Frequently Asked Questions

When you start an integrated flight training program at OSM Aviation Academy you will have a conditional job offer from OSM Aviation.

This allows you to put your focus where it should be, in becoming the best pilot you can be.

A conditional job offer means that you will be hired as a Junior First Officer by OSM Aviation after you graduate, given that you meet the conditions stated at the beginning of your training. 

Aside from learning being able to master the core competencies of a professional pilot, you are also expected to display a positive and driven attitude throughout your training. Attitude and motivation are two of the most important factors to succeed in your pilot education and career.  

It is OSM Aviation's strong intention to hire all graduates from our integrated programs, however, you must also live up to your end of the bargain. 

OSM Aviation has several partner airlines that you could end up flying for. Airlines such as Norwegian, Finnair, Turkish Airlines and Thomas Cook are some of the airlines that could be a reality for you.

As a newly graduated pilot with limited experience, you should a have a flexible mindset towards which airline will be your first employer. We will strive to provide you with lucrative options, however, we cannot guarantee that you will work for a specific airline of your choice.

OSM Aviation is operating in 18 different countries and will continue to expand in the years to come. The demand for pilots is dictated by our airline partners and thus you should expect a base anywhere within our network. Naturally, we will strive to position you at a base of your choice, but this will not always be possible and it is therefore wise that you have a flexible mindset when venturing into your pilot career.

Since we cooperate with many different airlines who have different payment structures, we are not able to pinpoint your exact salary when you start working. Your salary will be competitive but can range from 2.800-4.000 EUR a month depending on the airline.

Please note that these numbers may change in relation to market rates, inflation and supply, and demand. In other words, you should view the above-mentioned numbers only as guidance to give you a general idea of the pay-scale for a newly graduated Junior First Officer.

Salary will increase over time as you gain more experience. A substantial increase in salary can be expected when and if you upgrade from First Officer to Captain. A process that can take anywhere from 5-10 years or sometimes even more.

OSM Aviation Academy, through OSM Aviation, will constantly strive to present you with lucrative career options upon graduation. If you so choose, however, you can of course venture into the job market yourself and apply for other jobs outside of our network.

With OSM Aviation's many partner airlines lined up for you, there will also be a greater palette of different aircraft you may end up flying after graduation. It is the need of the airline that dictates which aircraft you will fly for them.

Before you can apply for an integrated flight training education at OSM Aviation Academy you need to fulfill these requirements: 

1. 18 years of age
2. Graduated from High School with grades in:
   1. Mathematics
   2. English
   3. Physics*
3. Pass a Pilot Aptitude Test (both part 1 and 2).
   *If you haven't read physics in High School, OSM Aviation Academy offers a 2-week long online course. You may sign up for this course after passing the Pilot Aptitude Test.
   
   
4. Pass an EASA Class 1 medical examination (the medical examination can be done after you apply, but must be done prior to course start). 

You need the following subjects:

1. Mathematics
2. English
3. Physics*

*If you haven't read physics in High School, OSM Aviation Academy offers a 2-week long online course.

Obs! You may sign up for this course after passing the Pilot Aptitude Test.

You need to have passing grades in the three mentioned subjects:

1. Mathematics
2. English
3. Physics

The Pilot Aptitude Test will ensure that you have what it takes to complete the training and to become a professional pilot. So the simple answer to the question is: You need it for yourself!

An EASA Medical Class 1 is a requirement to become a professional pilot and it needs to be renewed each year. This is a requirement from the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) and your pilot certificate is worthless without a valid medical certificate.

If you haven't read physics in High School, OSM Aviation Academy offers a 2-week long online course.

You may sign up for this course after passing the Pilot Aptitude Test.

If you haven't read English in High School, you can complement your application with a TOEFL test with a minimum score of 80.  

The TOEFL test is an extended English test that will measure your skills in four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The tests combined will determine your total score. Read more here.

