• Candidates must at least hold a completed HAVO diploma with Mathematics and English. Preferably, candidates also have Physics as part of their curriculum. MBO students are not eligible and cannot be admitted to the selection process.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be allowed to submit the registration form. There is no maximum age limit, provided the candidate is able to finance the training independently.

Eye requirements:
Candidate pilots may wear glasses or contact lenses. For information regarding the maximum allowed correction, contact should be made with the Aeromedical Expert Centre in Bosschenhoofd. Applicants must not be colour-blind under any circumstances.

Body requirements:
AELO: height between 1.57 and 1.95 m; a Body Mass Index (BMI) that does not fall into the Overweight or Underweight range according to the UK NHS BMI scale (18–24), which can be found here. If a candidate falls outside the stated height and BMI limits, they may be asked to make an appointment at Lelystad Airport to assess whether the candidate fits in the aircraft used for training.

Do you want to become a pilot? Could you do it? Do you have the aptitude for it? Everyone aspiring to become a pilot asks these questions. EPST has developed the COMPASS™ test (COMputerised Pilot Aptitude Screening System) to determine whether a candidate possesses the basic aptitude required for this profession.

The EPST COMPASS™ system provides candidate pilots with quick and effective insight into their aptitude for several key characteristics required of a pilot. Candidates complete various tests in approximately two hours. These tests assess, among other things, hand–eye and foot–eye coordination, the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, spatial awareness, memory, orientation skills, and numerical reasoning. This test is only an initial assessment and should not be considered a replacement for a full selection process.

EPST’s selection specialists developed this system. They have conducted hundreds of selection procedures for various airlines, such as British Airways, and based on that experience designed and validated EPST’s selection methods. The result: fewer than three percent of candidates selected by EPST drop out during training.

Interested individuals aged sixteen and over who are considering a career as a pilot may register with EPST without obligation for the COMPASS™ test. EPST has established a dedicated centre where aspiring pilots can be tested. Candidates can schedule an appointment by phone with EPST (+31 30 238 3232) to take this test. The test takes approximately two hours in total.

To participate in the test, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old;
• Present a valid identification document;
• Pay a fee of € 50 for participation.

The COMPASS™ test is an initial aptitude test. Taking the test does not obligate the candidate to participate in the EPST selection process or training.

COMPASS™ consists of six tests designed to assess general aptitude and several key qualities required for the profession of pilot. The test assumes that candidates have no prior flying experience.

We emphasize that this system is not a replacement for a full selection procedure, but a cost-effective way to determine basic aptitude for the profession of pilot. After the test, candidates can decide whether to proceed with further selection or withdraw, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs. The COMPASS™ system is a standard component of the EPST selection process.

To be admitted to the training programme, candidates must first successfully complete a full selection procedure. We emphasize that this element of the programme is vital to provide confidence in the future career and the investment required.

Phase 1:
This phase consists of a COMPASS™ flight aptitude test, a psychometric test, an Aviation English test, a Verbal Reasoning test, and a technical insight test. This phase is individual. Candidates can register by phone (+31 30 238 3232) and schedule an appointment to take these tests at the EPST centre. The tests take approximately three hours and can be taken on any working day. Identification is required before the start of the test. The results are available immediately and are discussed with the candidate. Only successful candidates are invited to Phase 2. The cost for Phase 1 is € 300.*

The Phase 1 test is valid for a maximum of one year and must be fully retaken once it expires.

Phase 2:
In this phase, candidates are invited, among other things, to take a simulator test. This important test indicates the capacity to absorb new knowledge and also assesses coordination and dexterity. In this phase, natural aptitude for the profession of pilot can also be observed. After the simulator test, the results are compared with the COMPASS™ test results and a final conclusion is drawn. This phase lasts a full day and includes other candidates. During the day, candidates also participate in group activities and complete a numerical test and a simulator test. Candidates who complete this phase but do not achieve a sufficient score may first proceed to Phase 3 before undertaking additional training and retaking the simulator phase at EPST. This is to avoid unnecessary additional costs.**

Phase 3:
After Phase 2, candidates always proceed to Phase 3. In this phase, candidates are invited to EPST’s selection centre in Utrecht for a personal interview with members of the selection team. The main objectives of this phase are to meet the candidates in person and introduce them to the selection team.

The Phase 3 test is valid for a maximum of one year and must be fully retaken together with the other phases once it expires.

Management Review Board:
The final decision is made by a Management Review Board, which considers all elements of the various selection phases. The final result is sent to the candidate within five (5) working days. In the event of a negative result, the candidate may contact EPST to learn the reason for rejection and the possibility of a one-time retake. Candidates who successfully pass all selection phases are then referred for a medical examination.

Medical examination:
The medical examination takes place at the Aeromedical Expert Center in Bosschenhoofd and is conducted entirely in accordance with EASA standard requirements for commercial pilots and aspiring commercial pilots. Every (future) pilot must hold a valid medical certificate. The result of the medical examination is sent directly to the candidate. The costs of this medical examination (approximately €425 excluding VAT) are borne by the student.

* The COMPASS™ test may be retaken after three months. The cost for this is €50. The technical test may be retaken once in the event of an insufficient result.

** For candidates who need to retake Phase 2, EPST offers training opportunities on its simulator under the guidance of an instructor. This instructor may not be involved in the new simulator selection. No more than two sessions of one hour each may be practiced. The retake of Phase 2 costs € 300.

The costs of the AELO training and selection are as follows:

The selection costs are € 300. The medical examination costs approximately € 425 excluding VAT if conducted at AEC (see EPST selection menu).

The costs of the AELO training amount to € 112,500, including € 2,500 for the EPST Guarantee. This means that EPST provides a guarantee in the event of failure during the (theoretical) training. Reimbursement of paid training fees will only take place if the above-mentioned student is removed from the training programme due to failure to achieve or no longer meet the standard defined by EPST. The reimbursement obligation only applies if the failure is not caused by the student’s own fault. Voluntarily leaving the programme and gross negligence, such as misconduct, are excluded from this arrangement. The guarantee applies once the required contribution has been received by EPST.

The training costs include materials, uniform, tickets, examination fees, transportation, and the complete follow-up training (MCC/JOC). The costs of accommodation during the Basic Flight Training are also fully included. Accommodation is provided internally.

The training syllabus at AELO consists of:

NOTE: The above is indicative and subject to change. No rights can be derived from this table.

In addition, owning a car to travel to and from Switzerland and to be mobile locally is a necessity.