Flying for a premier airline like American Airlines is a coveted position. The journey is challenging, but with dedication, it's attainable. Here's a streamlined guide to embark on this prestigious aviation career.
Prepare yourself mentally and physically
- Pilots at a major airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Frontier must be in good mental and physical health. All pilots must pass an FAA medical examination to earn and maintain your pilot certifications. Pilots also undergo periodic health checks to ensure they are fit to fly.
Basic Pilot Requirements
Pilot Licenses and Ratings:- You'll need a private pilot license.
- Most pilot will also obtain a certified flight instructor (CFI) certificate to gather flight hours while teaching.
Build Your Experience as a pilot
- Work as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): One of the most effective ways to accumulate flight hours is by training others as a CFI.
- Obtain a a commercial pilot license (CPL) with an instrument rating (IR) and a multi-engine rating (ME).
- Flight Time and Experience: You must accumulate at least 1,500 hours of total flight time. This includes 500 hours of cross-country time, 100 hours of nighttime flying, 75 hours of instrument time, and 250 hours of turbine or jet time.
- Seek Diverse Flying Jobs: Opportunities include charter flights, cargo transport, and corporate piloting. See a video on: Boutique Air Pilot Jobs For Low Time Pilots
Pursue Advanced FAA Certification
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate: Often seen as the pinnacle in piloting, the ATP certificate showcases profound expertise and can provide a competitive edge during the hiring process.
Join a Regional Airline Affiliated with American Airlines
- Airlines such as Envoy, Piedmont, and PSA operate under the American Eagle brand. By joining these, you gain access to the guaranteed flow program. This ensures that, after meeting specific criteria, you seamlessly transition to American Airlines, bypassing the usual stringent application process.
Network Effectively
- Foster relationships with current American Airlines pilots and recruiters.
- Attend industry job fairs, seminars, and join online aviation communities. Engaging with insiders helps you glean insights about the company culture, hiring nuances, and job expectations.
- Any referral from a current American Airlines employee will help in making sure your resume gets seen. So if you have a friend becoming a flight attendant, a gate agent or baggage handler keep in touch.
Prepare for the American Airlines Selection Process
- Apply to American Airlines: You can apply through the company's website, or through a recruiting agency that specializes in aviation jobs. Be prepared to provide information about your flight time, experience, and qualifications. If you're at a regional owned by American, you'll have the benefit of being part of a guaranteed flow program, which will take some of the uncertainty and stress away from the application process.
- Online Assessment Test: Successful applicants must pass an evaluation that examines cognitive abilities, situational judgment, and personality traits.
- Interview Session: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in Fort Worth, Texas, American Airlines' headquarters. Expect a mix of behavioral, technical, and practical assessments, including a flight simulation test.
American Airline Pilot Requirements
You must have a Multi-engine ATP certificate.
American Airline Minimum Flight Hours Requirements:
These are the publicly stated requirements, but it is a competitive hiring process.
- 1,500 hours total time
- 500 hours cross-country
- 250 hours PIC
- 100 hours night
- 75 hours instrument
- 25 hours multi-engine land
American Airline Competitive Flight Time Requirements:
While it is theoretically possible to be hired with the minimums above, to be competitive AA candidates should have:
- At least 2,500 hours total time
- 1,000+ hours turbine experience as Pilot in command (PIC)
- Previous part 121 or military experience.
Continuous Learning and Self-improvement for Pilots
- Always aim to refine your skills. Whether it's mastering new aircraft, obtaining additional ratings, or attending industry workshops, showing a commitment to professional development can set you apart.
Earning a position as an American Airlines pilot is both demanding and rewarding. It's important to note that the process of becoming a commercial pilot and getting hired by an airline is competitive, and it may take several years to achieve. It's important to plan ahead, and find a good mentor who can show you the way. This is why the Flex Air Pilot Pathway program connects every student with a career mentor on day one of training.