Regional air carriers are on a well-documented pilot hiring binge, creating “one of the most exciting times ever” for aspiring airline pilots, says Captain LaMar Haugaard, director of pilot development, and chief pilot at Horizon Air. But recruiters remain selective, weighing candidates’ training backgrounds, flight experience, and even non-pilot qualifications, Haugaard says. Trainees should keep these hiring preferences in mind as they build hours toward the qualifications they need to fly for the airlines.
The Ideal Pilot Candidate: What Regional Airline Recruiters Want Most
Key Takeaways:
- Regional airlines are actively hiring pilots but remain selective, favoring candidates with commercial, instrument, and multi-engine ratings, significant flight hours (ATP/rATP), and particularly value experience as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or in Part 135 cargo operations.
- Recruiters prefer pilots trained in standardized, crew-environment programs over ad hoc hour accumulation, as this structured approach fosters essential airline operational skills and results in higher training success rates.
- Beyond flight experience, airlines seek professional candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability, adhere to grooming standards, and show community involvement, with a college degree being preferred but not always a strict requirement.
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