How to Prepare for Your Airline Pilot Interview | 13 Tips

In this article we’ll help you prepare for your airline pilot interview.

So you’ve put in the time and money, years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars into getting your pilot certificates. Now it’s showtime — time to get the job of your dreams and become an airline pilot. 

Unfortunately, for new pilots everywhere, airlines often look deeper than checking to see if you have the credentials.

As with all jobs in all fields, airlines evaluate you as a potential employee on multiple fronts.

Not only do they want to see that you know your stuff, they want to see that you’re a competent stick, that you’re trainable, and that you’re someone they’d like to sit in a cockpit with for many hours on end. 

And, perhaps more importantly, they want to see that you’re someone the passengers will feel good about flying their airplane.

Here’s a look at how the airline interview typically plays out and some top tips for success.

Understanding the Airline Pilot Interview Process

Every airline does things a little differently, but generally, most interview processes are conducted in three phases: pre-screening, technical in-person interviews, and a simulator evaluation.

Application Process and Pre-screening

Not all airlines are hiring all the time. Plus, as the supply and demand for pilots fluctuates, companies get pickier about who they want to hire.

So, before you can make it to the airline pilot interview, you’ve got to apply for the right companies that match your set of skills and experiences.

Nearly all positions list two types of experience: required and recommended.

In other words, the airline tells you what you must have and what would be nice if you had. If you don’t have the must-haves, don’t apply until you do!

When you do apply, make sure to customize your cover letter and CV for each specific position. 

If your application and CV make it through the first rounds of the selection process, you can expect a phone interview from a hiring manager to review the process and discuss your next steps.

Never make the mistake of thinking this conversation is just a formality.

Like all contact you have with everyone at the company from here on out, this is part of the interview.

They’re looking to see how you respond to emails or calls, and gauge how easy you are to work with. Be professional through every phase. 

Technical Airline Pilot Interview

The sit-down interview is usually conducted in front of several people. These might include senior flight and training crew members, the chief pilot or their representative, and possibly someone from the hiring team.

Again, this varies from company to company. 

In many ways, the airline pilot interview is like another pilot certification checkride.

There will be an oral exam, which will include technical aviation questions and standard job interview questions.

Topics commonly covered include:

• FAA regulations
• IFR and VFR procedures
• Aircraft systems and emergency protocols
• CRM (crew resource management)
• Scenario-based problem-solving

Expect scenario questions about times you’ve had disagreements with coworkers or other pilots, or when something goes wrong in the air. Have some stories ready to demonstrate how you reacted in challenging situations. 

The technical parts of the interview will likely focus on what you already know.

If you’ve been working as a flight instructor, expect flight training type questions. They might even ask you to teach something.

Since the job requires a high level of instrument flying knowledge, you should brush up on all the technicalities surrounding IFR operations, instrument approaches, and air traffic control rules — everything you’d discuss on the ATP and instrument checkrides. 

Simulator Evaluation

The simulator eval is done at the company’s training headquarters. Sometimes this is done in a simple FTD, and other times in a full-motion simulator. 

No one expects you to be flawless here since you’re in a new situation and flying new equipment.

This exercise is much more a measure of your prior training and how you handle a challenging problem. It’s much more important to keep cool; be flexible, friendly, and professional. 

During the simulator session, what they really want to see is that you’re someone who they can train. 

Airline Pilot Interviews from the Company’s Perspective

Many new pilots often think the airline pilot interview process is about discovering if they’re above-average pilots.

But the truth is, pilot skills can be taught.

The interview process is more about finding out if you will be a good employee.

That means they want to see that you’re polite and personable, and that you’re trainable in company policy, and that you’re a good fit with their culture.

While proving that you know your regulations and aerodynamics is important, it’s also essential to communicate that you’re a regular, sociable human being.

Don’t hesitate to mention your hobbies and interests outside of aviation; the things that make you different and interesting.

And be ready for standard job interview questions, like listing your weaknesses or discussing a time when you disagreed with your coworkers.

Your goal for all of these things is to prove to the interview team that your personality is a good match. 

Another element that is too often overlooked is your appearance and actions.

The airline pilot is the company’s number one public face. Most passengers do not know or care who the company’s CEO is, or even who made the aircraft or how old it is.

The only employees they notice are flight and cabin crews and gate agents.

As (arguably) the most senior and vital of these employees, the company needs to know that you’ll represent their corporate values and culture. 

In every case, this means that you must come to an airline pilot interview presenting yourself as the ideal of an airline pilot.

