Kit Darby

30 years+ experience in #airlinepilotcareers pilot staffing, analysis, and forecasting. Leading pilot career expert - pay, benefits, retirement. Expert witness.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

When will you make Widebody Captain at Delta?
Or Widebody FO or Narrowbody Captain - Take a Look!

You may know someone who was a Major airline Captain off the street at United or "made it" in a year or two at another Major airline. While this may be possible for some, you likely won't be able to do so, or want to, at most airlines.

The following tables and charts look at what was happening at Delta Air Lines on 1/1/2026. There were a few Captains with about four years, some made it sooner. Most pilots are looking for some balance between income and lifestyle. Captain at the earliest opportunity often means an undesirable junior base like New York and an extended time on reserve. The money is great, but the quality of life, especially if you are commuting to the reserve, is low. Reserve in your base may not be so bad.

The bottom 25% of pilots in any given base, aircraft, and seat are on reserve each month. The bottom of the reserve portion of the seniority list has no control over their schedule - weekends and holidays will not be available. If you are a commuter, late departures with early returns to make getting to work and back home after a trip difficult or impossible. As you gain seniority, your days off become more selectable and adjustable on reserve. Getting off of reserve is a frequent goal for achieving a better quality of life.

Other than your first bid in initial training, you will determine where you are based, what you fly, when and where you fly it, if you wait to move up to a larger aircraft or the Captain's seat. It is all a balancing act between money and schedule flexibility/time off. It is seeking this balance that makes positions like widebody FO such a good deal for some, both more money and a good schedule.

Great time to be or become an airline pilot

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If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939. [email protected]

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

I hope to see you all at AeroSummit 2026. in Miami, FL, May 20-22. There will be something for everyone - flight school owner, manager, instructor pilot, student pilot, and prospective pilots. Stop by my booth for the latest pilot job market info, pilot pay and benefit info, or to discuss your own career plans. https://t.co/JvWjn525N5

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

FedEx TA Career Values Top Major Airlines for Careers Over 15 Years!

The new FedEx Tentative Agreement will exceed $30. Million in today’s dollars for a 40-year career.

I know almost no one works 40 years, but a few do. The average new-hire pilot is more like 35 than 25 years of age, yielding a 30-year career. Average career values – pay, benefits, and retirement, for a 30-year career, are approaching $15 million these days, and the new FedEx TA is closer to $20 million. This is a 25% premium over the average career at the Majors. Almost four times the lowest Major, which is Allegiant, which comes in at $8.8 Million, and home most nights.

Assumptions:
11 Years to Captain
Wide-body Captain in about 25 years if available (15 at FedEx/UPS)
Average Hours at each airline
Current fleet mix
Current pay rates in 2026 - no future increases
No extra flying at 100%
No premium flying at 150% to 200%
No profit sharing – Averages 5.5% for those who have it and adds $500K to career value

Add:
Future pay raises, which average 4.2% over the past 18 Years
16% to 20% - retirement contributions, 100% company paid
15% non-retirement benefits – medical, dental, life, vision insurance + travel

Average Flying:
15 days per month, ranging from 10 to 20
70-91 hours per month – varies by airline

Great time to be or become an airline pilot

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn525N5. 877-334-2939. [email protected]

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

FedEx Tentative Agreement - First Look, Looks Good!
Often, the latest contract is the best building on the gains of the previous contracts.
They call it “pattern bargaining”, and you may come to love that term.

This certainly appears to be the case with the new FedEx TA. This put them back in their usual top- or near-top position. Offering an initial increase of almost 40% and three 3% annual increases through 2030 if ratified.

They dumped their A-Fund traditional defined benefit pension for new pilots. However, they added innovative concepts, such as an expanded Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP). The MBCBP has high annual contribution limits, avoiding the tax penalty incurred by traditional 401(k)s for contributions above the limit ($72,000 in 2026). American, Delta, and United add this tax-sheltering feature to amounts paid up to 2% over the limit, but within their current 18% contribution. Southwest adds 2% to the current 18%, for a total company-paid contribution of 20%. FedEx puts in 9% now, and 10% starting in 2029, into an MBCBP! This should eliminate most, if not all, of the “spillover” problem where you must be paid the retirement contributions that exceed the 401(k) limits and taxed on the excess.

Of course, their existing 9% defined contribution (DC) plan remains, with a total company contribution of 18% (19% in 2029). My assumptions are based on only a 5% annual growth rate. Many of my friends and I at various Major airlines have enjoyed between 9 and 12% over our careers.

This unique MBCBP feature, when combined with competitive pay rates that will exceed $500/hour ($512.48) in January of 2030, work rule improvements, and $150,000 or $100,000 Retro pay for Captains and First Officers, makes for an industry-leading package.

