career-stories Archives - FLYING Magazine https://cms.flyingmag.com/tag/career-stories/ The world's most widely read aviation magazine Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:16:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 Employer Profile: Solairus Aviation https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/employer-profile-solairus-aviation/ Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:16:42 +0000 /?p=211595 The aviation services company helps owners manage and operate their aircraft safely, reliably, and economically.

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Solairus Aviation is an aviation services company that helps owners manage and operate their aircraft safely, reliably, and economically. It also offers charter services that use its managed fleet to meet customer needs.

Founded in 2009, Solairus boasts 75-plus base locations, 330-plus private aircraft, and about 2,00 flight crew and support personnel. The company is headquartered in Petaluma, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Solairus Aviation Mission Statement

“We never settle for even very high levels of customer satisfaction and we’re always looking for better ways to do our business.” —Greg Petersen, chief operating officer

Solarius Aviation in the News

Solairus Aviation Announces Updates to Executive Leadership Team
Company appoints Brent Monroe as chief growth officer and promotes Bob Marinace to chief experience officer.

Solairus Aviation Announces Chad Davidson Business Aviation Leadership Scholarship Fund
The fund honors late aviator and Solairus team member Chad Davidson in support of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students.

Solairus Aviation Openings on FindaPilot.com

More Solairus Aviation Resources:

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How to Become a Military Pilot https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/how-to-become-a-military-pilot/ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:54:20 +0000 /?p=211448 Highly precise and skilled, aviators in the armed forces fly aircraft from fighter jets to multiengine transports.

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Military pilots are among the most skilled and highly trained aviators in the world. Extremely precise and skilled, pilots flying aircraft from fighter jets to multiengine transports are held to lofty standards and respected for their work.

Becoming a fighter pilot is a dream for many. Military flying has been around since the world wars, but as technology advanced—and media representation in movies such as Top Gun increased—the general public’s fascination with military pilots, especially fighter pilots, has only increased.

One of the most popular questions many have is how to become a military pilot in the first place. It is possible to become a pilot in nearly every branch: the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Each branch completes its own training, but there are common requirements that apply across the board to help applicants start their careers.

Most notably, a four-year degree is usually required to have a chance at becoming a military or fighter pilot. Some applicants complete this prerequisite by attending a university run by a military branch, such as the U.S. Military , Air Force, Naval, or Coast Guard academies. Still, others attend a traditional civilian university and complete additional requirements on campus.

In addition, pilot hopefuls must be officers. Besides attending one of the four military academies, applicants can complete training at the Officer Training School or, especially notable if they attend a four-year university, ROTC. ROTC programs for all branches exist at numerous universities across the country, providing access to practically any interested pilot.

Pilots must also meet a variety of physical criteria and fitness tests. The Air Force stipulates that height requirements vary based on the aircraft a pilot will operate, but fitness is still of paramount importance. Uncorrected 20/20 vision, or better, is critical, as is good heart health and acceptable hearing. Pilots must also be in good mental health so they can remain calm and focused even in the most stressful situations.

Finally, there are many demographic criteria that a prospective candidate must meet. Pilots need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years old. Maximum ages vary by branch but are generally in the mid-30s.

All these requirements must be met before a pilot even gets in an aircraft. After becoming eligible, a pilot must complete a ground school course on aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and more. The military uses a series of basic trainer aircraft, many based on civilian aircraft models, to start their pilots’ training before moving them to advanced aircraft and, finally, the pilot’s permanent type.

Military pilots have a variety of roles and responsibilities. From refueling other aircraft and searching for threatening targets to providing aerial support to ground troops and even dogfighting, pilots are expected to carry out each mission with professionalism, expertise, and skill.

After settling into their new job, pilots have opportunities to be promoted or change types. These moves can often be competitive, and new positions are based on performance. However, military pilots are nothing if not motivated to meet each new challenge and opportunity head-on.

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AMT Jobs Could Be Part of Aviation’s Next Hiring Boom https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/amt-jobs-could-be-part-of-aviations-next-hiring-boom/ Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:23:02 +0000 /?p=211393 Although pilot employment has been a hot topic in recent years, there is another field with growing prospects.

