How to become a Pilot with Atlas Air 2025

Assuming that you already hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), to become First Officer with Atlas Air, you would need to meet the following minimum requirements:

Basic Qualifications

• Hold a current unrestricted ATP certificate with an airplane category multi-engine class rating and English proficiency endorsement
• Hold a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
• Hold an FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
• Hold a valid passport with no restrictions on international travel
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Have a minimum of 1500 hours of total time
• Military conversion of .3 per sortie
• Have a minimum of 500 hours of turbine time
• Have a minimum of 1000 fixed wing or 500 hours with a 121 carrier
• Minimum age of 23 (all Atlas pilot positions are subject to FAA 121 mandatory retirement regulations)
• Do you have the ability to pass a 10-year security background check and a DOT pre-employment test.

*Note: ATP issued with a CIRC APCH-VMC Only limitation are acceptable.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 2500 hours of total time operating in a part 121, 135 or Military environment.

Please note that all candidates offered a position as a First Officer will be tested in accordance with 14 CFR Part 120.107(5) Sub Part E.

All information herein is from Atlas Air. Please always visit their website to stay updated.

Atlas Air works with several partners to offer career paths to pilots who don’t yet meet the minimum requirements or would like to participate in a guaranteed interview program with any of the following partner 121 regional carriers:

• Ameriflight
• IBC Airways
• GoJet Airlines

Pilot Pathway Program with Ameriflight

To qualify, you must be an active Ameriflight pilot.

To apply, you must express interest in the program to the Chief Pilots Office.

To participate, you must

• Complete minimum of 36 months as a pilot for Ameriflight;
• Complete Atlas’ ATP/CTP program;
• Pass an initial review with Atlas;
• Participate in professional and career development programs; and
• Complete additional benchmarks.

Successful completion of the program and acceptance of employment will result in the pilot being placed in an aircraft class, such as the Boeing B747.

All information herein was obtained from Ameriflight and Atlas Air. Please always check this website to get the latest updates.

Pilot Pathway Program with GoJet Airlines

With this pathway, you are guaranteed an Interview Program with Atlas Air. The following are the eligibility requirements:

• First Officers must complete a minimum of two years active service with GoJet Airlines.
• First Officers with military experience may fast track to Atlas after only one year.
• Active service starts after completion of IOE.
• Pilots who have upgraded to Captain must complete a minimum of one year of active service with GoJet Airlines after upgrading.​

All information herein was obtained from GoJet Airlines and Atlas Air. Please always check this website to get the latest updates.

For Pilot Pathway with IBC Airways, please contact the airline or you may visit its website to learn more.

Atlas Air Pilots earn between $59,222 – $149,544 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 Aviationinterviews.

Last Update: October 2024

The information provided above is based on the official website of Atlas Air. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check with Atlas Air directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, opening of pathway or cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any.

Check out how to become a Pilot in the USA to know more about the minimum requirements, pilot training options, and airline programs.