​

By meeting flyDubai’s entry requirements and leveraging specialized training programs, aspiring pilots can position themselves competitively for a role within flyDubai, setting the foundation for a rewarding career in aviation with potential progression to leading global airlines.​

The flyDubai Pathway Program Outline

For international pilots aiming to secure a position with flyDubai and eventually transition to prestigious carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad, the most efficient and cost-effective training and hiring pathway is as follows:

Step 1: EASA ATPL Training and Internship

The journey begins with Aerocadet’s new EASA ATPL (Frozen) flight training and internship program. This program takes candidates from zero experience to earning a restricted (in the EASA lingo, called “frozen”) EASA ATPL certification and an EASA Flight Instructor (FI) rating at Aerocadet’s partner flight training provider (FTP) in Romania.

Upon completing this program and accumulating at least 250-300 flight hours (which requires working as a flight instructor for 2-3 months), pilots will be well-positioned for the next step.

Step 2: flyDubai Assessment Preparation 

Once the flight training and initial 250-300 flight hours are completed, pilots can take a short break (1 weeks) and travel to UAE to begin a 3-session flyDubai assessment preparation with Sharp Aviation. Sharp Aviation is a Dubai-based consultancy led by airline professionals with operational experience in the region, specializing in various Gulf airlines pilot career consulting services.

Step 3: flyDubai CAE Assessment 

Once you’ve completed your assessment preparation, you’ll be invited to Dubai for the actual FlyDubai two-day assessment conducted by CAE Dubai Silicon Oasis. The assessment will comprise of the following two phases:

• Day One. The first day of the two-day CAE assessment takes place at CAE’s Dubai Silicon Oasis facility and consists of a B737NG Level D full-flight simulator evaluation. The session begins with a comprehensive simulator assessment briefing, presented via PowerPoint (distributed beforehand via email), providing candidates an opportunity to clarify any procedural or profile-related questions. Candidates are then randomly paired into crews of two. If not selected in the first crew, expect a standby period of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in the pilot lounge before proceeding to the simulator location.

• Day Two shifts from the cockpit to the computer. You’ll take aptitude and personality tests to see how well you multitask, solve problems, and whether you’re suited for the teamwork-heavy environment of a modern airline.

Candidates who have passed the CAE assessment will jet the CJO (Conditional Job Offer) from flyDubai. The “condition” for employment will be license conversion and obtaining flyDubai-spec B737 type rating with CAE Dubai –  step 4.

Assessment Profile Sample: This is a sample profile only. The actual assessment profile may be different.

• The simulator profile commences with a departure from OOMS Runway 08L under IMC: surface winds 353°/13 knots, overcast ceiling at 500 feet, and 1000 meters visibility.
• A Flaps 15 takeoff is performed with no Flight Director guidance, although Autothrottle usage is permitted at the instructor’s discretion. The FMC and overhead configuration are pre-set by the instructor.
• After departure, the candidate is instructed to intercept the 090° radial outbound from the MCT VOR; if directed to intercept inbound, correct reciprocal settings must be applied.
• Standard climb and descent are flown at 250 KIAS and 1000 feet per minute. The profile includes steep turns: 180° left followed by 180° right, both at 45° angle of bank.
• The autopilot is engaged during the ILS briefing. The subsequent ILS 08L approach is hand-flown with Flight Director guidance—strict adherence to the command bars is expected.
• The final maneuver is a visual circuit in CAVOK conditions. A takeoff is performed at 1600 feet AGL using Flaps 5, maintaining that configuration until gear extension; a right-hand circuit may be authorized at the instructor’s discretion.

Candidates are advised to have all callouts fully committed to memory, ensure proper and timely trimming (avoiding prolonged pitch trim inputs), and apply smooth, deliberate power lever adjustments. All briefings should be thorough and structured. Performance will be assessed not only on technical accuracy but also on adaptability and demonstrated learning—errors are acceptable if they are followed by observable improvement throughout the session.

Step 4: Boeing 737NG/MAX Type Rating

If you successfully complete the assessment, you can schedule your B737 Type Rating with CAE, which must begin within one year. The timing within this period is up to you. If you need more money, you can come back to our FTP in Romania and continue flying to make salary and save up. If you do not – you can start your flyDubai type rating right away. The type-rating course lasts approximately 2 months. During the final simulator exam, two examiners will be present—one from CAE for the Type Rating endorsement, and one from FlyDubai for the Second Officer assessment. At the end of the session, you’ll be informed whether you’ve passed both of these final evaluations.

