How to become a Pilot with UPS Airlines in 2025

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

• Current unrestricted ATP certificate with an Airplane category multi-engine class rating and English proficiency endorsement.
• Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
• Valid passport.
• Be authorized to work in the United States.
• Have a minimum of 1500 hours of total fixed-wing pilot time

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Recent and type of experience will be considered; for example, preference given to candidates with demonstrated flight experience in transport category aircraft within the last 12 months from date of application.
• Minimum of 1,000 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) hours in fixed-wing jet and/or fixed-wing multi-engine turboprop per 14 CFR 1.1 (UPS will allow military candidates to add a plus (.3) per sortie factor to flight time.)

All information herein is obtained from UPS Airlines website. Please always check their website to stay updated.

OPTION 1: UPS FLIGHTPATH I

UPS FlightPath I is intended to offer participants outlined paths to gain Part 135 flying experience at Ameriflight and accumulate the flight experience needed to proceed to UPS Airlines, a Part 121 certificated air carrier.

With UPS FlightPath I, you will be an Intern for 12 months and will train on a specific fleet (B747, B757/767, A300 or MD-11) in aircraft systems, cockpit flows/procedures and SIM training sessions; Successfully operate full motion simulator to support customer tours and flight testing purposes; Perform the responsibilities tasked in the airline operation department; Receive recommendations by UPS management team to transition to AMF; and Acquire 500 hours total time.

Next, you will move on to AMERIFLIGHT PILOT STAGE which will run for a minimum of 30 months where you will

• Pair with UPS Pilot to receive mentoring throughout time at AMF
• A type rating from Ameriflight with an additional 1,500 hours turbine PIC for Ameriflight, with preferably at least 500 of those PIC hours in the EMB 120 aircraft or other crew type certificated aircraft
• Receive recommendation based on overall performance at AMF by both the Chief Pilot and Director of Training
• Pass Hogan Assessment
• Obtain ATP license

Upon accomplishment of the above, you will proceed to an interview for a First Officer position with UPS Airlines. 

To qualify to UPS FLIGHTPATH I, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings
• Graduated within the previous 24 months, or currently enrolled as a junior or senior in an undergraduate or graduate program
• 3.0 GPA or higher

Please note that:

• Before being hired at UPS Airlines as a pilot, candidates will be required to meet or exceed all other posted UPS First Officer requirements. The candidate will be required to successfully complete the hiring process of UPS Airlines, including, but not limited to, a pilot application, employment records review pursuant to PRIA, and the interview process and simulator evaluation.
• Subject to change with approval from UPS and Ameriflight.

OPTION 2: UPS FLIGHTPATH II

UPS FlightPath II is a 36-month path with required benchmarks from Ameriflight entry into the program to interview with UPS Airlines. UPS FlightPath II provides the opportunity for current and future Ameriflight pilots to pursue a path to potential employment by UPS Airlines. 

Future Ameriflight pilots selected for the program will have the opportunity to complete the program in 36 months; this includes a final 12 months in the UPS mentoring stage. Current Ameriflight Pilots who have the necessary experience and already meet the requirements may be selected to enter the final 12-month mentoring portion of the program. 

Overview of the FlightPath II Process:

1. Obtain the required qualifications to become an Ameriflight pilot.
2. Enter UPS® FlightPath II Program by submitting a cover letter expressing interest and résumé to the Ameriflight Chief Pilot’s Office.
3. Begin obtaining the outlined benchmarks (Developmental Stage) – includes personal and professional development, jet transition course, UPS pilot mentoring, and more.
4. In as little as 36 months, receive a guaranteed interview with UPS Airlines.
5. Upon successful completion, become a UPS Airlines First Officer.

With UPS FlightPath II, you will join the AMERIFLIGHT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE for 24 months:

• Obtain ATP License
• Flying AMF Type rated equipment and candidate is dual rated
• One of the following:
  • Check Airman
  • Instructor
  • Management role
• ACP (Accelerated Captain’s Program) Mentor

PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The following are verifiable activities to foster leadership abilities, expert industry skills, and personal growth. Examples include (but not limited to):

• Graduate degree or certificate
• Foreign language training
• Leadership training or seminars
• Current volunteer for charity/non-profit organization
• Public service or public office
• Military reserve or National Guard
• Additional non-work-related aircraft ratings

Afterward, you will join the UPS DEVELOPMENT & MENTORING PROGRAM for 12 months where you will:

• Meet or exceed the UPS First Officer’s basic qualifications
• Minimum 1,000 PIC hours in fixed-wing jet and/or fixed-wing multi-engine turboprop per 14 CFR 1.1
• International experience preferred
• Receive recommendation based on overall performance at AMF by both Chief Pilot and Director of Training
• Mentee in UPS Mentoring Program
• Observe UPS line operations while jumpseating on UPS aircraft
• Complete online UPS FlightPath Development courses, including Jet Transition course
• Pass Hogan Assessment
• Apply for F/O at UPS

Upon accomplishment of the above, you will proceed to an interview for a First Officer position with UPS Airlines. 

To qualify to UPS FLIGHTPATH II, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Minimum 1,000 hours, Turboprop Captain (obtain by end of program)
• Bachelor’s degree or started in bachelor’s program
• Employee in good standing; no discipline or dependability problems
• Candidates are selected by Ameriflight internally

Please note the following: 

• Existing Ameriflight employees may receive credit for months of employment and achieved benchmarks, including:
  • A pilot employee with 20 months of service already holding an ATP, type rating, and a check airman letter may be allowed to complete the program in 18 months
  • A BE-99 rated pilot with 30 months of service, service as an instructor pilot, and an associate degree may begin the program at the 12-month mark
• Before being hired at UPS Airlines as a pilot, candidates will be required to meet or exceed all other posted UPS First Officer requirements. The candidate will be required to successfully complete the hiring process of UPS Airlines, including, but not limited to, a pilot application, employment records review pursuant to PRIA, and the interview process and simulator evaluation.
• Subject to change with approval from UPS and Ameriflight.

All information herein was obtained from the UPS Airlines website. Please always check the website to get the latest updates.

UPS Pilots earn between $37,917.72 – $254,343.24 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:  August 2021

The information provided below is based on the official website of UPS Airlines. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check with UPS Airlines 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.