Is It Becoming More Difficult to Get an Airline Pilot Job?

Some pilots who worked to get 1,500 hours total time are finding it difficult to be hired at the airlines. [Shutterstock]

Question: My son was just turned down by an airline he interviewed at. He spent the past three years earning his certificates and building his time as an instructor. He applied when reached 1,500 hours. The interview went well, so the rejection came as a surprise. Is there something else the airlines are looking for these days?

Answer: Airline hiring has slowed down considerably from the days of the requirement being something along the lines of "apply with 1,500 hours and a pulse." According to anecdotal information gathered from various airline recruiters, as well as CFIs trying to make the transition to the airlines, a glut of applicants is allowing the carriers to be more selective.

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While the application minimums may be 1,500 hours total time and meeting ATP minimums, to be competitive you may need 2,000 hours (or more), and it would really help if some of that is turbine time. There are also some applicants who pay out of pocket for type ratings to make themselves more hireable.

As with so many jobs, it can also come down to being in the right place at the right time and knowing someone who can open a door for you. Good luck.

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Meg GodlewskiAuthor

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.