Developing airline pilots before they reach the flight deck

What exactly is AlphaPilotAPS?

AlphaPilotAPS is a continuous professional development programme for aspiring pilots who want to become more than just assessment ready. Members train in an airline environment over months and years, developing the technical and non-technical competencies expected throughout an airline career.

It was built around a simple philosophy: the best airline pilots are not developed during a two-day assessment preparation course. They are developed through continuous exposure to airline operations, standards, procedures and coaching.

Does this actually produce better pilots?

While the Airbus A320 simulator sits at the heart of AlphaPilotAPS, the simulator is simply the classroom. Every session is designed to develop the behaviours, decision making, communication and professionalism expected of modern airline pilots.

Members are coached using airline operating procedures, competency-based assessment techniques and realistic line-orientated scenarios that encourage continual improvement rather than simply achieving a successful simulator profile. The objective is pilots who consistently demonstrate good judgement, strong crew cooperation and disciplined decision making.

Many pilots complete their commercial training and then face a lengthy period before securing airline employment. During that time, technical knowledge can diminish, confidence often reduces, and opportunities to develop in an airline environment are limited. AlphaPilotAPS bridges that gap - members arrive at airline assessments with recent experience operating within a structured, professional environment.

Crucially, we do not do any negative training. Every member is coached to airline pilot standards from day one, so they develop the right behaviours, callouts and procedures - not bad habits that have to be unlearned later. By the time they reach your assessment, their cockpit conduct, discipline and crew behaviours are already akin to those of an operational airline pilot.

Could this benefit our recruitment in the future?

Our members are not simply taught how to pass an assessment. They are encouraged to think critically, operate professionally, communicate effectively and continually develop the behaviours expected within a modern airline.

Every member trains within a culture that values professionalism, accountability, standardisation and continuous improvement. For recruiters, this means candidates who have already spent considerable time operating within an environment that reflects many of the expectations they will encounter during airline selection and beyond.

Learning does not stop after obtaining a type rating, and neither does our support. Many former members continue to return after joining airlines, using AlphaPilotAPS to maintain proficiency, prepare for command opportunities and continue their professional development.