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 will require commercial airlines to commit to "merit-based hiring" for pilots, mandating Part 121 carriers certify their hiring processes are exclusively based on experience and technical aptitude.
This directive is framed as a reversal of Biden-era policies and a move to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, citing unsubstantiated allegations of airlines hiring based on race and sex.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) affirmed that all its members are trained and qualified to the same uncompromising standards, emphasizing that a pilot's identity has no bearing on their ability, only training, experience, and qualification.

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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.