Modern Cockpits. Young Talents.

A new assessment concept: driven by innovation and digitalization.

Our digital assessment solution has been developed by experienced aviation psychologists and selection captains, fully in line with DIN 33430 and EU Regulation 965/2012 CAT.GEN.MPA.175 (b).

40+

Years of experience

19+

Operators supported

800+

Candidates assessed

What we deliver

Smart Flight Crew Assessment:
Fast.
Compliant. Cost-efficient.

We have designed a straightforward assessment solution tailored for small and medium-sized flight operations. It delivers the quality and reliability of complex assessments while maintaining the cost-efficiency and agility of a streamlined digital approach.

  • Our assessment may be completed within just a few days – fully digital and online
  • Seamless integration into your existing AOC process
  • Scientifically validated with relevant norm groups for flight crews to meet quality criteria
  • Coordinated with leading CAAs
  • Integrated fraud protection supported by AI
  •  Reduces overall recruitment costs with little complexity
  • Transparent pricing – no hidden fees, no travel costs
  •  Interview may be conducted in English, German or French

You need a process description to include in your Operation Manual and submit to CAA? We can provide that for you!

Thanks to a flexible, candidate-friendly setup, the process adapts to your applicants’ ongoing operational flight rosters while speeding up your internal onboarding. The result: faster cockpit staffing, less admin effort, and more control over your fees and selection process.

CR (EU) 965/2012 AMC1 CAT.GEN.MPA.175 (b)

a) The psychological assessment should be:

1. Appropriate to the particularity, the complexity and the challenges of the operational environment that the flight crew is likely to be exposed to, as defined by a job analysis identifying the safety-critical dimensions related to the flight crew’s function and role within the operator and should include at least the following assessment criteria:

Cognitive Abilities

Online AI-proctored psychometric testing used widely in theaviation industry by airlines, flight schools and military.

- Logic and Recognition
- Complex control tasks and multi
- tasking exercises
- ATPL Knowlede Test
- short term memoy
- mental arithmetics and mathematics
- spatial orientation
- ICAO English Test with Certificate up to L6

Social Competencies & CRM

Online assessment and role plays evaluating competence in cooperation, leadership, situation awareness and decision making.

In a separate assessment module, additional focus is directed towards “social-interpersonal abilities” (Crew Ressource Management). We usually pair an experienced recruitment captain, a certified aviation psychologist and representatives from the operator if desired.

During the interview, all gathered data will be verified and validated and the candidate will be challenged in different scenarios that require operational decisions and practical reasoning. A virtual group assessment is currently under development. Conventional group assessment days with in-person attendance are optional if desired by the operator.

Synopsis Report

For any personal interview or simulator screening conducted directly by Flight Operations, we prep area “Synopsis Report” for each candidate. This report summarizes all results from previous tests and assessments and highlights the areas that should be revisited or given special attention during the interview.

Synopsis Report

For any personal interview or simulator screening conducted directly by Flight Operations, we prep area “Synopsis Report” for each candidate. This report summarizes all results from previous tests and assessments and highlights the areas that should be revisited or given special attention during the interview.

Process Documentation

Mitigate crew performance risks at fullcompliance with CAT.GEN.MPA 175(b)and leave the process documentation tous with our detailed crew hiring manual.

Detailed Assessment Manual is provided to meet all requireddocumentation guidelines

2. validated and either directly

with acquired knowledge in aviation relevant to the flight crew’s operating environment and with expertise in psychological assessment, and where possible, the psychological selection of aviation personnel; and3. undertaken at least within the past 24 months before commencing line flying, unless the operator can demonstrate that the psychological assessment undertaken more than 24 months ago is still adequate for the risk mitigation as required by ORO.GEN.200(a)(3). Such a demonstration should be based on the tests previously performed, an updated risk assessment based on data gathered from previous operational experience and continuous human performance monitoring since the last psychological assessment.

(b) As regards the psychological assessment, the following

  1. the procedures followed;
  2. the personnel involved;
  3. the assessment criteria and instruments used in the assessment; and
  4. the validity period.

