Prep to flyDubaiAirlines
for ICAO CPL holders

Why enroll with AeroCadet?

Read about us, our training strategies and our mission statement >>>

How does this program achieve Your Middle Eastern airline career objectives?

flyDubai has established a structured and highly competitive multi-stage assessment process for pilot candidates. The selection typically spans two to three days at CAE Dubai and includes simulator profile evaluations, technical examinations, group exercises, and HR interviews. The simulator assessment in particular follows a specific profile and performance standard that can be difficult to pass without focused and airline-specific preparation.

At Aerocadet, we provide a comprehensive flyDubai Assessment Preparation Program specifically designed around the current CAE Dubai evaluation format. The training includes detailed simulator profile practice, technical review sessions aligned with flyDubai’s expected knowledge standards, and structured interview preparation. Our goal is to ensure that experienced pilots enter the assessment fully prepared, confident, and familiar with the expected performance benchmarks.

A career with flyDubai offers a direct entry into one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing Boeing 737 operators, with a strong regional and international network based in Dubai. The airline provides a dynamic operational environment, competitive compensation, and long-term career progression within the UAE aviation sector. For many pilots, flyDubai represents a strategic pathway into the Gulf market and an opportunity to build jet experience in a structured airline operation.

This program is structured in such a way that every segment leads our applicants success.

If successfull:

More details about the program and its phases:

Enrollment process is done 100% online, via Aerocadet website. Pilots need to fill out the enrollment form located here, and select Gulf Airlines Pathway Program from the selected options. Pilots will need to upload their passport, licenses, proof of funding, and fill out flight time declaration form.

The MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) course is a short airline-oriented training program that teaches pilots how to operate effectively in a two-pilot cockpit, focusing on crew coordination, communication, workload management, SOP discipline, and decision-making in a multi-crew simulator environment. flyDubai requires MCC because it operates multi-pilot Boeing 737 aircraft, and candidates must demonstrate formal training in airline-style crew operations before entering assessment, type rating, or line training. Takes 1 week to complete. Our MCC course will include:

• 25 hours theoretical instruction
• 20 hours B737 simulator training
• 24 hours online CBT training
• Conducted in a standard multi-pilot crew environment
• Issuance of MCC certification upon satisfactory completion

The B737 assessment preparation for flyDubai is essential because the CAE Dubai evaluation is conducted in a Boeing 737 simulator and follows airline-level standards that far exceed basic CPL training. A pilot with only entry-level commercial experience and no jet exposure will typically lack familiarity with high-speed jet handling, automation management, SOP flow discipline, and multi-crew workload distribution, all of which are evaluated during the assessment. Without structured, airline-specific preparation and practice in a 737-type environment, the likelihood of successfully meeting flyDubai’s performance benchmarks is significantly reduced. Takes 3 days to complete. Our assessment course will contain:

• 4 hours PF (Pilot Flying) per student
• Additional experience in PM (Pilot Monitoring) role during paired crew operations
• Total practical exposure: 8 hours per student (PF + PM)
• Profiles modeled on airline selection assessments, including FlyDubai-style scenarios
• Includes typical airline entry-level procedures: airport profiles, approaches, go-arounds,
area maneuvers, and general handling
• Detailed methodology, techniques, and program structure remain FAIR’s proprietary
know-how

The final stage of the program is the official assessment conducted by CAE Dubai, which is formally certified and nominated by flyDubai to carry out all pilot selection assessments on the airline’s behalf. This evaluation is conducted specifically for Second Officer candidate selection. Candidates who successfully pass the CAE Dubai assessment will be offered the opportunity to purchase a Boeing 737 type rating conducted by CAE in accordance with flyDubai’s approved training standards, typically within six months of passing the assessment. Upon successful completion of the type rating, pilots are normally issued a formal employment offer from flyDubai within approximately 30 days.

What to Expect at the flyDubai 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.