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There has been a lot of talk about pilot hiring over the past few years. The post-pandemic era saw airlines hiring pilots in record numbers, but recruitment has slowed down in recent months.

Meanwhile, many airlines are actively hiring for one particular behind-the-scenes job. Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) are in high demand throughout the United States and around the world.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates four percent growth for aircraft and avionics mechanics through 2032. Aviation training company CAE projects a need for 138,000 AMTs by 2033. While only two out of the five largest U.S. airlines are currently hiring pilots, all of them are hiring AMTs.

AMTs play a critical role in the world of aviation and becoming one opens the door to a challenging and rewarding career. Here is what you need to know about being an Aviation Maintenance Technician:

What Is an AMT?

AMT is the term for a licensed aircraft mechanic in the United States. There are two ratings under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certification for AMTs: airframe and powerplant. Most jobs require applicants to have both, with the term “A&P” (airframe and powerplant) often being used interchangeably with AMT.

What Do They Do?

The role of an AMT is wide-ranging. AMTs can work on any type of aircraft, ranging from small general aviation planes to widebody jumbo jets. Similarly, AMTs can perform maintenance of all parts of an aircraft. An AMT’s work can consist of anything from making a small pre-departure repair to an airliner at an airport gate to working on an engine overhaul in a hangar.

Maintenance crews remove engine covers from a JetBlue aircraft. [Credit: AirlineGeeks/William Derrickson]

As a result, there are diverse career prospects for AMTs. While many choose to work for airlines, there are also opportunities to work for other employers like business and charter companies, government bodies, and maintenance contractors.

How Much Do They Make? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for aircraft mechanics in 2023 was $75,400. The median annual pay for those working at airlines was $101,500

How Do I Become One?

The FAA requires AMTs to meet a set of basic requirements before they can be licensed. Prospective AMTs must be at least 18 years of age and be fluent in English. In addition, they must meet either a training or experience requirement.

AMTs can meet the training requirement by graduating from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician school or by completing the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course for military personnel.

Alternatively, they can demonstrate that they have had 18 months of practical work experience with airframes or powerplants or 30 months of experience with both systems.

After meeting these requirements, an AMT must pass three FAA exams (written, oral, and practical) before they can be licensed.

How Long Is AMT School?

Most AMT training programs are designed to be completed between 14 and 24 months. The exact length can depend on the program and student.

Students learn about a wide variety of topics to prepare them for their future careers. Upon completing AMT school, graduates can apply for the FAA AMT certification.


Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.

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Employer Profile: Kalitta Air https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/employer-profile-kalitta-air/ Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:12:44 +0000 /?p=211159 Kalitta Air provides air cargo transportation services, aircraft heavy maintenance, parts sales and service, and engineering services.

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Kalitta Air provides air cargo transportation services, aircraft heavy maintenance, parts sales and service, and engineering services.  Headquartered at Willow Run Airport (KYIP) in Ypsilanti Township, Mich., the company operates worldwide.

Kalitta’s call sign—”Connie”— is a nod to its founder, Conrad “Connie” Kalitta, who began the business as a car-part-carrying airline in 1967. The airline changed its name to American International Airways in 1984, when it began offering air freight, air ambulance, and charter operations.

In 1990, AIA flew hundreds of cargo missions for U.S. military operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf.

The company evolved and transformed into Kalitta Air in 2000. Today its fleet has more than 25 planes, consisting of Boeing 777 and B747-400 freighters.

Kalitta Air Mission Statement

According to its website: “Traveling the globe and delivering a quality product on time, anytime, anywhere.”

Kalitta Air in the News

Kalitta Charters II Says Goodbye to the Boeing 727
Michigan-based cargo operator Kalitta Charters II bid farewell to its final Boeing 727 freighter on April 5. The over-40-year-old aircraft, N729CK, completed a short flight from Willow Run Airport (KIPT) to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport (KOSC) in Michigan, marking the end of an era for the company.

