The Air France ENAC cadet program is France's premier pathway to the cockpit of one of the world's most prestigious airlines. Conducted in partnership with ENAC (Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile) in Toulouse, this fully funded program selects approximately 72 cadets per year through a unique, proprietary selection system that differs significantly from the COMPASS or Cut-E tests used elsewhere in Europe.
Program Overview
The Air France cadet program is an ab initio training scheme that covers all costs — tuition, accommodation and a monthly allowance. Cadets train at ENAC in Toulouse, one of the world's most respected aviation training institutions. The program produces type-rated First Officers ready for the Air France flight deck, typically on the Airbus A320 family.
Selection Process
The selection consists of three stages, each progressively more demanding. The entire process can take 4-6 months from application to final offer.
PSY0: Online Pre-screening
The first filter is an online assessment that tests basic cognitive abilities, English proficiency and personality traits. This stage eliminates candidates who do not meet the minimum aptitude threshold. It includes logical reasoning, numerical tasks and questionnaires.
PSY1: Aptitude Testing
PSY1 is conducted at a DGAC-approved centre and is the core aptitude assessment. It includes computer-based tests of cognitive ability, psychomotor coordination (using joystick and pedals), spatial orientation, multitasking and memory. The PSY1 battery is rigorous and accounts for the largest elimination rate in the process. Unlike COMPASS, which produces a single composite score, the PSY system evaluates candidates across multiple independent dimensions.
PSY2: Final Assessment
Candidates who pass PSY1 proceed to PSY2, which focuses on psychological suitability, motivation and personality. This includes in-depth interviews with aviation psychologists, group exercises, and personality profiling. Air France is looking for candidates who demonstrate strong CRM potential, emotional stability, and genuine commitment to a career with the airline.
Training at ENAC Toulouse
ENAC is France's national civil aviation school, located in Toulouse — the heart of European aerospace (Airbus headquarters). Training includes all 14 ATPL theory subjects, basic and advanced flight training, instrument and multi-engine ratings, MCC/JOC and type rating. The total program lasts approximately 24 months.
How OnlinePilotTraining.com Helps You Prepare
While the PSY system is proprietary, the underlying competencies — cognitive processing, spatial orientation, multitasking, coordination and memory — are universal pilot aptitude skills. OnlinePilotTraining.com offers comprehensive practice modules for all of these areas. Our adaptive cognitive tests, sensorimotor exercises and multitasking trainers build the exact skills the PSY battery measures, even though the test format differs.
Tips for Applicants
Master French. This is non-negotiable. ENAC training is primarily in French, and interviews in PSY2 are conducted in French. If your French is not fluent, invest in language training first.
Understand the PSY format. The PSY system differs from COMPASS and Cut-E. Research the specific format of PSY1 tests — French aviation forums (such as forum.pilote-de-ligne.com) are valuable sources of first-hand accounts.
Build general aptitude broadly. Since the PSY system tests multiple independent dimensions, weakness in any single area can be disqualifying. Practice coordination, multitasking, memory and spatial orientation in balanced proportion.
Prepare for deep psychological interviews. PSY2 involves detailed discussions about your motivation, life history and personality. Develop strong self-awareness and practice articulating your motivations clearly.