Non-Technical Interview

Airlines aren’t just looking for skilled pilots — they’re looking for the right people to join their team.

The non-technical interview is designed to assess your:

• Mindset
• Communication style
• Teamwork and values
• Stress management and adaptability

It’s your chance to show who you are beyond the flight deck: how you think, how you work with others, and how well you’ll fit into the company culture.

It might feel unpredictable — but it doesn’t have to be.
Below are over a hundred questions to help you prepare with confidence and stand out for the right reasons.

This is often the first question in an interview, and it’s much more than just a formality. Recruiters use it to assess your clarity of thought, communication skills, self-awareness, and motivation. It’s your chance to present a concise and compelling story — showing how your past experiences have led you to this moment, and why you’re a good fit for the role.

Don’t

• Don’t recite your CV word-for-word — they already have it in front of them.
• Don’t dive into personal stories that aren’t relevant to your path as a pilot.
• Avoid rambling or listing facts with no structure or direction.
• Don’t try to impress with technical jargon — your ability to connect the dots matters more.

What to do:
✅ Structure your answer clearly:

1. Where you’re from and a brief academic background
2. What drew you to aviation and how you pursued it
3. Where you are now and why you’re applying

✅ Keep it focused, ideally under 2 minutes in a real interview.

✅ End strong by linking your journey to the airline’s values or vision — this shows genuine motivation.

Example Answer:

“Of course. My name is John Doe, I’m 26 years old, and I’m originally from Manchester, UK. I completed a degree in mechanical engineering before fully committing to flight training — which had been a long-standing dream of mine since I was a teenager.

What drew me to aviation wasn’t just the technical side of flying, but also the teamwork and decision-making environment of the cockpit. I started my training in 2020 at a modular ATO in the UK, completed my CPL/IR and MCC, and gained my first type rating on the A320.

For the past year and a half, I’ve been flying in ACMI operations across Europe, which taught me a lot about flexibility, adapting to new bases, and maintaining operational discipline even with short notice missions. It also strengthened my multi-crew skills and reinforced how much I enjoy working in a dynamic environment.

I’m now looking for a position where I can grow within a structured and safety-oriented airline. I’ve done a lot of research about your company’s values, training culture, and plans for fleet expansion, and I feel it’s a great fit for the kind of long-term career I want to build. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute as a motivated First Officer and to grow with the company in the years ahead.”

Tips:

• Practice your delivery, but don’t memorize word-for-word — it should sound natural.
• Tailor the end of your answer to each company. Mention something specific.
• Keep your tone confident, calm, and enthusiastic.

A strong introduction shows the recruiter you’re well-prepared, self-aware, and genuinely interested in the role. Nail this part, and you’ll make a powerful first impression.