Securing a pilot job after flight school is every potential aviator’s dream. For many pilots, once one graduates from flight school, it can be tough to navigate the rough, competitive waters of the aviation job market. With the help of our aviation consultants and this strategic guide, we can help transition students into becoming paid professional pilots. Whether you intend to fly commercially, fly privately, or just gain flight hours through becoming an instructor, this guide will help you.
Here are some critical steps to take to fulfill your aviation dreams:
- Understand the current job market
To understand any market, especially the aviation job market, it’s important to fully grasp the job opportunities and the industry’s needs. As with most industries, the demand is constantly in flux, with factors like the economy and other causes, such as fuel and variable prices, factor into how the job market fluctuates. With a recovering market upon us and a higher travel demand, airline carriers have opened their doors wider, and opportunities have become more available than ever before.
Be sure to stay current with the sort of demand the airline industry is facing and the kind of jobs one should go after. Entry-level pilot jobs are there for the taking, so be sure to be as prepared as possible. But it’s also important to set your salary expectations given certain qualifications you may or may not have.
- Strategically build your flight hours
A common theme you will find, as you’re on your way to becoming a full-fledged pilot, are the hours you must complete before being considered as a candidate for a pilot position. Even as you are on the horizon of getting your commercial pilot license as a minimum, building up your flight hours is a significant step to realizing your dream.
On your way to becoming a pilot, here are some great ways to build your flight hours:
- Become a CFI – or a certified flight instructor – and Fly Legacy Aviation is a great place to start! Our burgeoning pilot program is growing, and we are constantly looking for certified instructors to help our budding pilots. Getting paid while you accumulate your hours is a nice bonus, too!
- Join a Flying Club – building your hours isn’t an easy proposition, so by racking up hours by joining a flying club, it can give potential pilots a leg up.
- Aircraft Transporter – by assisting pilot programs or airports in transporting planes from place to place, a pilot is needed for the long-distance flights often required to get planes from one place to another.
NOTE: If your ultimate goal is to become a pilot for a major airline, you must accumulate over 1,500 hours of actual flight time.
- Flight Instructor Jobs
As mentioned above, becoming a CFI or a certified flight instructor, you should be well on your way to accumulating the flight hours you need. It accomplishes a few things: firstly, it provides guidance for young, aspiring aviators looking to become pilots and offers opportunities to those needing the required flight hours to complete their training.
By instructing young pilots, it also helps every pilot with communication skills and a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the aviation industry. These are all part of the skillset needed to qualify potential pilots. As you build hours, you are also building a deep knowledge base needed for actual pilot jobs.
No matter what flight school you enter, most schools will use their graduates as flight instructors to keep the relationship between the instructors with the program directors. Becoming a flight instructor will also open the door to other positions within the aviation industry. Once employers see the value that the instructors can bring to the table in their ability to multitask and handle crisis management while piloting, the sky’s the limit!
- Network within the Industry!
Like a lot of jobs in America, it’s not what you know, but who you know! Being able to network with others in the industry will give you a leg up on your competitors. Being able to meet people across all walks of the industry will not only give you a deeper understanding of aviation, but will also connect you with people who are already in high positions.
Here are a few ways to help build your aviation Rolodex:
- Attending job fairs and expos. Setting up shop or registering for an expo or job fair will put you in front of job placement professionals and aviation recruiters.
- Getting involved online through LinkedIn or Facebook groups will help grow your network with many people already on those platforms
- Join an organization such as AOPA or a local pilot association to keep growing your list of contacts in the industry.
- Stay connected with your classmates and instructors: by staying in touch, you will get referrals and positions through word-of-mouth, so don’t burn any bridges!
Also, by making it a habit to send thank you emails, it will keep your name top of mind, and when recruiters or decision-makers come to an open position, your name will pop up for them naturally!
- Get Interview-Prepared and your Resume Ready
As a potential pilot, you should incorporate any of your licenses and flight time into your resume. Be as specific as you can to the position you are seeking and highlight the important features tailored to the job you are seeking by writing in key phrases associated with the job posting.
You should also prepare yourself for an in-depth interview that might include mock rides and various flight scenarios that you will need to navigate. Things you will need to demonstrate are things like weather patterns and what to do in case of an emergency. These will most definitely come up in your interview, so be prepared for those types of questions.
Be prepared to answer specific questions about your own experiences, such as the last time you had to make a quick decision under pressure and what to do with students who aren’t progressing.
By building your knowledge base out of every scenario, you will convey confidence and professionalism and can make a difference between getting the job and going back on the job market.
- Try Charter or Regional Positions
Once you are ready to face the job market, you should also consider broadening your search beyond the commercial and private airline sectors. Because the industry is so broad, you might also consider some entry-level pilot positions for charter companies, cargo carriers or agricultural flying opportunities.
These all fall within the aviation industry and can add robustness to your resume and experience. Varied schedules and salaries will come with these positions, but will give you the necessary tools to boost your career in the right way!
- Be Vigilant but Patient
Like so many industries, breaking into aviation is competitive, so be selective and be patient. It might take days, weeks, or months, but if you stay focused and keep logging your hours, the position you seek will come! You might have to start at an entry-level position, but by building your resume and adding more experience, you will land your dream pilot job in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best ways to get a pilot job after flight school?
Build flight hours, network with aviation professionals, apply for entry-level jobs (e.g., flight instructor, banner towing), and tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience.
- How many flight hours do I need to get hired by an airline?
Regional airlines typically require 1,500 hours (FAA Part 121), but some programs (like R-ATP) allow 1,000-1,250 hours with qualifying training.
- Is becoming a flight instructor the fastest way to build flight hours?
Yes, flight instructing is one of the most efficient ways to gain hours while earning income and improving your skills.
- What certifications do I need to get a pilot job after flight school?
At minimum, a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR); an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is required for airline jobs.
- How important is networking in finding a pilot job?
Extremely important—attending aviation events, joining pilot organizations, and connecting with alumni can lead to job referrals.
- Should I consider unpaid or low-paying pilot jobs to gain experience?
If necessary, yes – early-career jobs like aerial surveying or skydive piloting can help build hours and experience.
- What are the best entry-level pilot jobs after flight school?
Flight instructor, charter/corporate pilot, banner tow pilot, aerial survey pilot, or regional airline first officer.
- How can I improve my resume for pilot job applications?
Highlight flight hours, certifications, relevant experience, and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication); include letters of recommendation if possible.
- Do airlines prefer candidates with a college degree in aviation?
While not always mandatory, a degree (especially in aviation or a related field) can improve job prospects with major airlines.
- What’s the best strategy to prepare for airline pilot interviews?
Study airline-specific interview guides, practice technical and behavioral questions, and be ready for simulator evaluations.
Final thoughts
Like most jobs, securing the position of your dreams doesn’t happen overnight. If you have a clear plan on what you want and develop a path to get you there, it will happen for you! Make sure to be prepared, build your flight hours, and leverage your network, and the right job will land for you.
