How to Become a Check Airman at a Major Airline

Let’s explore who they are, what they do, and how you can become one.

Kasia Szwed-Carlson

Thursday, May 07, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A check airman is a pilot approved by the airline and the FAA who has the knowledge, training, experience, and demonstrated ability to evaluate and certify the knowledge and skills of other pilots. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

A check airman (or check pilot) is an experienced pilot approved by both the airline and the FAA to evaluate and certify the knowledge and skills of other pilots, ensuring adherence to the highest safety and operational standards.
These individuals are among an airline's top pilots, distinguished by attributes like strong airmanship, professionalism, and communication skills, and they must meet specific flight hour qualifications.
Their duties involve conducting various types of checks (e.g., line checks, proficiency checks) and training in aircraft or simulators, monitoring pilot compliance, and ensuring standardization across the fleet.
Becoming a check airman is a leadership position that requires dedication, mentorship, and taking on extra responsibilities, often resulting in additional compensation beyond standard pilot pay.

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Ensuring the highest level of safety for every flight demands meticulous planning, precise navigation, and adherence to strict regulations.

Airlines place a large amount of emphasis on the safety of their operations, all while ensuring their pilots adhere to the highest level of standards. To do so, airlines designate check airmen to conduct line checks, flight checks, competency checks, etc. to ensure all standards are appropriately met.