FAA Orders Merit-Based Hiring at Airlines

Carriers could face a federal investigation if they do not comply.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 01:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Flight deck of an Airbus aircraft [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has mandated that commercial airlines commit to "merit-based hiring" for pilots, requiring Part 121 carriers to certify their hiring processes are based exclusively on experience and technical aptitude.
This directive is framed as a reversal of Biden-era policies, intended to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and address unspecified "allegations" of airlines hiring based on race or sex.
While the FAA cites these allegations, the article notes there is no evidence airlines are waiving requirements, and pilot unions affirm that all pilots meet the same rigorous training and qualification standards regardless of identity.

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In what it framed as a reversal of Biden-era policies, the FAA on Friday said it will require commercial airlines to commit to “merit-based hiring” for pilots.

The directive comes in the form of an “operations specification.” To comply, Part 121 carriers must certify that their hiring process for pilots is exclusively based on merit, as demonstrated by experience, technical aptitude, and other factors. The operations specification takes effect 30 days from February 13.