Who is getting hired with the airlines?
Back in 2003, 68% of airline pilots hired were from a civilian background according to Aviation Information Resources (aka AIR, Inc). This is a trend that will remain steady or increase over the next few years as fewer military pilots are available compared to decades past and the pool of qualified civilian pilots increases. Additionally, “The age range for civilian new-hires at the major airlines spans from 27 to 42 years-old, with the average age being 34.6 years and 5,419 total hours and 40.0 years and 3,205 total hours for pilots with a military background. Of those civilian pilots interviewed at the majors, 30% have corrected vision, 90% have a four year degree or higher, 90% have an ATP and 80% an FE written”, according to Kit Darby, former United Airlines Captain and president of AIR, Inc. “If the interviewing pilot is younger than average, or if they are starting a new career later in life, they need not have the average flight time or ratings to be competitive. As future airli