The Pilot Aptitude Test is a test that we use to ensure that you have what it takes to become a professional pilot. The test is conducted by flight psychologists and is divided into two parts. You need it in order to apply for our integrated flight training program.

If you would like to sign up for the Pilot Aptitude Test at OSM Aviation Academy you can click below and go to our events page and find the event that suits you best. 

Click here to see upcoming events and register for your Pilot Aptitude Test

You need to bring the following to the test:

• Government issued ID (such as passport or drivers license)

If you are successful in part 1 of the Pilot Aptitude Test we will schedule you for part 2 on the next available date. Part 2 of the tests are done in Västerås or Oslo.

The price for part 2 of the Pilot Aptitude Test is 500 EUR and will be subtracted from the application fee if you are admitted to one of our integrated flight programs.

Schedule for the Pilot Aptitude Test 
The first part of the Pilot Aptitude Test takes place during our Pilot Open Days or on separate testing days in Västerås or Oslo. If you register for the Pilot Aptitude Test, you will not be able to register for an intro flight the same day in Västerås.

The time of the tests is specified on the booking page for each event.

If you have any further questions regarding the Pilot Aptitude Test feel free to send us a message.  

The Pilot Aptitude Test is divided into two parts

You can do the first part at one of our Pilot Open Days or extra test days and if you pass the first part you can schedule the second part of the tests which can be done in Stockholm, Västerås (Sweden) or Oslo (Norway).

Part 1 - 100 EUR

The first part of the Pilot Aptitude Test costs 100 EUR and takes about 2,5 hours to perform. You will be tested in the following capacities during the test: 

• Logical thinking
• Perceptual capacity (accuracy and speed)
• Spatial orientation
• Memory
• Eye-hand coordination
• Multitasking ability
• Stress tolerance
• Mental endurance
• Mental arithmetics

Part 2 - 500 EUR

Part 2 of the Pilot Aptitude Test cost 500 EUR and can be booked once you have passed part 1. The second part takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

Part 2 is an interview with a flight psychologist where the applicants are being evaluated on character, personality, motivation, and attitude. Your technical skills will also be evaluated through additional tests that are based on your results from part 1.

*The price for part 2 of the Pilot Aptitude Test will be refunded through a reduced admissions fee if you are accepted into our First Officer- (FOP) or Professional Pilot Program (PPP).

If you don't get an approved result on your first attempt you can try again after a minimum waiting time of 6 months.

Should you fail the test on your second attempt you can try a third and final time. You will have to wait minimum 6 months between each attempt.

When you do a Pilot Aptitude Test it is divided into two parts. You will have to pass both parts in order to have a complete test. Pilot Aptitude Test part 1 can be done on all of our Pilot Open Days (limited spots available) or during one of our extra testing days in Västerås, Sweden or Oslo, Norway.

If you pass the first part of the Pilot Aptitude Test you will have to complete the second part within 6 months to get a diploma. If you wait more than 6 months before attempting the second part you will have to do part 1 again.

When both parts are completed with an approved result the test is valid for 3 years. Therefore, it can be a good idea to do the test well before you are planning to apply to our programs.

You can do the pilot aptitude test directly with the flight psychologist centers if you do not have the possibility to do the test with us.

Keep in mind that the test will then not be divided into two parts. The price for the test will be approximately 6000 SEK and will not be subtracted from the application fee. You are able to apply for our programs with an approved Pilot Aptitude Test from any of these centers.

In Sweden we have the following approved flight psychologists:

SIAP provides tests in Stockholm

Interpersona provides tests in Västerås

Flygmedicinskt Centrum – FMC provides tests in Malmö

You can also book a test with Scandinavian Flight Psychology center by e-mailing: scandinaviskflygpsykologi@gmail.co

In the rest of Europe the following centers are approved:

Graf Consulting (Bern, Switzerland)

The short answer is yes. In the same manner that you can train your body, you can also "take your brain to the gym" and make it better, stronger and faster. One of the most important things to think about, however, is to get a good nights sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before the tests.