Which U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Pilots?
Despite recent headlines, there are several career opportunities for aspiring aviators.

The Last 747, Queen of the Skies
The last 747 has rolled off Boeing’s production line, but the iconic jumbo jet still has plenty of history to make.

More Kalitta Resources:

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How to Land a Helicopter Pilot Job https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/how-to-land-a-helicopter-pilot-job/ Fri, 05 Jul 2024 19:21:49 +0000 /?p=210856 Becoming a helicopter pilot requires extensive training but offers exciting career prospects and competitive pay.

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Becoming a helicopter pilot can lead to a thrilling career filled with adventure. Helicopters can perform specialized tasks that fixed-wing aircraft cannot, leading to a world of opportunities for aspiring aviators. 

From search and rescue to aerial photography, the possibilities for helicopter pilots are endless. Here is how to land a job as a helicopter pilot.

How Do You Become One?

The licensing process is similar to that of fixed-wing pilots. Aspiring helicopter pilots need to be a minimum of 17 years old and be able to obtain an FAA medical certificate.

A private pilot certificate is the first step in the journey to a career as a helicopter pilot. The training for this license teaches you the basics of flying a rotary-wing aircraft and prepares you to fly helicopters recreationally.

To make money while flying, you will need a commercial pilot certificate. You can work as a helicopter pilot with this license, opening the door to jobs in industries such as flight tours, medical transport, and law enforcement.

The airline transport certificate is the top-level license and requires significant training. Although it is not required for many helicopter pilot jobs, having it can make you more competitive during your job search.

Where Do You Train?

While they are less prevalent than fixed-wing flight schools, there are many schools offering helicopter flight training across the country.

 After you have researched local training options, your chosen flight school will be able to help you learn more about the process and requirements for obtaining your certificates. Once you have completed the necessary training for each, you will need to pass written and oral tests to earn your license.

Is It Expensive?

The cost of becoming a helicopter pilot varies greatly depending on your situation, but a private pilot certificate typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000. Earning your commercial license can cost upward of $100,000.

What Types of Companies Can Employ You?

Once you have your commercial pilot license, you can begin applying for helicopter pilot jobs. There are many types of companies and organizations in need.

Medical airlift and evacuation companies commonly use helicopters to transport patients, and therefore have a significant demand for pilots. Similarly, search and rescue operators also require pilots to operate their helicopters.

Helicopters are often used for observing the world beneath them or capturing imagery of the ground. There are companies that employ helicopter pilots for aerial photography and videography, and news organizations hire them as well. If you want to fly passengers, corporate transport and tour companies hire helicopter pilots.  

Government bodies also have a need for commercial helicopter pilots. For example, the military employs pilots to work as instructors, and the U.S. Forest Service  for their firefighting operations. Law enforcement agencies  hire civilian pilots to fly their aircraft.

Do You Make Good Money?

The salary for helicopter pilots can vary depending on their experience and employer, but you can expect salaries to start at around $70,000 per year. With more experience, one can easily earn upward of $100,000 to $200,000 annually.

Is There a Demand?

There is a significant need for helicopter pilots across the United States. Many employers are actively seeking new pilots, and the demand is forecasted to grow over the coming years.

Helicopters perform specialized tasks that are vital to society. Despite the cost and effort required to gain the necessary licenses and experience, helicopter pilots are rewarded with exciting career prospects and competitive salaries.

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Employer Profile: Clay Lacy Aviation https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/employer-profile-clay-lacy-aviation/ Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:18:02 +0000 /?p=210667 Here’s a closer look at one of the industry’s leading aircraft management, charter, and maintenance companies.

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Founded in 1968, Clay Lacy Aviation offers aircraft management, charter, maintenance, and other services to private and corporate clients. Clay Lacy’s main operations centers are at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Greater Los Angeles, McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ) near San Diego, and Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) in Connecticut. It operates FBO, maintenance, charter, and management centers at airports nationwide. 

