---
title: How To Become an American Airlines Pilot
description: "Step by step: What you need to do to from zero experience to land a job as a pilot at American Airlines."
---

[Flight School & Pilot Training - AVIEX ](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog)

# [How To Become an American Airlines Pilot](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog/become-american-airlines-pilot)

 Written by [Charles Copeland](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog/author/charles-copeland) | Feb 14, 2023 4:00:00 PM

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](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog/become-a-pilot-at-united-airlines), and [Frontier](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog/five-reasons-you-should-work-for-frontier-airlines-as-a-career-pilot) must be in good mental and physical health.  All pilots must pass an [FAA medical examination](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog/faa-medical-certificate) to earn and maintain your [pilot certifications](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog/pilot-licenses). 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](https://goflexair.com/programs/apt/).
- Most pilot will also obtain a [certified flight instructor (CFI) ](https://goflexair.com/programs/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 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfkiPXJKXQA)

## 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Eagle_(airline_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](https://www.adzuna.com/flight-attendant/how-to-become-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.](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog/pilot-licenses) 

### 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 ](https://goflexair.com/apply-now/)connects every student with a career mentor on day one of training.

## Learn more about to becoming an airline pilot...

[View full post](https://aviex.goflexair.com/blog/become-american-airlines-pilot)

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