2 answers
James
Student
Omaha, Nebraska
1
Question
Updated
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What skills or certifications helped you stand out during the career application process?
I'm a current high school senior and I'm planning to attend college for Professional Flight in the Fall. What are some things airlines look for in young pilots?
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2 answers
Matthew Wild
First Officer at Compass Airlines
15
Answers
El Segundo, California
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
The short answer….your extra curricular activities in college are big.
If you want a fast track to an airline: Internship. Your college will have more information on these.
Also getting in an airlines hiring pipeline is currently the most guaranteed way to end up at said airline. Not the fastest, but you will eventually make it.
If you want a fast track to an airline: Internship. Your college will have more information on these.
Also getting in an airlines hiring pipeline is currently the most guaranteed way to end up at said airline. Not the fastest, but you will eventually make it.
Sanjeev Mehta
Consulting
16
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Sanjeev’s Answer
James, great question. I agree with Matthew’s point above, and I also think there are several practical steps you can take to improve your chances of getting hired as an airline pilot. Start with the basics: keep your record clean, including your social media presence and personal background, because airlines do thorough checks and look for professionalism, judgement, and consistency.
It also helps to invest in yourself early. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay active, and keep yourself physically ready for the demands of the job. Build your knowledge of geography and the aviation regulations that apply in different regions, since that will strengthen your understanding of the industry. And if possible, consider getting your foot in the door with an airline in another role, such as reservations or cabin crew, so you can learn how the business operates and be ready to apply for the pilot role at the right time.
On the certification side, most pilot roles require at least a private pilot license, then progressively higher qualifications such as commercial pilot credentials, instrument rating, and for airline positions, an airline transport-level qualification or equivalent. Beyond the paperwork, as I mentioned above, airlines look for judgment, communication, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Strong teamwork matters too, since pilots work closely with crew, dispatch, maintenance, and air traffic control. Hope this helps.
It also helps to invest in yourself early. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay active, and keep yourself physically ready for the demands of the job. Build your knowledge of geography and the aviation regulations that apply in different regions, since that will strengthen your understanding of the industry. And if possible, consider getting your foot in the door with an airline in another role, such as reservations or cabin crew, so you can learn how the business operates and be ready to apply for the pilot role at the right time.
On the certification side, most pilot roles require at least a private pilot license, then progressively higher qualifications such as commercial pilot credentials, instrument rating, and for airline positions, an airline transport-level qualification or equivalent. Beyond the paperwork, as I mentioned above, airlines look for judgment, communication, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Strong teamwork matters too, since pilots work closely with crew, dispatch, maintenance, and air traffic control. Hope this helps.