A reminder that the median individual income is $65,00. The median household income in the US is about $84k, and the average is $121k. Less than 60% have a retirement plan. Contributions average 3-6%. Major airline pilots average close to $300,000/year and enjoy an average 18% company-paid contribution. This is a retirement you can actually retire on and live in the manner to which you have become accustomed.

These appear to be the best of times, with lots of pilot retirements at age 65, a growing economy, and a shortage of qualified and experienced pilots. The uncertainty comes from the current oil crisis in the Middle East, two wars in Iran and Ukraine, rising oil prices, and inflation. The airline seat is a commodity, and the airline’s success in selling their product rides with the general US and world economies. Where they are headed at the moment is anybody's guess.

2026 is looking like the 3rd best year in history, with over 7,500 new jobs at the Majors.
Great time to be or become an airline pilot!

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If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Delta Pilots 1/1/2026, - Retirements & Pilot Bases, Part #3

Atlanta is the winner, of course, and the large number of FOs attests to the significant long-range and wide-body flying from their super base with over 5,000 pilots in residence.

When it comes to pilot retirements, they remain strong, with 400 to 600 per year through 2053, peaking in the 2040’s at over 600 per year. Remember, it is the percentage increase that drives promotions and progression to larger aircraft, not the sheer number of retirements. If you have a hundred pilots and hire one hundred pilots, everybody is a Captain. If you have 17,000 pilots and hire a hundred pilots, you might get a weekend off.

Anyone can be a Captain at the 50% mark, but if you want a smaller plane or less desirable base and do not mind reserve status, it is available years sooner. If you live in your base, a decent lifestyle is still possible. If you do not, life gets harder.

In the career models I build for pilots that have been injured, delayed, or involved in a fatal accident, I use a conservative 11 years to Captain and 20-25 years to wide-body Captain – you can do much better if you desire income over lifestyle. I have to use "probable," not "possible," in my models, meaning greater than 50% probability.

I often hear that Delta Air Lines might not be as good a choice because they hired so many during the COVID recovery. The fact is that all of the Big Four ( American, Delta, Southwest, and United) did a ton of hiring in late 2021, 2022, and 2023. This may have some bearing on future hiring and upgrade time, but it is a minor factor compared to the airline's ability to consistently turn a profit and use those profits to expand its business. No airline has been better at making money than Delta. Profits are the key to more routes, planes, and, of course, more pilots.

2026 is looking like the 3rd best year in history, with over 7,500 new jobs at the Majors.
Great time to be or become an airline pilot!

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult career decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939. [email protected]

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Where are Delta Pilots Based and What Aircraft Do They Fly – 1/1/2026,
Part 2, More to come

Atlanta is the largest Delta pilot base by a wide margin, with 5,542 pilots in that base (32%).
Boston is the smallest with 204 (1.2%.) The SUP and INS Groups are Supervisors (19 or 0.1%) and Instructors (261 or 1.5%).

The A-320 family has the most pilots, 4,423 (28%), and the 765 (B-767-400 at Delta) has just 525 pilots (3%). The 765 is in the top pay group of 6 groups with active aircraft, along with the A-330 and the A-350.

It takes more pilots per plane to fly wide-body aircraft because longer flights require more pilots by regulation. Most flights are over 8 hours and require an additional FO (50% more pilots). Then, if the flight time exceeds 12 hours, you get 2 additional pilots, one FO and one Captain, for a total of 4 pilots at Delta (100% more pilots). At most airlines, the fourth pilot is another FO, so the FO crew ratio is higher than Delta's. The more Captains, the better, of course.

The A-350 employs 35.4 pilots per plane, and the A330 and B767-400 need about 25 pilots per plane. Compared to 13-14 pilots per plane on narrow-body aircraft. Big airplanes mean big paychecks, with wide bodies paying almost 30% more than narrow bodies. Flying large aircraft is usually very efficient, with a “fly–layover–go home” scenario. I spent my last seven years flying mostly from Chicago to Europe. The length flight, the direction eastbound vs westbound, and the time of day all affect the toll long-range flying takes on your body. Your body tolerates and adjusts more quickly when you are young.

Typically, long-range takes 8 to 12 days per month, whereas domestic flying is more like 13 to 18 days per month. Overall, about 10 to 20 days per month, with an average of 15 days per month. Remember, a 9-5 job works about 22 days per month. That is an additional week every month for the rest of your life. They are not 8-hour days.

Delta and other airlines fly the B767 and B757 with the same pilots thanks to a common type rating, which puts the crew ratios for those combined fleets somewhere between traditional narrow-body and wide-body ratios.

2026 is looking like the 3rd best year in history, with over 7,500 new jobs at the Majors.
Great time to be or become an airline pilot!

