Aviationfly receives a lot of inquiries as to how to become a pilot with American Airlines or how American Airlines hires a Pilot. To assist those who aspire to work with American Airlines, we have gathered the following information to help you familiarize and provide you background with all the essential information you would need as you prepare on becoming a pilot with American Airlines.
American Airlines has various types of aircraft which include Airbus A319s, Airbus A320s, Airbus A321s, Airbus A321 Transcon, Airbus A321neo, Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 777-200, Boeing 737-300ER, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, CRJ-700, CRJ-900, ERJ-140, ERJ 145, and ERJ 175.
As of 2024, American Airlines, in its mainline fleet, has roughly 971 aircraft while in its regional fleet. The airline expects an additional 20 aircraft to its fleet..
Number of Pilots at American Airlines: There are about 15,000 pilots at American Airlines.
All information provided is based on the official website of American Airlines and other credible resources. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check the American Airlines website directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, opening of cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any, so you stay in the loop.
There are two ways to become an American Airlines Pilot; one is a direct application to American Airlines (this is mostly done by experienced pilots) and another is through American Airlines Cadet Academy.
Apply as a licensed pilot directly to American Airlines
Assuming that you already hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), to become a First Officer with American Airlines, you would need to have:
- Excellent communication skills and quick and accurate decision making
- Close attention to detail
- Minimum age of 23
- Ability to work varying hours of the day or night, on weekends and holidays
- Must be able to secure appropriate airport authority and/or Customs security badges
- Fulfillment of FAA criminal background checks
- Ability to learn and work with PEDs
- Distance vision corrected to 20/20 and near vision corrected to 20/40 or better in each eye
- Current Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating (multi-engine)
- Valid FCC Restricted Radio Telephone Operator permit
- Valid First Class Medical Certificate
- Flight time in accordance with all FAA requirements
- Must be able to fluently speak and understand English
- Must have the right to work in the United States
- Additionally, we require all of our pilots to have a valid passport and documentation allowing for entry into the United States after an international flight.
You can sign up at American Airlines pilot career website to upload your credentials.
Join American Airlines Cadet Academy
If you want to be a Pilot with American Airlines and you have little to no flying experience, the American Airlines Cadet Academy is a great place to start. It offers financing and allows repayment over time.
In the American Airlines Cadet Academy, you will:
- Train with one of the 50+ selected flight schools and be paired with an American Airlines pilot mentor to walk with you through the program.
- Upon completion, AA’s three wholly-owned regional carriers (Envoy, PSA, and Piedmont) will offer you a guaranteed interview.
If hired by one of the regional airlines above, you are well on your way to working at American Airlines. American Airlines has contractual flow-through agreements with each of these carriers, which means you will transfer directly to American Airlines, once your seniority accrues. You will be offered a job as an American Airlines First Officer once your company seniority allows you to move (flow) up.
To be eligible in American Airlines Cadet Academy, you must:
- Be legally eligible to work in the United States.
- Be 21 years old by the completion of the approximately three-year program.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be able to obtain an FAA Physical (first-class medical).
- Be able to obtain a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Pass a background check.
The American Airlines Cadet Academy is broken into two phases:
1. Instruction Phase (Up to 18 months)
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Multi-Engine Rating
- Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI, CFII)
2. Experience Phase (Up to 24 months)
- Work as a paid Flight Instructor
- Remain connected to your Cadet Academy mentor
- Build flight hours toward your Airline Transport Pilot Certificate minimums
Information was obtained from the American Airlines Cadet Academy website. Please always check this website to get the latest updates.
American Airlines Pilot Salary
American Airlines Pilots earn between $29,333 – $322,467 per year. Average salary being $127,370 per year.
The Annual salary figure varies in the above range starting from a new first officer to a senior captain. Information was sourced from Glassdoor.
Disclaimer
All information provided above is based on the official website of American Airlines and other credible resources. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check the American Airlines website directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, opening of cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any.
Last Update: July 2021
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