For pilots transitioning into the world of airline or turbine aircraft operations, especially through Aerocadet’s flyDubai career pathway, one of the most critical milestones is passing the GCAA (UAE Aviation Authority’s) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and type rating check-ride after completing CAE Boeing 737NG/MAX type rating in accordance with flyDubai’s specifications. This check-ride evaluates a pilot’s technical skills, aeronautical decision-making, and readiness to operate complex aircraft in high-stakes, real-world conditions.
The check-ride is going to be conducted in CAE’s state of the art Level-D full-motion B737NG simulator, and combines both the ATP certification requirements and the aircraft type rating. Naturally, pilots must have already passed all 14 GCAA ATP exams before taking the check-ride.
Phases of the FAA ATP and Type Rating Checkride
The checkride is structured into three major components: oral examination, flight maneuvers, and emergency and abnormal procedures.
1. Oral Examination: Systems Knowledge and Operational Proficiency
Before entering the simulator, the pilot must demonstrate a thorough understanding of:
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Aircraft systems (hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, fuel, flight controls, autopilot, etc.)
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Aircraft limitations and performance data
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Weight and balance computations
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MEL (Minimum Equipment List) and dispatch legality
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Flight planning and weather analysis
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Federal Aviation Regulations (Part 61, 91, 121/135 as applicable)
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CRM (Crew Resource Management) principles
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Emergency procedures
The examiner will typically quiz the candidate using realistic airline-style scenarios to ensure deep operational understanding, not just rote memorization.
2. Simulator Session: Flight Maneuvers and Normal Operations
Once in the simulator, the pilot is evaluated on a series of maneuvers that demonstrate proficiency in:
Takeoff and Departure Procedures
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Normal takeoff
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Engine failure at V1 (V1 cut) — the most critical maneuver, requiring immediate recognition, proper handling, and continuation or rejection of takeoff
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Rejected takeoff (RTO) — decision-making and execution of a high-speed abort
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Climb-out under normal and engine-out conditions
Enroute Flight
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Steep turns (typically 45° bank at 250 knots to demonstrate aircraft control and coordination)
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Unusual attitude recovery
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Flight management system (FMS) usage and navigation
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Holding pattern entry and execution
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Transitioning to approach under ATC instruction
3. Instrument Approaches and Landings
Pilots are required to demonstrate mastery of both precision and non-precision approaches, under a variety of conditions:
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ILS Approach – precision approach flown using autopilot or manually, often with engine-out configuration
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RNAV (GPS), LOC, or VOR Approach – non-precision approaches requiring accurate navigation and descent profile management
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Missed Approach – executed from DA or MDA, often with an engine inoperative
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Circling Approach – when applicable, requires maneuvering visually to land on a runway not aligned with the approach
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Go-Arounds – conducted both under normal and engine-out conditions
Landing Scenarios Include:
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Normal landing
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Crosswind landing
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No-flap or partial-flap landing
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Single-engine landing – with precise airspeed and descent rate control
4. Emergency and Abnormal Scenarios
A core part of the checkride is the ability to handle unexpected failures and high-stress emergencies. These may include:
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Engine failure during various phases of flight
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Electrical and hydraulic failures
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Flight control malfunctions
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Pressurization failures and emergency descent
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Smoke/fire indications
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Rejected landing at low altitude
The examiner will observe decision-making, checklist usage, task management, and CRM throughout these events.
Evaluation Standards and Outcome
The checkride is graded according to the flyDubai’s pilot assessment standards, GCAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or the Practical Test Standards (PTS), depending on the aircraft and type of operation. To pass, a candidate must demonstrate safe, effective, and confident operation of the aircraft while adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklist protocols.
Upon successful completion, the pilot is issued both the standalone GCAA ATP certificate (meaning, that it will run independently and will not depend on your original ATPL certificate) and the aircraft type rating, qualifying them to act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) in commercial airline operations.
Preparation Is Key
The GCAA ATP and type rating checkride is a rigorous but rewarding experience. It marks the final hurdle for pilots entering professional airline operations. Proper preparation—including systems study, FMS practice, SOP review, and simulator sessions with experienced instructors—can make the difference between success and failure.
Pilots who approach the process with discipline, situational awareness, and a strong foundation in systems and CRM will be well-positioned to succeed and advance into the next stage of their aviation career.
Pilots who pass the exam – the vast majority, around 90%, pass from the first time – will be offered employment with flyDubai.