If you want to learn some tips and tricks that can help you train your brain, we suggest that you download our guide, "How to prepare".

 

It usually takes 7-10 days before you receive the results of your Pilot Aptitude Test. 

EASA Medical Class 1 needs to be completed and sent to OSM Aviation Academy before the course start. We recommend you to do the EASA Medical Class 1 evaluation after you have received an acceptance letter, as there is a fee for the evaluation.

The evaluation can be scheduled with one of the approved Aero Medical centers:

Flyg- och Dykmedicinskt Centrum (Sabbatsberg Närsjukhus, Stockholm)

Flygmedicinskt Centrum – FMC (Malmö, Sweden)

Flymedisinsk Institut (Oslo, Norway)

 

You are allowed to wear glasses. The acuity with or without correction (glasses or lenses) shall be 0,7 or better for each eye and with both eyes 1,0 or better.  You cannot be more astigmatic than 2 Dp. 

If you are unsure about your eyesight and/or any of the limitations, consult an aviation medical examiner. You can find a complete list of medical examiners in Sweden on the Swedish CAA website.

 

Laser-surgery of the cornea can be a problem. The applicant can get an approval from the authorities after an extra assessment.

It depends to what extent. The Ishihara-test must be passed. Contact a flight-doctor for further information.

It depends to what extent. Doing a medical examination will determine if you meet the requirements of a medical class 1 certificate.

Blood pressure above 160/95 on several occasions will most likely be disqualifying.

Low blood pressure that causes fainting and heart problems will inhibit you from obtaining a medical class 1 certificate. 

There is no specific height that is too short or too tall. We can determine whether or not your height is within limits at our location in Västerås. Where we have the possibility of placing you in the cockpit of several aircraft to see if your length will be out of limits. 

When flying an aircraft the length of your arms and legs, as well as the force you are able to apply to the control wheel and rudder pedals, has to be sufficient to safely operate as a commercial pilot.

Max Body Mass Index (BMI) to work as a pilot is 35. You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg), divided with your height in meters (m) squared.

For instance, a person weighing 105 kg and being 194 cm tall would calculate their BMI in the following manner:

1,94 x 1,94 = 3,7636

105 / 3,7636 ~ 27,9 BMI

• Sleep apnea
• Dizziness/balance disorder
• Epilepsy
• Migraine
• Inslulin treatment for diabetes
• Using psychiatric medicine
• Untreated inguinal hernia or umbilical hernia

During a Pilot Open Day, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our school and how to become a commercial pilot. You will learn more about the aviation industry and we will teach you how to line up on the runway and prepare for takeoff. 

Yes! On our Pilot Open Days in Västerås, Sweden, you have the unique opportunity to schedule an introduction flight with one of our flight instructors in a Cessna 172 G1000! 

The price of the intro-lesson is 120 EUR and there are a limited number of spots. Since these intro-lessons are very popular we recommend booking them well ahead of time. 

Yes! On our Pilot Open Days in Västerås, Sweden, you have the unique opportunity to schedule an introduction session with one of our flight instructors in our Boeing 737 NG simulator!

The price for the simulator intro-lesson is 95 EUR (limited spots available) and since they are very popular we recommend booking them well ahead of time. 

 

You can find the next upcoming dates for our Pilot Open Days on our event site by clicking the button below. 

The complimentary Pilot Open Days are held continuously in cities in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. 

• Oslo, Norway
• Västerås, Sweden
• Göteborg, Sweden
• Copenhagen, Denmark

During a Pilot Open Day, you will also have the opportunity to take the first part of the Pilot Aptitude Test for a fee of 100 EUR. The test needs to be booked and paid in advance to secure your spot.

You can find more information about the Pilot Aptitude Tests by download the "How to prepare" guide. 

The market for pilots now looks brighter than it has in many years. This is a result of both a steadily rising number of passengers in the world and the fact that many of the airlines have a large number of older, soon retiring pilots.

Boeing and Airbus have conducted extended market outlooks of the need for pilots and aircraft for the upcoming 15 years.