Clay Lacy Mission Statement

The company’s website lists the following values: Strive for excellence, thoughtfully improve, and do the right thing. 

Clay Lacy in the News

Clay Lacy Prepares to Open Waterbury-Oxford FBO Summer 2024
Clay Lacy Aviation’s newest FBO and hangar complex at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC), which serves New York City and the greater Northeast, is nearing completion and scheduled to open this summer. 

Clay Lacy Aviation, Overair Partner to Bring Air Taxis to Southern California
The FBO network and infrastructure developer will install vertiports and electric chargers and work toward an air taxi concept of operations.

A Life in Pursuit with Clay Lacy
In a long and storied career, Clay Lacy Aviation has notched extraordinary experiences in commercial and business aviation, the military, and air racing.

Clay Lacy Job Openings on FindaPilot.com

More Clay Lacy Resources:

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How to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Pilot https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/how-to-achieve-work-life-balance-as-a-pilot/ Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:50:15 +0000 /?p=210490 There are many steps that can be taken to ensure mental health and overall well-being.

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The aviation industry operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 356 days a year.

Being a pilot typically involves working evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. The job can therefore take a toll on a pilot’s personal life outside of work.

Although achieving a good work-life balance can be a challenge for pilots, it is extremely important for a pilot’s mental health and overall well-being. There are many steps that pilots can take to ensure that they have a solid personal-professional balance.

Flying Widebody Aircraft and Long-Haul Flights

Pilots are assigned to a certain type of aircraft by their airline.

Widebody aircraft are typically seen as more desirable for those seeking more time off between working days. This is because airlines have a minimum number of hours that pilots need to fly per month, and it is easier to reach the required amount through flying a few long-haul flights operated by widebody aircraft than by flying many short-haul segments on a narrowbody aircraft.

Widebody pilots therefore tend to have more days off and longer rest periods at home between their trips.

Commuting vs. Living ‘In Base’

Airline pilots begin and end their trips at an assigned crew base. Some pilots choose to not live where they are based and commute by air before and after their trips using airline flight benefits.

For example, a New York-based pilot could live in Cleveland or Louisville, Kentucky. The decision to commute can include many factors, such as cost of living and their family situation.

The decision of whether to commute or live “in base” can have a significant impact on a pilot’s work-life balance. Commuting adds hours—and sometimes an additional night—to a pilot’s time away from home, whereas living in base only requires a trip in a car or on public transit before and after work.

Having a Strong Support Network of Family and Friends

Although having supportive family and friends is beneficial in any career, it is especially important for a job like airline pilot.

A pilot’s schedule and time away from home can be challenging for family and relationships, and it is important for pilots to ensure that their friends and loved ones understand the nature of their schedule.

As pilots will miss weekends, holidays and special occasions for work, it is equally important for them to make time for their personal lives to help foster healthy relationships with friends and family.

The Impact of Seniority

In the United States, pilots are typically bid for and receive trips based on their seniority within the company. This means that pilots who have been with an airline for longer will generally have more say in their schedules.

Since a pilot’s schedule can have a major impact on their work-life balance, pilots who are further in their careers will typically have more desirable schedules.

Being ‘On Reserve’

Typically, pilots with low seniority at an airline will have to spend time “on reserve.” This means that they are required to be at their base airport—or close to it—and wait on standby.

If other pilots cannot work a flight for some reason—such as being sick, missing a connection, or reaching their maximum duty hours because of delays—-pilots on reserve are called in to fly.

Reserve duty is generally considered undesirable among crewmembers and having enough seniority to get off reserve and have a predetermined flight schedule—known in the industry as “holding a line”—is seen as a major improvement for a pilot’s work-life balance.

How Many Days a Month Do Pilots Work?

Major airlines typically set a minimum number of hours that their pilots fly monthly, with 70-75 being standard throughout the industry.

However, this figure only includes time spent flying. Pilots have many pre- and post-flight tasks, including flight planning, briefing, and safety checks.

