FlyDubai Pathway Program with Aerocadet

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.​

What is flyDubai?

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 (this means that even if you decide to leave the company after 4 years of employment, you will still need to pay back $36,000. However, if you leave after 5 years, you will owe nothing). Most pilots who are targeting Emirates, Qatar or Etihad for their career employment in the Middle East use these 5 years to build a solid SIC and PIC fight time on a passenger jet, solidify their aviation experience and make their resume for the major Middle Eastern carrier even more marketable. 

Expected Salary

FlyDubai pilot compensation (in the UAE, it is net salary – after tax) includes an initial monthly package of AED 22,465, (approx. $6,100 USD) encompassing basic salary, housing, and transportation allowances during the initial training. The duration of the initial training is 6 months. After this 6-month probationary training period, pilots’s compensation jumps to approximately 40,000 AED ($11,000 USD) per month. Additional benefits feature medical insurance, loss-of-license insurance, end-of-service gratuity, 36 days of annual paid leave, massively discounted airline 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.

For students who have enrolled into one of Aerocadet’s full professional airline pilot programs, and upon completing flight training phase and getting ICAO CPL or “frozen” ATPL, candidates will undergo a preparatory course, focusing on the competencies evaluated during flyDubai’s selection process. This short course will take approximately 3 days and will include the segments outlined in the section below.

Once the assessment is passed, 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.​

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

For ab-initio applicants with no prior aviation experience, this journey begins with Aerocadet’s 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.

Applicants who already hold a current ICAO CPL or EASA ATPL (Frozen) license, can skip step 1 and jump to step 2.

Why is Aerocadet’s EU Program Preferred in This Case? The EU/EASA program is the optimal choice due to the high level of compatibility between the EASA and GCAA (UAE Aviation Authority) ATPL examination systems. The 13 EASA ATPL exams closely mirror the 14 GCAA exams, enabling EASA graduates to complete a short transition preparation—typically around two weeks—to successfully pass the GCAA exams. In contrast, pilots with FAA (U.S.), TCCA (Canada), or other ICAO CPL backgrounds generally require a longer preparation period of approximately 6–8 weeks to meet the same standard.

Another key feature of Aerocadet’s EU-based program is the guaranteed 2-year, 1500-hour paid (we pay you) flight instructor internship in the European Union following training completion. This internship provides not only essential flight experience but also employment security. In cases where students do not pass the initial flyDubai airline assessment (with an estimated 80% pass and 20% fail rate), they will already hold a valid employment permit and can continue working as instructors with minimal administrative delays.

By flying 80–100 hours per month as instructors, our graduates not only fulfill but often exceed the minimum flight hour requirements for airline applications such as flyDubai—typically surpassing them by over 100 hours. After just 1–2 months of instruction and accumulating 300–350 hours of flight time, graduates are well-positioned to advance to the next phase of their aviation career.

Step 2: flyDubai Assessment Preparation 

Once the flight training and initial 300-350 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’s airline captains. The assessment preparation will include the following points:

• Boeing 737 systems and cockpit introduction (CBT), provided online by Aerocadet, and it must be completed 3 weeks prior to student’s arrival in Dubai.
• 4 hours of Boeing 737 flight profile assessment preparation in a B737 FTP (flight training device) – provided by Sharp Aviation after student’s arrival in Dubai
• 2 coaching sessions on the the technical and HR interview panel.

Why is Assessment Preparation so Important? Assessment preparation is critical because the evaluation takes place in a full-motion Boeing 737NG simulator. For pilots without prior jet or B737 experience, stepping directly from propeller aircraft into a complex jet cockpit can be overwhelming and disorienting. The transition involves a steep learning curve, and attempting to fly advanced simulator assessment profiles under such conditions can lead to confusion and poor performance.

Without targeted preparation, a candidate’s chances of passing the assessment are significantly reduced. To address this, Aerocadet provides a structured, in-depth training program delivered by current Boeing 737NG airline captains. This preparation equips pilots with the skills, confidence, and aircraft-specific knowledge needed to meet the high standards of the assessment and secure a competitive position with flyDubai.

The cost of assessment preparation is $4,000 USD. 

Step 3: flyDubai CAE Assessment 

Once you’ve completed your assessment preparation, you’ll be immediately sent 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 (the stuff that our candidates have already drilled in an FTD for 4 hours!), 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.

What to Expect at the Boeing 737 Assessment? (Please note: this is a sample profile only. The actual assessment profile may be different. You will go through a 4-hour drill of the actual, updated profile in an FTP during the assessment prep).

• 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.

The cost of CAE assessment is $1,000 USD. 

• Day Two. 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 get 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.

Step 4: GCAA ATP Exams 

Once candidates successfully complete the assessment, they are required to study for and pass the 14 GCAA ATPL theoretical exams before proceeding with the Boeing 737 Type Rating. As previously noted, pilots who already hold EASA ATPL qualifications are at a significant advantage—given the near-identical structure of the GCAA and EASA exams, these candidates typically need only two weeks of focused preparation using an active question database.

For pilots from other regulatory backgrounds (such as FAA, TCCA, or other ICAO CPL equivalents), a longer preparation period of approximately two months is strongly recommended to ensure success. All candidates may schedule and complete the GCAA exams in Dubai once they feel adequately prepared.

The cost of CBTs to prepare and pass the exams is relatively low: around $100 for three month subscription. The cost of the 14 GCAA ATPL theoretical exams in the UAE varies depending on the examination center and the number of attempts. Based on available information, the fee for each exam attempt is approximately AED 450 (about USD $123). Therefore, for all 14 exams, the total cost would be around AED 6,300 (approximately USD $1,722) for the first attempt of each subject. 

Step 5: Boeing 737 Type Rating

After completing the GCAA exams, pilots can schedule the flyDubai B737NG/MAX type rating with CAE. This type rating can begin right away, but it cannot be scheduled later than one year after the initial assessment. The cost of type-rating is $33,000 USD. The timing within this period is up to the candidates. If our EU or U.S. or Canada program graduates need more money, they can come back to their school and continue flying to make salary and save up. Remember: Aerocadet always provides pilot/flight instructor internships in all our programs. 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. To pass the final exam, candidate needs to pass the ATPL and B737 check-ride during a 2-hour sessions. (By the way, this is normal for all airlines – in the US, EU or anywhere in the World – pilots need to successfully complete type rating and pass the final check-ride which normally takes 2-2.5 hours. 90-95% pilots successfully pass the check-ride from the first take).

Want to see what to expect from the final check-ride? Read this article >>>

Remember: the Boeing 737 type-rating course at Dubai’s CAE facilities is not just any B737 type-rating: it has been designed and certified specifically to meet flyDubai’s operational requirements, including:

• 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 employment with flyDubai. Employment normally commences within 1-3 months after the type-rating.

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

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 >>>