Our Assessment Value Chain

Based on our experience we go beyond numbers and appearances. In a first step we analyze the operational background a needs of the operator. We need to understand the challenges of the specific challenges that pilots are faced with in everyday operations. We identify critical traits and develop relevant questions for the candidates.

Whether for the interview or the simulator screening, we help you gain a genuine understanding of your candidate’s attitude, interpersonal skills, personality, and overall competencies to excel on the flight deck.

Online Personality Assessment

Our profiling concept is based on the five major personality domains: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism. It also includes the evaluation of hazardous attitudes in accordance with FAA AC 60-22.

Online AI-Proctored Psychometric Testing

Our assessment inventory is widely used in the aviation industry by airlines, flight schools, and the military. Thanks to that abundant database we are able to compare the assessment results to a relevant norm group of aviators (instead of common office employees).

Online CRM Module

Our concept evaluates a candidate’s competence in cooperation, leadership, situational awareness, decision-making, and interpersonal skills. This enables us to understand the attitude, personality, and capabilities required to excel on the flight deck.

Online (or offline) Interview

The interview is conducted  by an aviation psychologist accredited by EAAP, certified according to DIN 33430. We encourage representatives from the operator to join the interview online or offline. During the course of the conversation, we are certified to acknowledge the ICAO English Level up to Level 6.

OurAssessment Value Chain: full compliance. full benefits for your crewpool.  

PersonalityTraits

Charismaisnice. Flight safety is nicer. We assess both. O

Online personality assessment based on the five major personality domains. Assessment of hazardous attitudes acc. FAA AC60-22.  

Cognitive Abilities

We don’t just check licenses – we spot crew competence at cruising altitude

Online AI-proctored psychometric testing used widely in the aviation industry by airlines, flight schools and military

SocialCompetencies & CRM

Crew resource management does not start in the cockpit – it starts with us.

Online assessment and role plays evaluating competence in cooperation, leadership, situation awareness and decision making

Operational Competencies

We know who’s ready to fly – and who’s better off staying at the gate.

Interview conducted online by an aviation psychologist accredited by EAAP, certified acc DIN33430 and current ICAO English language proficiency examiner. Representative from customer AOC is encouraged to join the interview

Ready to assess what really matters.

Our international team consists of certified aviation psychologists and experienced TRI/TRE selection captains. We do not just analyse skills. We discover futures.

True Expertise. Genuine Experience.

Our international team consists of certified aviation psychologists and experienced TRI/TRE selection captains. We do not just analyse skills. We discover futures.

  • Accreditation by EAAP (European Association of Aviation Psychologists)
  • Certification according DIN 33430
  • Integrated ICAO English Verification up to Level 6
  • Regulatory Standardization
  • Selection & Process Manual for your OM-A
  • Synopsis Report as executive summary for each candidate with critical focus items for interview and simulator assessment

no Travels. no complexity. No Delays.

Our digital platform

Candidates can complete assessments whenever their duty schedule allows.

Experience a significant reduction in recruitment and assessment costs by joining our web-based assessment concept.

Our online platform is a testament to state-of-the-art technology in recruitment. It provides a secure environment for pilot assessments, with robust user identification procedures, encrypted data recording and storage, and advanced online proctoring techniques. We prioritize maintaining absolute security and confidentiality throughout all stages of the assessment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the benefit of an assessment conducted by Volando?

Volando delivers online, AI-proctored, self-paced assessments that cut travel costs and save time in pilot hiring. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, backed by certified experts (EAAP, DIN33430, ICAO). Our flexible, high-quality solutions support AOC recruitment with tailored methods, detailed reports, and a selection handbook that exceeds audit standards.

Flexibility
We adapt our assessments to the unique needs of your operation. Whether for airlines, flight schools, or other operators, our modular approach ensures that the process is fast, efficient, and aligned with your requirements.

Cost Efficiency
Our digital format removes expenses tied to travel, accommodation, and infrastructure. You only pay for assessments that are actually conducted, regardless of the final hiring decision — with full transparency and no hidden costs.

Speed
From registration to results, the entire process can be completed in just a few days — sometimes even within 24 hours, depending on availability and candidate readiness. We recommend allowing at least two days to ensure meaningful, reliable outcomes.

Is a digital solution practical for flight crew assessment?

