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:

Check airmen, also known as check pilots, are highly qualified individuals approved by airlines and the FAA to evaluate and certify the knowledge and skills of other pilots, ensuring the highest safety and operational standards.
They are responsible for conducting various training and evaluation checks—such as line, flight, and competency checks—in both aircraft and flight simulators, emphasizing adherence to strict FAA regulations and airline procedures.
Candidates for this esteemed role are typically experienced captains, recommended by peers and leadership for their exceptional airmanship, character, communication skills, and dedication to safety and professional operations.
The path to becoming a check airman involves meeting specific qualifications, demonstrating leadership, continuous professional development, and often leads to additional compensation for their increased duties and responsibilities.

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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.