For an experienced pilot, an airline assessment is often a one-shot opportunity. Fail a stage, and many airlines make you wait months, sometimes years, before you can try again. Very few people talk about this openly, so here is what the published rules say.
Verify on the official posting. Cooldown rules change and can differ by role. The examples below come from public ads checked in October 2026. Nothing here is affiliated with any airline.
Published cooldowns, side by side
| Airline | Stage failed | Wait before reapplying | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Cityflyer | Screening, video interview, online tests or assessment centre | 6 months | >Job listing, Oct 2026 |
| BA Cityflyer | Simulator assessment | 12 months | >Job listing, Oct 2026 |
| SAS | Assessment | 24 months | >Official posting, Oct 2026 |
BA Cityflyer's ad also says you can apply to only one BA-family airline at a time. Many airlines don't publish a cooldown at all; ask the recruitment team if it isn't stated.
Why the wait matters
A 24-month wait can cost you a seniority window, a base you wanted or a hiring wave that may not come back. For a captain weighing an upgrade queue at home against a move, that changes the maths. See wait for command or move airlines?.
Make the first attempt count
- Check eligibility precisely. Hours, PIC category, licence and medical. Licence issues are a common surprise: read converting your pilot licence to another authority.
- Prepare every stage, not just the sim. Online tests and interviews end as many applications as the simulator. See preparing for the airline technical interview and simulator assessment preparation.
- Don't apply in a rush because an ad is open. If the next opening is likely within months but the cooldown is two years, a few more weeks of preparation is usually the better bet. This month's openings are in the direct-entry captain openings roundup.
- Know your weak spots first. An honest self-assessment before you apply is cheaper than a cooldown.
Next steps
- Take the free Airline Move Readiness Self-Check: 25 questions, scored out of 75.
- Pre-order The Airline Move Playbook for a full preparation plan, from application to DEC interview.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to wait to reapply after failing a pilot assessment?
It depends on the airline and the stage. Published examples include 6 months after a failed screening, video interview, tests or assessment centre and 12 months after a failed simulator at BA Cityflyer, and 24 months after a failed assessment at SAS. Always check the current posting.
Does a failed assessment at one airline affect another?
Policies vary. BA Cityflyer's ad says you can only apply to one BA-family airline at a time. Read each airline's terms, and answer honestly if asked about previous applications.
How can I avoid a long cooldown?
Apply when you are genuinely ready. Check your hours and licence first, prepare for every stage, and use a self-check to find your weak areas before applying.
