Ailine Pilot Hiring Tips - Pilot Career Planning

If you are thinking about a career as an airline pilot then you'll be glad to know that opportunities for airline pilots are on the rise. In 2004, 9,000 pilots were hired to new positions and the prospects over the next few years are just as promising for new pilots.

Get info on flight school and becoming a pilot by contacting Phoenix East Aviation.

If you are a new pilot or soon to be graduate then read on to get pilot hiring tips.

First step build your hours by working as a flight instructor and get your CFI and CFII. Depending on the school your attending this may be an option, as Phoenix East Aviation we give priority to our graduates when hiring flight instructors. This is important as you are able to build hours toward ATPL requirements -- and earn money and gain experience at the same time.

If you want to be a pilot for a major U.S. airline, you should also get your Bachelor's Degree as this is often a requirement to be an airline pilot for the majors. However, this is not always the case for regional carriers. And a shortcut currently to becoming a pilot at some of the U.S. regional airlines is approximately 600-700 flight hours plus a type rating in the aircraft that airline flies. Know that pilot requirements differ by airlines and can change over time, so make sure you do your research on the regional airline you may want to work for. The more you know about the airline pilot hiring process at those airlines you are applying to, the better your chances of landing a first officer or pilot job.

When applying to the airlines for pilot positions, the more the better. Instead of selecting 2 or 3 of your top choices, expand your search and apply to 10 or 12 at a time. For a new pilot this is important because you will be able to work on interview skills, learn more about the industry and if your top airlines are not hiring you may discover a great opportunity at another airline that you may have overlooked.

Pilot recommendations, if you know a pilot at an airline that you are interested in see if they will write a letter of recommendation for you. The person writing the letter should state your professionalism, how long you have known each other and in what capacity, your integrity, and your pilot skills. Some airlines have standard recommendation form for new airline pilot applicants, so if they already exist use them.
The biggest challenge of any job search is staying active in the search. So continue to network with other airline pilots, practice interview skills, send out resumes and call about the pilot job you want. Good luck in finding the commercial or airline pilot job that right for you.

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