The exact number of days and hours that a pilot works depends on their position and circumstances, but airline pilots typically work between 15 and 20 days per month. A pilot’s exact schedule depends on factors such as the company’s timetable and network, the pilot’s seniority, and their desire to pick up additional trips.

How Many Hours Can a Pilot Work in a Day? 

Federal government regulations limit the number of hours a pilot can fly, as well as the minimum amount of rest between flights.

For example, if a pilot has nine or more hours of scheduled flight time, they must receive 11 consecutive hours of rest by law.

Do Pilots Have Good Work-Life Balance?

The schedule of an airline pilot can pose numerous challenges when it comes to having a good work-life balance.

Although some factors are out of a pilot’s control, such as their seniority, there are many steps that pilots can take to ensure that they have a good work-life balance.  

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The Best Jobs for Pilots After Retirement https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/the-best-jobs-for-pilots-after-retirement/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:34:23 +0000 /?p=210376 Experience provides a myriad of opportunities for second careers in a range of positions.

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After living a life in the skies, many pilots may not be ready to settle down once they reach the government-mandated retirement age.  

Fortunately, there are many jobs available to retired airline pilots. Their career experience and expertise make them ideal candidates for a range of positions and second careers.

What Is the Mandatory Retirement Age for Airline Pilots?

In the United States, airline pilots are required by law to retire at age 65. However, this milestone only applies to pilots employed by airlines certified under Part 121, which covers most scheduled commercial air carriers.

After retiring from an airline at age 65, pilots are still able to fly for all other types of air carriers, as there are no government age limits for these companies. This means that retired airline pilots can continue to work as pilots in roles like charter pilot or flight instructor.

How Much Do Retired Pilots Make?

There was a time when airline pilots had traditional pension plans, but these started disappearing following the tech bubble burst and 9/11.

Nowadays, airline pilots typically have access to a 401(k) plan that they can use to support themselves during retirement. Retirees can also choose to supplement their income with additional work.

Becoming a Flight Instructor

Retired airline pilots are well-positioned to teach the next generation of aviators.

After reaching the age of 65, some pilots choose to transition to the role of simulator instructor or ground school instructor. Their experience makes them extremely qualified for these roles.

Although being a flight instructor can involve type rating instruction in simulators, retired pilots can also teach on smaller aircraft. Airline pilots can return to their roots at ab-initio flight schools, helping the next generation of student pilots learn the basics of flying.

Given their career experience, retired airline pilots can even move into more administrative positions at a flight school such as general manager or chief flight instructor.

Becoming a Charter Pilot or Flying for Other Non-Part 121 Carriers

There are plenty of flying jobs that do not have an age limit in the United States. Charter airlines flying smaller aircraft, business jet companies, and medical evacuation carriers are all examples of companies that can hire pilots above the age of 65.

With thousands of hours and extensive experience flying jet aircraft, pilots leaving an airline will be well-qualified for these positions.

Becoming a Subject Matter Expert

Given their airline experience, retired pilots are naturally experts in their field. Retired airline pilots can become consultants or subject matter experts for companies and schools.

Teaching work is also not limited to flight schools. Former airline pilots can also find teaching opportunities at colleges and other aviation programs.  

Pursuing Non-Aviation Opportunities

Like anybody else, airline pilots also have non-aviation interests. Some pilots pursue these as a passion project or side hustle while still flying for their airline and will continue to do so after retirement.

For other pilots, leaving their airline days behind gives them the time to start a business, work in a completely unrelated field, or pursue academic interests. Across the country, you can find retired airline pilots working as realtors, business owners, artists and much more.

Given their skill set and adaptability, there are countless opportunities out there for retired airline pilots. 

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Employer Profile: GoJet Airlines https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/employer-profile-gojet-airlines/ Thu, 27 Jun 2024 18:03:30 +0000 /?p=210351 The company has more than 1,100 employees who serve more than 1 million passengers annually.

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GoJet Airlines is a regional airline operating as United Express. Established in 2005, GoJet is headquartered in Bridgeton, Missouri, and operates crew bases out of airports in Newark, New Jersey (KEWR), Washington, D.C. (KIAD), Chicago (KORD), and St. Louis (KSTL).