See Boeing's market outlook

See Airbus' market outlook  

Being a Flight Instructor (FI) is one of the most rewarding careers you can have in aviation. You will also gain valuable experience as a teacher and Pilot in Command as you are teaching the future generations of pilots.

Your logbook will also start filling up with Pilot in Command hours, a valuable column in your pilot logbook that will enable you to upgrade to Captain at a later stage in your career. 

Becoming a Flight Instructor is not for everyone though, you must have a passion for teaching and having a creative way of thinking helps in becoming a great educator. Some discover that they have a passion for teaching others during their own training, as they tutor classmates and more junior students in their spare time. 

Read more about how to become a Flight Instructor here.

Financing

OSM Aviation Academy is striving to make your student life and flight education easier for you by offering financial solutions. 

We have a cooperation with Nordea Norway that will grant student loans for Norwegian students attending one of our integrated flight training programs.

Nordea is offering three financial solutions created to meet your situation and needs. 

OBS! You need to have an acceptance letter from the school before you can apply for a loan through Nordea. 

Lånekassen

We have finalized our application for approval by NOKUT. Once a school is approved by NOKUT it will be possible for Norwegian citizens to apply for student loans from Lånekassen.

We will update this page when we have any news, we are expecting to get a response to our application in the first quarter of 2019.

Financing

We have a cooperation with Nordea Sweden that will grant student loans for Swedish students attending one of our integrated flight training programs.

Nordea is offering three financial solutions created to meet your situation and needs. 

OBS! You need to have an acceptance letter from the school before you can apply for a loan through Nordea. 

CSN 

Students enrolled in one of our integrated flight training programs are eligible to apply for student funding from the National Board of Student Aid (CSN). Please note that special requirements apply to non-Swedish students and that you may be more likely to receive student loans from your country of citizenship.

Follow the link to CSN’s website if you wish to read more about being approved by CSN.

As a foreign student, we recommend you to contact your domestic student loan provider for an individual assessment to see if you are eligible for student funding.

Alternatively, you will have to solve the financial matters through a private loan, savings, or you might be fortunate to get help from your family and friends.

OSM Aviation Academy is striving to make your student life and flight education easier for you by offering scholarship and financial solutions.

At the moment we don't offer any scholarships, but we will update this page when the opportunity arises again.

At the moment we are in the process of negotiating an affordable and attractive student housing in Arendal for long-term accommodation.

Västerås is quite a popular city to live in and to rent an apartment downtown Västerås is usually expensive.

When you receive your enrolment certificate we will hand out suggestions of housing agents in Västerås. The rent is approximately 3 100 SEK to 6000 SEK per month depending on size and location. It is of utmost importance to book your apartment as soon as possible in order for you to guarantee accommodation.

Read more and apply for student housing with Bostad Västerås.

Below you will find alternatives for short-term accommodation in Västerås where OSM Aviation Academy offers a discounted price for our visitors. 

Alternative 1 - Hotel Hässlö

Hotel Hässlö is situated within walking distance from the school. If you are planning on visiting us for a shorter period of time, this is a good option. As a visitor/student at our school, you will be offered a special student price for your accommodation.

Contact Person:
Eva Gråberg

FLOTTILJGATAN 55, 
721 31 VÄSTERÅS
+46 (0)21 811010
info@hotellhasslo.se
www.hotellhasslo.se

Follow this link to see where the hotel is located.

Single room with private bathroom and TV

• Per day (1-4 nights, 5% discount)
  Single room 617 SEK
  Double room 841 SEK
  
  
• Price per week (>4 nights, 36% discount)
  Single room 2 093 SEK
  Double room 2 850 SEK
  
  
• Price per month (29 nights, 52 % discount)
  Single room 9 108 SEK
  Double room 12 401 SEK
  
  
• Longer stay (single room listed, but a double room can be booked) 
  2 months 8 125 SEK/month
  3 months 7 464 SEK/month
  >3 months 7 275 SEK/month (61% discount)
  
  All prices are incl. VAT.