That means a tidy suit and tie, dress shoes, clean-shaven look and tidy haircut, and no jewelry or tattoos or anything else. This might seem like an out-of-date expectation, but it is still very much the expectation in an airline interview.  

Beyond your physical appearance, it also means coming organized and prepared.

It means having your logbook and records organized and ready to show that you meet their minimum requirements.

You want to pull out tidy records and papers from a proper portfolio or case, not a crumpled mess of old snack receipts and Twinkie wrappers.

Airline Pilot Interview Tips

Here is a collection of tips to help you succeed on any airline pilot interview. 

• Use aviationinterviews.com and other online sources that collect airline pilot interview questions to help you prepare for specific positions at specific companies.
• Study hard for the interview, just like you would prepare for a checkride. Know your IFR regulations like the back of your hand. If the company provides study materials, study them!
• Do some mock interviews, preferably with someone who knows the airline and industry. If all else fails, book an hour or two with your local CFI to review ATP rules and skills. 
• Make sure your instrument scan is solid. If it’s rusty, book some simulator sessions at the local flight school to refresh your scan skills.
• Come prepared with some personal stories about flying that demonstrate tensions in the cockpit or differences in opinions.
• Also come prepared with a few questions to ask the interviewers, ideally questions that show that you’re prepared and interested. 
• Spend some time studying the aviation industry in general and world events.
• Remember, you’re interviewing to become one of the most public faces for the company. Dress for the job you want, and look the part of the classic airline pilot. But do NOT wear a uniform! Wear a conservative dark suit and tie, an ironed white shirt, dark dress shoes, and belt. Get a haircut, wear no jewelry, cover any visible tats, and wear dark socks. Bring your documents in something professional: a dark portfolio or briefcase, no messy pilot bags, tote bags, or backpacks. (Note: For things like tattoos and facial hair, find the company’s policies online and stick to them for the interview. None is always the safest answer.)
• Show up early for interview day. Arriving on-time is late!
• Treat everyone you meet in an open, friendly, and professional manner. Say “good morning” and offer firm handshakes. Introduce yourself. This applies to the interview committee members, the receptionist, and everyone else you encounter.
• Have your original documents and logbooks prepared and organized like you would for a checkride.
• Treat every company like they’re your first pick. Do your research about the airline’s history and operations.
• After the interview, send a thank you note. This shows that you are genuinely interested and helps reinforce your name in their memories.

Research and Study Resources

Proper preparation for your airline pilot interview requires the right resources. Let’s look at study materials and advice that can help you stand out during the interview process.

Utilizing Study Guides and Prep Courses

Having quality study materials can make a big difference in your interview performance. Dedicated interview study guides with hundreds of practice questions help you prepare for technical questions about V1, V2, and other critical concepts.

Consider investing in an interview prep course designed specifically for pilots. These courses often include:

• Mock interviews with feedback
• Technical knowledge reviews
• Simulator preparation tips
• Resume development help

Many pilots find that structured preparation helps them feel more confident. Set aside dedicated study time. You’ll need at least a few weeks to properly prepare for your interview.

Don’t forget to review basic aviation concepts and airline-specific information. Knowing about the company’s fleet, routes, and history shows genuine interest.

Leveraging Insights from Experienced Pilots

Connect with pilots who have recently interviewed at your target airline. Their firsthand experience can provide valuable tips about what to expect.

Online forums like Airline Pilot Central contain discussions about interview experiences where pilots share specific questions they faced. These insights help you focus your preparation on relevant topics.

Consider reaching out to:

• Former colleagues now at your target airline
• Flight instructors with airline experience
• Aviation professionals in your network

Ask them about both technical and personality questions you might face. Many pilots report being asked about how they handled difficult situations or conflicts with colleagues.

Remember that advice from experienced pilots can help you understand the company culture too. This insight is just as valuable as technical preparation.

Considerations for Regional Airline Interviews

Regional airline interviews often differ from major carriers in both scope and focus. They typically look for trainability and a positive attitude. This is because many candidates have fewer flight hours.

When interviewing with regionals, show enthusiasm for building your career there. Regional airlines want to know that your interested in being a part of their airline, not simply using them as a stepping stone to a major carrier.

Be prepared to discuss the challenges unique to regional operations. These include multiple short flights per day, diverse weather conditions, challenging airports, and tight scheduling.

Regional airlines also value adaptability. Share examples that show you can handle changing situations with professionalism and a positive attitude.