The company has more than 1,100 employees who serve more than 1 million passengers annually. With more than 160 daily flights to more than 50 destinations, GoJet operates a fleet of more than 30 Bombardier CRJ-550 aircraft. 

GoJet Mission Statement

“Safety is the cornerstone of our mission and the foundation of our purpose. We strive to connect our communities and cities with the utmost regard for safety and to deliver a unique customer experience,” the company proclaims on its website. “Our team is our family. We grow, work and laugh together in our shared purpose of being the safest and best airline in the regional aviation industry.”

GoJet in the News

GoJet Receives FAA Part 145 Certification

The regional airline plans to offer MRO services to a variety of different operators.

Which U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Pilots?

Despite recent headlines, there are several career opportunities for aspiring aviators.

GoJet Airlines Introduces Leading Incentives Amid Industry Shifts

GoJet Airlines, a quality leader in regional air travel, announces a groundbreaking pilot recruitment initiative, offering unparalleled bonus opportunities and career advancement pathways.

Other GoJet Resources

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Which U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Pilots? https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/which-u-s-airlines-are-hiring-pilots/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 18:52:10 +0000 /?p=210130 Despite recent headlines, there are several career opportunities for aspiring aviators.

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Airlines across the United States hired record numbers of pilots throughout 2022 and 2023. However, many carriers have slowed or paused hiring in 2024. Carriers have cited a variety of reasons for their reduced hiring plans, ranging from changing business plans to Boeing delivery delays.

Despite the overall slowdown in hiring, many airlines are still looking for new pilots. Here are the airlines that are currently hiring pilots in the United States:

Which Major U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Pilots? 

Most major airlines in the United States have stopped or drastically reduced their hiring plans for the year, but there are some that are still recruiting new pilots.

  • Delta Air Lines is the largest airline in the country that is currently hiring new pilots. However, the carrier has stated that it is slowing down pilot hiring for 2024 due to a more normalized post-pandemic growth pattern. The carrier operates a diverse fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft to destinations all around the world.
  • JetBlue Airways is currently accepting applications for new first officers, while also recruiting pilots through its “JetBlue Gateways” career development programs. JetBlue is based in New York but has hubs along the East Coast and in California. The airline primarily flies narrowbody Airbus aircraft, while also having a small number of Embraer 190s.
  • United Airlines has resumed hiring new pilots following a two-month pause. The airline has cited delays in the delivery of Boeing aircraft as a key reason for its hiring slowdown. United is another global airline that has a fleet of both Boeing and Airbus jets.

Which U.S. Low-Cost Carriers Are Hiring Pilots?

Many low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers across the country are actively accepting applications for new pilots.

  • Allegiant Air is accepting applications for new pilots from its two pathway programs and from the general public. The airline has around two dozen pilot bases spread across the country and a fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. Allegiant is also slated to take delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX later in 2024.
  • Avelo Airlines is hiring both first officers and captains. Avelo has six operating bases split across the East and West Coasts. The airline flies Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
  • Breeze Airways is only hiring direct entry captains for its Airbus A220 fleet. The startup airline has six A220 bases across the country.
  • Frontier Airlines is currently hiring new pilots, citing a plan to grow to three times its current size over the next ten years. Using a fleet of Airbus narrowbody aircraft, the airline connects airports across the United States, Central America and the Caribbean.
  • Sun Country Airlines is hiring new first officers. The airline also runs a college bridge program in partnership with three colleges throughout the Midwest. Its pilots are all based at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and fly a fleet of passenger and cargo Boeing 737-800s.

Which U.S. Regional Airlines Are Hiring Pilots?

As major U.S. airlines scale back their hiring, many regional carriers are actively hiring. Some are even offering significant signing bonuses, following a mass exodus of regional pilots to mainline carriers between 2021 and 2023.