This is included in the price:

• Breakfast buffet Monday through Friday from 06:30-08:30 CET
• Kiosk and reception where you can buy candy, soda and more (Opening hours are Monday from 16.00 to 18.00, Tues-Fri from 16:30 to 18:00)
• Cleaning of room once per week (optional)
• Wifi
• Gym and sauna
• Table tennis room
• TV-room
• Pool table
• Dining room where you have access to fridge and freezer if you want to bring your own food. In the dining room, there are four microwaves where you can heat your food
• You can order lunchboxes for 50 SEK per serving
• Free parking

Use the company code OSM18K - for short accommodation under 5 days - 5 % discount

Use the company code OSM18L - for long-term accommodation over 4 days - 36% to 61% discount

When you arrive

If you are arriving by plane to Stockholm, Arlanda airport we recommend Swebus or NetBus4You from Arlanda Terminal 5 to Västerås Recesentrum.

If you are arriving by car, the address to Hässlö Hotell can be found in the attached PDF. The address to the school is in my signature below.

To see the bus schedules and book tickets, please visit:

www.swebus.se

http://www.nettbuss.se/sok-kop/bus4you-vasteras–arlanda-airport-

From Västerås Recesentrum (The bus and train station in Västerås) you can take bus no. 2 towards «Björnögården» and get off the bus on “Eskadergatan”.

You will then be within walking distance of the hotel and OSM Aviation Academy.

Alternative 2 - Elite Hotel

Elite Stadshotellet in Västerås is located in the middle of the city center and is close to shops, restaurants, and cafés. The discount you can get depends on how far ahead of time you book your room and how flexible you want to be. 

10% discount

Booking can be done until the time of arrival and you can book via Elite Hotel's webpage, by phone or via email. The booking can be canceled until 14:00 CET on the day of arrival and the payment must be guaranteed with a credit card. 

20% discount

Booking must be done at least 7 days before arrival and you can only book on Elite Hotel's webpage. If you choose this discount you are not able to cancel your booking. Payment is done by credit card when you book the room(s) and is non-refundable.

Remember to use the company code 6151866.

Accommodation is not included in the tuition fee of the Professional Pilot Program. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange his/her accommodation. OSM Aviation Academy will be able to assist you with reserving an apartment if you want our help.

When you receive your enrolment certificate we will hand out contact information to the staff in San Diego for you to book an apartment. The rent is approximately 750 dollars per month if you share a room. If you want your own room in a shared apartment it costs 1250 USD per month.

It is of utmost importance to book your apartment as soon as possible in order for you to guarantee accommodation as well as lower the rent.

A typerating is a course where you learn how to operate a specific type of aircraft.

After the pilot training at OSM Aviation Academy, you will have an education that provides you with the possibility to apply for pilot jobs at different European airlines. When you are offered a position and know which type of aircraft you will be operating, you will need another additional course for that specific type of aircraft. That course is called a typerating.

The airline that hires will be the airline that provides the typerating course, where they also teach the airline’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

A typerating includes both theory and practical flight training with the airplane type and takes about 6 months (might vary a bit depending on airplane type and airline).

In other words, you will be qualified to do a typerating for any airplane type after completing one of our integrated programs.

Which airplane type you will do your typerating on depends on the employee and which airplane type they operate/need pilots for.

Lessons, briefings, and flight lessons are held in English. All printed material, such as literature, manuals, and checklists will be in English as well.

Since we need to fly as much as possible when the weather and sunlight permits, there is no vacation planned for our integrated programs. In order for you to complete your training in 20 months, you will need to be available during summer. 

Winter/Christmas vacation is easier to accommodate for several students, but summer vacations will rarely be approved. 

If the student terminates the contract before the training program starts, the student is only obliged to pay the registration fee. 

In case of termination during the course, the student will have to cover outstanding payments to the school. The amount will depend on how far into the education program you are. This will be clearly defined in your contract.