Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation - I am wondering why I was not selected to become a pilot with Singapore Airlines.

I have read, with great interest, some of the FAQ's on your excellent and very informative website. I have some important questions that I hope you could offer some advice and solution.

I applied to SIA (Singapore Airlines) in 1998 to be an airline pilot just after a year after my Bachelor of Engineering degree from the National University of Singapore. I am a Singapore citizen and have always dreamt of flying for the national airline as a commercial pilot. However, I was rejected after the 3rd interview although I had completed the first 2 rounds with good marks.

I was very disappointed and was wondering why I was not selected as they mainly asked very simple questions which I answered to the best of my abilities. It still puzzles me as to what went wrong. I would like to know the following :

Is it still worthwhile for me to keep applying for the cadet pilot program with SIA even though I had gone through the final interview? It seems that they do not give any second chances to those who have failed the final interview.

Are there any other avenues to pursue and fulfill my dream? I am 32 years old this year.
I am still very keen to join the airline and have applied to them a few times again, and most recently, to the Singapore Flying College as a cadet pilot.

Thank you, and I do sincerely appreciate your help and advice.

Yours sincerely,

Sarbhjeet Singh

Hi Sarbhjeet,

There are many other aspiring pilots who have not been selected into the Cadet Pilot Program even though they have all the academic qualifications. Singapore Airlines is rather selective and they are especially particular about a potential pilot's character. I mentioned in my other answers previously, that some of the qualities SIA is looking for are, leadership, aptitude, team player, communication skills, confidence, etc. Questions asked may be simple but it is the way that they are being answered, revealed one's character. Typical no-no's are attitude that displays traces of cockiness, arrogance, under confidence, impoliteness and being a loner. These are some of the characteristics that are fatal during an interview.

I believe SIA does not give a second chance to a candidate who has not been successful in the final interview. Your best choice now is to pursue a CPL at your own expenses (see previous FAQs). Reapply to the airlines in the future as a qualified pilot. They may then reconsider your application and if they don't, there are others like Silk Air or soon to be launched, no-frills Valu Air.