  • Air Wisconsin is currently hiring first officers and captains. The regional carrier operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft under the American Eagle brand, out of American’s hubs in Chicago and Philadelphia.
  • CommuteAir is hiring first officers and captains. The regional airline flies a fleet of Embraer ERJ-145 jets under the United Express banner, with hubs in Denver, Houston and Washington, D.C.
  • Endeavor Air is currently hiring first officers and captains. With bases in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis and New York, the Delta Air Lines subsidiary flies Bombardier CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft under the Delta Connection brand.
  • Envoy Air is accepting applications for pilot positions from the general public and through its cadet program. Envoy is a subsidiary of the American Airlines Group and flies as American Eagle. The airline operates Embraer 170 and 175 jets out of its hubs in Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Phoenix.
  • GoJet Airlines is currently hiring first officers and captains. It also has a career development program and a transition program for rotor pilots. The regional carrier flies a fleet of Bombardier CRJ550s under the United Express brand out of Chicago, Newark and Washington, D.C.
  • Horizon Air is only hiring experienced first officers for its fleet of Embraer 175s at all its bases across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Applicants need to have 200 hours of FAA-approved Prior Qualifying Time.
  • Mesa Airlines is hiring first officers and captains. The regional carrier flies Bombardier CRJ900s and Embraer 175s for United Express. It has hubs in Cincinnati, Houston and Washington, D.C.
  • Piedmont Airlines is hiring first officers and captains and also operates a cadet program. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group, the carrier flies under the American Eagle Brand. It operates Embraer ERJ-145s with crew bases in Charlotte, Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
  • PSA Airlines is accepting applications for first officers and captains. The carrier, which is another American Airlines Group subsidiary, also has a cadet program. From its bases in Charlotte, Dallas, Dayton, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., its pilots fly a fleet of Bombardier CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft.
  • Republic Airways is hiring first officers and captains. It is only one of two regional carriers that flies for all the “big three” U.S. airlines: American, Delta and United. It has ten bases throughout the Midwest and Northeast and flies Embraer 170s and 175s.
  • Silver Airways is seeking both first officers and captains. The airline has pilot bases in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, San Juan and Tampa and flies a fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprops around the southwestern U.S. and the Caribbean.
  • SkyWest Airlines is hiring first officers and captains and also has a rotor transition program. SkyWest is the largest regional carrier and flies under five brands: Alaska Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Connection, SkyWest Charters and United Express. It flies a fleet of Bombardier Regional Jets and Embraer E175s from its bases all across the country.

Which U.S. Cargo and Charter Airlines are Hiring Pilots?

Charter and cargo airlines can offer pilots unique opportunities and dynamic schedules and working conditions. While some of these carriers have paused pilots hiring, others are still actively seeking new hires.

  • ABX Air is hiring first officers for its fleet of Boeing 767s. It flies the -200 and -300 variants in all-cargo configurations, primarily for DHL.
  • Air Transport International is hiring first officers. The cargo carrier’s fleet consists of Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. It is the largest air carrier in Amazon’s delivery network.
  • Amerijet International is hiring first officers, but only through its flight school pathway programs. The cargo airline flies Boeing 767s for DHL, Maersk and under its own brand.
  • Atlas Air is accepting applications for new first officers. In addition to providing charter services, the airline has extensive cargo operations. The airline’s fleet of Boeing widebodies and narrowbodies fly under its own brand and for companies like DHL and Amazon.
  • Kalitta Air is hiring first officers. The airline currently flies Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 777F aircraft to destinations across the globe.
  • Omni Air International is hiring first officers. Omni is a charter airline with Boeing 767s and 777s in both passenger and cargo configurations.

U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Pilots

Although many large airlines in the United States have paused their pilot hiring efforts, there are plenty of companies that are still seeking new pilots. Despite the headlines of a pilot hiring slowdown, there are still many opportunities for aspiring aviators. 

Looking for pilot jobs? FindaPilot.com posts new openings every day. Get a 20 percent discount on any plan. Just use the promo code AG20 when purchasing a plan. You’ll get a 20 percent discount on your first three months as a member.


Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.

The post Which U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Pilots? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

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