Selection stages

1. Online application (CV, licence, hours, medical, logbook)
2. Stage 1: pre-recorded video interview (HireVue ): self-introduction, HR/competency and technical question(s)
3. Stage 2: online COMPASS aptitude test
4. Final in-person assessment (Abu Dhabi or European roadshows): ATPL/technical written test, group exercise, HR and fleet/technical interviews, aviation English check, simulator assessment
5. GCAA medical

Tests

• COMPASS (instrument orientation, slalom/motor control, short-term memory, task manager, numeracy, mechanical reasoning)
• Personality test
• ATPL written test: ~50 q in 45 min; type-rated candidates get mix of generic and type questions
• ICAO aviation English check

Simulator check

A320/B737 or B787 depending on stream; candidate flies as PF and PM; general handling, steep turns, raw-data ILS with go-around at minimums, failures/abnormals; type-rated: visual approach and go-around ~100 ft

By rank

• Cadet: UAE National cadet programme (relaunched 2025): English, maths, physics and numeracy tests, psychometrics, interviews, GCAA medical.
• Captain: Direct Entry Captain on A350/B777/B787 follows same assessment structure per prep site.
• First officer: Direct Entry FO: process above; fleet/technical interview on fleet and raw-data flying.

Interview questions

Personal and CV

1. Tell us about yourself.

Motivation

1. Why Etihad, and why Abu Dhabi?

Competency and CRM

1. How do you handle stress?

Company and industry

1. What do you know about the Etihad fleet (B787, A350, B777)? (First officer)