Please note that the assessment profile described above is provided for illustrative purposes only. Assessment formats, profiles, and evaluation criteria may be updated periodically by CAE Dubai and flyDubai. Aerocadet continuously monitors these changes and updates all preparation materials accordingly, ensuring that candidates receive the most current assessment structure, techniques, and practical know-how during the course.

If successfully passed the assessment, pilots will need to take 14 GCAA ATPL exams. Taking the 14 GCAA ATPL exams in Dubai involves completing the full set of theoretical knowledge examinations required by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority for airline pilot certification, covering subjects such as Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Planning, Performance, Human Performance, Meteorology, Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight, and Radio Navigation. The exams are computer-based and conducted at an approved GCAA examination center in Dubai, usually scheduled over several days. Aerocadet provides structured learning modules and study guidance to support candidates through the preparation process. Most candidates should budget approximately 2–3 weeks of focused online study to adequately prepare for the examinations before sitting the exams in Dubai.

If successful in the assessment and GCAA examination phase, candidates will be admitted to the full Boeing 737 type rating program conducted at CAE Dubai and specifically designed and approved to meet flyDubai’s operational standards. This type rating includes approximately 52 hours of structured simulator training, in addition to ground school and performance-based evaluations, making it one of the most comprehensive 737 type rating programs available. It is important to note that flyDubai accepts only this specific CAE Dubai–approved type rating for entry into its Second Officer program; 737 type ratings completed at other training organizations are not accepted for this pathway.

While we will make every effort to support your success throughout the First Officer or Second Officer application and selection process with any gulf airline, it is important to understand that final selection cannot be guaranteed. Your performance during the official assessment—particularly in the Boeing 737 simulator—as well as your results on pilot aptitude and technical evaluations, will play a critical role in airline's decision. The airline will also evaluate your progress and performance during the type rating, training phases, and final check ride. If your performance is found to be below the required standards at any stage, airlines reserve the right to rescind the Conditional Job Offer. To give you the best chance of success, assessment preparation in the UAE is conducted through Aerocadet’s specialist training partners under a dedicated contract, ensuring high-quality, airline-focused preparation tailored specifically for the airline's assessment process.

Legal Disclaimer: Aerocadet provides independent pilot assessment preparation services. Please be advised that Aerocadet is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to flyDubai or any other airline mentioned. Our services are designed to help individuals prepare for general pilot assessment components based on publicly available information and common industry practices.

Aerocadet offers fully comprehensive flight training programs across the United States, Canada, and Europe, designed to equip future pilots with the skills, qualifications, and career pathways needed for long-term success in the aviation industry. Each program features high-quality flight instruction and rigorous academic coursework under the oversight of some of the world’s most respected and safety-focused aviation authorities, including the FAA, TCCA, and EASA. Graduates receive highly desirable Commercial Pilot Licenses and Flight Instructor Certificates, ensuring they are well-positioned for employment in competitive airline environments.

What truly sets Aerocadet apart is the guaranteed pilot internship included in every training track. This internship ensures that graduates begin earning a salary immediately upon completion of their training—an essential advantage for those who need to begin repaying student loans without delay.

For applicants specifically interested in pursuing the gulf airlines Second Officer career pathway, we highly recommend enrolling in Aerocadet’s ab-initio flight training program in the European Union, conducted under EASA certification. The EASA ATPL theoretical exams closely mirror those of the GCAA, allowing for a smooth and efficient license transition process—making it the ideal foundation for future employment with gulf airlines.

For pilots considering which flight training program best suits their career goals, Aerocadet offers three of the most popular and effective pathways across the United States, Canada, and the European Union. Each program is tailored to meet regional licensing requirements while maintaining the highest standards of safety, instruction, and career readiness. Whether you choose the FAA-based training in the U.S., the TCCA-licensed pathway in Canada, or the EASA-certified program in the EU, all three routes provide top-tier flight education, respected commercial and instructor licenses, and guaranteed pilot internships—ensuring a smooth transition from training to paid employment.

