Seniority. It’s the rank among peers “that rules an airline pilot’s life,” says Paul Templeton, a pilot employment expert and retired airline captain. “Seniority determines almost everything you do — what crew base you’re assigned to, what equipment you’ll fly, and your monthly schedule.”
Seniority — The Key to Career Advancement
Key Takeaways:
- Seniority is the foundational system governing an airline pilot's career, dictating assignments, schedules, and quality of life based on length of service rather than merit or favoritism.
- Pilots manage multiple types of seniority—including relative, captain/first officer, aircraft, and base seniority—to strategically pursue their desired earnings, quality of life, and career goals.
- Career opportunities such as preferred aircraft, base assignments, and flight schedules are awarded through a bidding process where more senior pilots receive priority.
- Building and retaining seniority, particularly at a major airline, is crucial for long-term career success and is highly valued by pilots.
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