This Boeing 737 type-rating course at Dubai’s CAE facilities is not just any B737 type-rating: is has been designed and certified specifically to meet flyDubai’s operational requirements. This includes:

• 18 hours of systems integration training on Boeing 737 Fixed Training Devices (FTDs)
• 52 hours of full-motion Boeing 737 flight simulator training

Pilots who complete the type rating and successfully meet all hiring conditions would be eligible for a personal interview with flyDubai. After completing the finally interview, pilots should receive their flyDubai employment start date, which normally commences within 1-3 months after training.

The “Alternate Diversion Plan” 

Pilot who have not passed the assessment, will not need to undergo the B737 type rating and can return to Romania to continue working as flight instructors. This period allows them to:

• Continue building flight time
• Maintain currency and skill level
• Earn between €2,500 – €3,000 per month (after deductions)
• Repay student loans or recover training expenses

After completion of 1500 hours, pilots can pursue employment options with many other airlines around the word. By taking Aerocadet’s A320 IOE program with Global Air, pilots can come to the United States, obtain a full and unrestricted FAA ATPL with A320 type rating, and continue to the guaranteed initial operating experience on A320 with our Caribbean partner. Also, don’t forget: the internship is guaranteed for up to 2 years, or 1500 hours – whichever comes first, and it is extendable for up to 3.5 years if you seek EU permanent residency.

Cost Breakdown

Seems expensive? Don’t forget, that you can continue earning your expenses back by working as FI at our FTP, earning up to 3000 Euro per month; and once hired, you will be offered a competitive salary of $6000-11,000 USD per month, free Dubai housing, free health insurance, free loss-of-licenses insurance, free private education for your children, and much more.

Need financing? Aerocadet specializes in helping aspiring aviators obtain flight training student loans by offering Student Loan Application Support package. Lear more here >>>

Flowing-up to Emirates

Pilots at flyDubai with at least 2,000 hours of jet experience have promising career advancement opportunities, particularly through transitioning to Emirates Airlines. Emirates has broadened its recruitment criteria to include First Officers who are non-type rated, meaning those with experience on turboprop or jet aircraft. This initiative allows pilots to be trained to operate Emirates’ all-wide-body fleet, including Boeing 777s and the upcoming Boeing 777-Xs expected to enter service from 2025. ​Naturally, since flyDubai pilots are already working as airline pilots under the Emirates umbrella, they have an advantage of being selected for the “flow up” program to become pilots with Emirates.

Dont forget, that Emirates offers competitive, tax-free salary packages to its pilots. For First Officers, the basic monthly salary ranges from AED 31,341 to AED 33,781 (approximately USD 8,500 to USD 9,200), with additional flight pay based on flying hours.Captains receive a basic monthly salary of approximately AED 46,670 (around USD 12,700), with total monthly earnings, including flight pay, reaching about USD 14,000. These figures exclude other benefits such as accommodation, education allowances, and profit sharing.

Overall, transitioning from flyDubai to Emirates presents a clear pathway for pilots to advance their careers, operate wide-body aircraft, and benefit from enhanced compensation packages.​

Read more about how to get a job with Emirates >>

Important Considerations

To maximize success, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Incorrect Type Rating Spec: Ensure that your Boeing 737 type rating is aligned with flyDubai’s specifications and provided by the approved by them training center. A mismatched spec rating and unapproved provider will not be accepted. (At the moment, the only approved by flyDubai B737 type rating provider is CAE Dubai).
2. Lack of Interview Preparation: flyDubai assessments are highly competitive. Without professional preparation based on personal airline recruitment experience, your chances of rejection increase significantly.
3. Flight Experience Gaps: The hiring process can take several months. Avoid staying inactive and losing flight currency. Instead, take advantage of Aerocadet’s flight instructor internship to keep your skills sharp and continue building hours while earning a steady income.

Get in Touch!

Interetsed in this program? Check out the full program outline, phase-by-phase explanation of the program content, duration, flight and ground hours, pricing and admission requirements here>>>

Ready to enroll? Fill out a free, no obligation online application form here >>>

For additional questions, contact us at info@aerocadet.com or schedule a free consultation call via Calendly >>>