How to Find a Job As a Pilot in the United States
Finding a job as a commercial pilot in the U.S. can be a very difficult endeavor. Traditionally, there have been more pilots than there are jobs, and many starting jobs have very low salary and benefits packages. This can be a detractor for some, but the love of flying and the promise of long-term improvement in wages can be rewarding in the end. Seeking a job in this environment requires persistence, experience and dedication.
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Instructions
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Training and Experience
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Determine what type of flight job you will be seeking. Experience and specific aircraft type differ with each job; for instance, a bush plane in Alaska flying local scenic passages will offer different experience than a pilot flying a commercial airline aircraft. Once an individual has determined the type of flight job they are seeking, they can focus on the type of training they will need for employment in that area. This training specifically relates to FAA-approved training for pilot certificates and ratings under FAA aviation training regulations.
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Obtain proper certification for the type of commercial operation in which you are seeking employment. This training can be obtained through a variety of training outlets which may include, but are not limited to, local airports with FAA-certificated flight instructors, aviation training academies, and college or university programs designed to help individuals train and test for FAA pilot certificates and ratings. To obtain employment as a commercial pilot in the United States, a minimum of an FAA commercial pilot's certificate is required. For employment in operations that serve as air carrier operations (under FAA Regulation Part 121), which include most airline type operations, an Airline Transport Pilot certification is also preferred.
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Gain appropriate flight experience which can include specific aircraft type experience, cross-country or instrument flight operations experience, or many other possible experience requirements based on the type of employment sought. This experience can be gained through personal flight activities, renting an aircraft to build time, pursuing training with FAA-approved flight instructors or training programs, or through military experience. In many cases, the only way to gain this experience at first is to rent aircraft which can become very costly.
Networking and Volunteering
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Get to know local pilots and others within the industry to expand your exposure to potential job opportunities. Finding a pilot job without knowing other pilots can be extremely difficult. This can be done through joining local Experimental Aviation Association chapters, attending pilots' association meetings or becoming active in helping at local aviation events.
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Fly to gain experience any way you can. Many commercial pilots begin working as flight instructors, donating their time to local charitable flight organizations such as Wings of Mercy, Angel Flights and Veteran's Airlift, or flying in smaller aircraft doing rides, scenic tours and similar operations. These types of experience-building flights allow the pilots to gain valuable experience that will make them more employable. Be willing to fly for free if necessary to gain flight experience.
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Consider seniority issues. As you target a job in the U.S. commercial aviation sector, consider that developing seniority in the airline environment will be vitally important to progression in an individual's career. Thorough research of what airline an individual targets for employment is important. Take the time to learn about the culture and work environment. Switching employers in the airline environment can be difficult mid-career and will in most cases result in a full loss of seniority, so this consideration is best made early in a pilot's career.
Relocation
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Relocate or move if an opportunity is available. Pilot jobs are, by nature, ones that include travel. For pilots to quickly find employment, they must be willing to move to find jobs. Limiting a pilot's search to a small geographic area can very much limit the potential job options. Many times some areas of the country are in more need of pilots than others, and being willing to look nationally can increase the odds of finding employment.
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Search online job postings as well as specific operators' sites. (See Resources 2) Not all pilot jobs are listed in general aviation job posting sites; many companies only post openings on their own websites so check with the major airliners. Search out companies that you might be interested in working for and check their postings regularly. The aviation hiring market can be volatile, and it is worth checking at least weekly for possible new postings.
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Send blind resumes. Many commercial flight providers and airlines keep resumes on file for their next hiring classes. Update these whenever you have significant changes in your flight experience or if you obtain new certification or ratings that might make you more competitive for employment. Look at online sources to find addresses for human resource and pilot hiring contact information as well as mailing addresses for commercial aviation companies where you can send an aviation-specific cover letter and resume.
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Consider international experience as a way to gain more flight hours. Many places in the world offer flight operations that may have lower hiring minimums or offer types of flight needs that are not present in the U.S. This can help a pilot gain experience that will allow him to be more employable back in the U.S.
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