To get one thing clear: a personal meeting or interview combined with a simulator screening or FNPT assessment is indispensable. Many other elements of a full assessment process, however, may efficiently be completed by digital means. We recommend that only after an applicant has successfully completed this „quality filter", you should invest into resources and complexity for personal meetings.

Digitalization has transformed aviation and cockpit operations — and pilot recruitment should be no different. With Volando’s fully digital assessment platform, candidates can complete the process online from anywhere, eliminating unnecessary complexity and costs.

Why is a psychological assessment required?

The key regulatory framework is CR(EU) 965/2012 CAT.GEN.MPA.175(b) together with its AMC/GM guidance, which references the IATA Pilot Aptitude Testing Guide. This regulation requires operators to ensure that no individual poses a risk to flight safety.
To comply, operators must conduct a psychological assessment tailored to the operational environment. Non-complex operators with fewer than 20 FTE are exempt. The assessment must be carried out within 24 months before line flying, unless a risk assessment demonstrates continued validity.
Assessments conducted by other operators may be accepted if fully compliant, though validation is often difficult in practice. The rule became mandatory on 14 February 2021, as introduced by CR(EU) 2018/1042 and 2020/745.

What can the AOC expect from Volando?

Volando handles pilot assessments AOCs often lack time or expertise for, covering personality, CRM, English, psychometrics, and interpersonal skills, while leaving simulator checks to the AOC. Assessments can be done online or on-site, with tailored options. A detailed report highlights risks and key areas for further evaluation.

What is the aviation psychologist’s role?

The assessment must be validated and performed or overseen by a qualified psychologist. Volando’s lead psychologist is EAAP-accredited, DIN33430-certified, and an active airline captain with extensive HR experience. AOCs may delegate testing to third parties under expert supervision. The psychologist must have full access to all procedures and results. At Volando, interviews are typically conducted by our lead psychologist or similarly qualified experts.

Does the AOC need CAA approval for its process?

Selection manuals do not require prior approval but must be submitted before use. The CAA can later reject them if legal standards are not met. However, the sumbission of a high-quality manual for CAA feedback is highly recommended. Volando offers to provide compliant manuals that are fully adaptable to your OM-A.

Which CAAs does Volando work with?

We regularly collaborate with Germany’s CAA (LBA) and have had procedures approved by Austria’s CAA (AustroControl). The Danish CAA (TBST) also recognizes the NEO-PI-R inventory we use for personality assessment.

How does Volando ensure quality?

We use qualified personnel, validated test inventories, and maintain regular exchanges with the LBA. All staff are ICAO English examiners. Tests include AI-supported supervision and ID verification. We follow the IATA Pilot Aptitude Testing Guide (Ed 3) and include FAA hazardous attitude checks in reports as advised by LBA.

How long does the assessment take?

After registration and contract completion, candidates can finish assessments in a few days—sometimes within one day—depending on availability and readiness. We recommend allowing at least 2 days to avoid rushed, less meaningful results.

What technical setup is required for candidates?

Candidates need a recent tablet computer (iPad/Android) with a camera and stable internet connection for online testing and AI-supported supervision. If unavailable, a PC/laptop with a camera and mouse is acceptable. If required, all assessments can also be completed on site at a dedicated computer room. Volando would then provide all required hardware.

Does Volando also offer on-site and group assessments?

Yes. While most steps can be done remotely (except simulator screenings), we also offer on-site assessments at the AOC’s premises or another suitable location.

What if Volando does not recommend the candidate?

Our recommendation for each candidate is advisory. The final recruitment decision remains with the AOC. Unfavourable test scores still allow to hire a candidate as long as adequate risk mitigation measures are put in place (we will support you in this process). One example is placing the candidate on probation during OCC/Type Rating to gather more data. Another possibility is adequate risk mitigation during the simulator screening on site. Our reports give transparent insights into personality, interpersonal skills, and crew fit.

Each flight operator is unique.

                                      >> and so should be your recruitment and assessment strategy <<

GET IN TOUCH

We will mutually identify your requirements and craft an online aviation assessment toolkit that matches your operational needs.

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Let's combine your existing recruitment process with our modular assessment concept.