Pilots need extensive training, certifications, and flight hours to work at a regional airline.
A United Express CRJ-200 exiting the runway in Ogdensburg, N.Y. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
Although flying for a major airline is the goal for many aspiring aviators, many pilots begin their airline careers at a regional carrier, with some ending up staying for decades.
Regional airlines play an essential role in the United States by connecting smaller communities across the country. Many regional airlines operate under the brands of large mainline carriers – like American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express – but others fly under their own brand.
The path to becoming a regional airline pilot requires hard work and dedication, but it opens the door to a world of opportunities in the airline world. Here is how to become a regional airline pilot.
The first license that you will need is a private pilot certificate, which will allow you to fly small aircraft recreationally. Once you get this certificate, you will have the basics skills to fly an airplane. To get a private pilot certificate, you need to be at least 17 years old and obtain a FAA medical certificate.
Once you have this initial license, you can pursue your commercial pilot certificate. This allows you to obtain employment as a pilot, which opens the door to pilot jobs in areas like surveying, air tours, instructing, and banner towing. You will need to spend some time in this phase to build your flight hours.
The final license you will need to fly for a regional airline is the airline transport pilot certificate, or the ATP certificate. The FAA requires that pilots have a minimum of 1,500 flight hours to obtain this certification.
While some regional airlines require prospective pilots to hold this certificate, others will accept applications from those who simply meet the requirements. These airlines will often help their new hires obtain their ATP certificates if needed.
In addition to the ATP certificate requirement, regional airlines have a series of other minimum requirements that applicants must meet before they can apply.
Many of these are consistent across all carriers, like a FAA First Class Medical Certificate, a valid passport and the legal authorization to work in the United States, and a Federal Communications Commission Radio Operator License.
Some regional airlines also have additional requirements. For example, there are carriers that require pilots to be at least 21 years of age.
Once you have applied, the next step is to be selected for an interview. If you have an in-person interview, the company will typically fly you out to an interview event with other applicants and put you up in a hotel. However, many interviews are now conducted virtually.
The interview content varies between airlines, but there are typically some standard interview questions and then a series of technical questions that asses your pilot knowledge and skills. While a simulator evaluation used to be common, most regional airlines no longer have one in their evaluation process anymore.
If you are successful in your interview and are selected, you will receive a conditional job offer. This is a major accomplishment and a significant milestone for pilots. Once you have a start date, you will receive instructions on how to report to training.
During your initial training, you will receive additional flight instruction, as well as learn about the company and its procedures and policies. This is where you will be assigned to a base and aircraft type. After your classroom and simulator training, you will start your initial operating experience and begin flying with real passengers.
The exact timeframe depends on your circumstances, including how often you fly during your flight training and what type of job you have once you have your commercial pilot certificate. There was once a time when you needed well above the minimum 1,500 hours to apply, but regional airlines are now hiring pilots with the minimum number of hours these days. Pilots can now make it to a regional airline in as little as two years.
Not long ago, new pilots at regional airlines were fairly poorly compensated. New first officers would sometimes make less than $50,000 per year. The situation has improved though, and new regional airline pilots can expect to earn between $80,000 to $110,000 per year. Senior captains can have an annual salary over $200,000. Due to the current demand for regional pilots, some companies are also offering hiring bonuses.
Getting to a commercial pilot certificate in the United States typically costs around $100,000. After that, you will be able to get paid while you build your hours, which will help you pay off your initial training costs. You will also need to consider your living expenses during your flight training and subsequent employment, which can vary greatly depending on your location.
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