A separate program comparions page is available here for more information. All of the above ab-initio programs can be combined with this gulf airlines career pathway. However, pilots training under the FAA (USA) or TCCA (Canada) systems should note that converting their licenses to the GCAA (UAE) standard may take 2 to 3 months, compared to the faster 2 to 3 weeks typically required for EASA license holders.

The MCC course and flyDubai assessment preparation will take place in the Czech Republic at Airport Benešov (LKBE), Nesvačily 126, 257 51 Bystřice u Benešova, Czech Republic. For accommodation, candidates typically choose between (1) budget guesthouses/pensions and simple 3-star hotels in the Benešov/Bystřice area, (2) mid-range business hotels in Benešov, or (3) higher-end resort-style properties in the wider region—so there are options for every preference and comfort level. As a realistic budget range, you should plan approximately €60–€130 per nightfor common hotel options in/near Benešov

For candidates attending assessment at CAE Dubai (Dubai Silicon Oasis area), there are several affordable accommodation options within a 15–30 minute taxi/Uber ride of the training center, particularly in areas such as Deira, Al Jaddaf, and Bur Dubai. Budget hotels and hotel apartments typically range from approximately USD 35–70 per night, while basic hostel-style options may start around USD 30 per night. For a 10-day stay, candidates should reasonably budget USD 350–700, depending on comfort level and season. Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation styles—from simple, economical rooms to more comfortable mid-range hotels—allowing each pilot to select lodging that matches their budget and personal preferences.

The Full Program Cost Estimate

Here, we’ll do our best to provide an accurate estimate of the total cost involved in the gulf airlines pathway program. The initial budget should include the assessment preparation phase, which covers Boeing 737 FTD simulator training, expert interview coaching provided by assessment prep consultants in Dubai, and the actual two-day assessment administered either by CAE Dubai (for gulf airlines) or for Emirates or Qatar at their respective HQs. We’ll also factor in the approximate cost of accommodation for the one-week period covering both preparation and assessment. If you pass the assessment, your budget will need to increase to include the GCAA ATPL theoretical exams—14 in total—and, subsequently, the full Boeing 737 type rating. At this point, you may return home or to your flight school to prepare for the exams.

As previously mentioned, EASA ATPL holders typically require about two weeks of preparation, while those with FAA, TCCA, or other ICAO CPL backgrounds may need up to two or three months. Once prepared, you’ll return to Dubai to take the exams, which usually takes about one week since you can complete 2–3 subjects per day (each consisting of 20–30 questions). After passing all exams, you'll schedule your type rating, which will begin approximately 2–3 weeks later and take about two months to complete. Upon finishing the type rating, there may be a short waiting period—typically between one and three months—before you begin active training and employment with the airline. You will not need to remain in Dubai during this interim and are free to return home or continue any existing employment until your start date is confirmed. Here is the estimated full cost of this program, with the phase-by-phase break-down:

Phase 1: Before passing the assessment:

Phase 2: After passing the assessment, (not charged by Aerocadet):

Aerocadet does not require students to pay for the entire flight training program in advance. We have a payment structure that needs to be followed by all students, with some exception. Students must submit the following payments:

After discount, the cost of this course is: $9,250 USD (valid until April 1, 2026)

Further, if successfull:

Our company can provide administrative support in the form of SLAS Package for students to obtain Student Loans from the respective banks and financial institutions in their own country of residence. Such support is offered by providing conditional employment offer letters and training bond contracts. Review the available financing options page here >>>

Please note: neither Aerocadet, no any other flight training ogranizations in the United States, Canada or EU provide 100% flight training sponsorships, grants or scholarships. Please read the student loan information located via the above link thoroughly before applying for enrollment. 

To enroll into this program, an applicant must have the following documents:

If you need a personal consultation regarding the flight training program, please email one of our highly qualified consultants with a full list of your questions, and receive a structured response within 24 hours.

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