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult career decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Delta Pilot Force Analysis – 2026, Part 1 – More to come

The average trend of the number of pilots hired continues to climb from 1983 to today (1,000/ Year). The 5-year moving average is even stronger (1,500/Year – near forecast). The average new-hire age is about 35. Their average new hire age has decreased over the past 12 years from 37 to 35, with civilian pilots several years younger than the average and military pilots a few years older. This is due to lower annual flight time, service commitments, or 20-year retirements among military pilots. Military pilots are a fixed supply, and when they are hired, it is mostly going to be pilots with civilian backgrounds. Overall, the civilian/military ratio is about 75%/25% and tends to decline during periods of increased hiring due to supply. The reverse of what the ratio was 30 years ago.

Transitioning helicopter pilots moving to fixed-wing flying are starting to find their way into the Regionals in larger numbers again as demand for pilots increases. Hiring will deplete the small pools of pilots that emerged during the summer of 2025 hiring lull. What did not work last may work this year! Are you ready?

The ages of pilots in each seat, Captain and FO, are rough estimates of years of service. (Yes, I am working on that). The youngest Delta Captains are just 24 years old (8), and the oldest First Officers are 64 (82). Some would say that is taking wide-body FOs “dozing for dollars” to the extreme. Others say it is the best job in the business.

A senior FO flying extra trips on days off is paid 200% of his normal rate at Delta, which is 65% of the Captain’s rate. 65% X 2 = 130% of Captain’s pay (unless he is flying on days off too). These opportunities are awarded on seniority, like everything else, so they mostly go to more senior pilots in each base, aircraft, and seat. The best part is, other than the initial assignment, you decide how senior you will be by bidding (or not bidding) for a larger aircraft, a more desirable base, or the Captain seat.

2026 is looking like the 3rd best year in history, with over 7,500 new jobs at the Majors.
Great time to be or become an airline pilot!

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult career decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

US Major Airline Pilot Pay Raises Continue to Double the Inflation Rate in 2026

The Pilot pay increase for 2026 is 4.2%. Compared to the Inflation rate over the same period from 2010 to 2026 of 2.4%. Contract raises already negotiated will extend this trend to 2028. If you include Spirit Airlines 8% pay reduction for 3 years, the average falls to 2.2 % and matches inflation.

The few airlines without new contracts, FedEx, Frontier, and Allegiant, have yet to benefit from the 2022-2023 immediate 20% raise and 30% overall raise delivered by other airline contracts.

The fate of the airline industry is tied to our economy and, in particular, fuel prices. The current turmoil in the Middle East means real trouble for the US airlines, and it will get worse the longer it lasts. When fuel costs are high, they are the single highest cost, followed by personnel. Pilots are bout 10% of the workforce and earn about 30% of the wages. If airlines need to save big, pilots are often the primary target.

In good economic times, with a pilot shortage, pilots have been getting their share of the pie plus some cream on top. Profits are used to fly more flights and routes, which require more planes and pilots. When high fuel prices reduce airlines’ profits or lead to losses, pilots and their unions initially strive to keep what they have. If it gets very bad, givebacks may follow. In these uncertain times.

This could also affect pilot hiring. Think of airlines as a commodity like a loaf of bread; the airline seat is a commodity. The seats are bolted into aircraft, and we get to fly those planes. A good economy produces increased demand, and a down economy the reverse. I do not know where we are headed, but the risks are high and increasing.

Before the new Iran conflict, we were on track for the 3rd-best year in history, with 8,000 new jobs at the Majors. With increased hiring at the Majors, there are more pilot jobs everywhere. Likewise, if the current situation, real or imagined, spooks the Majors, that will put a chill throughout the industry.

These are outside any pilot’s control. All you can do is your part by having great paperwork – improving your qualifications and experience as fast as possible - Fly-Fly, Fly. That way, if hiring slows or stops, you will be at the top of the pile when hiring returns.

If you meet minimums, you should apply, and if an airline on your list is attending a job fair, you should be there, too.

Still a good time to be or become a pilot. The ride through these ups and downs leads to great pay, benefits, retirement, time off, schedule flexibility, and much more. Do not lose sight of your goal!

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult career decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Major US Airline Pilot Retirement Values Continue to Climb
Averaging over $3 million for Passenger and Cargo Airlines after 30 Years.

The top airline pilot retirement value at 30 years of service is at UPS, which has both a 30% defined benefit program and a 12% defined contribution plan that yields almost $5 Million!

The top passenger airline retirement value is found at Southwest, at $4.4 Million, thanks to their new Market-Based Cash Balance, which increased to 2% this year, plus an 18% Defined Contribution Plan. This is a total of 20% in tax-sheltered 100% company-paid retirement contributions! Most Cash Balance Plans receive only 401 (k) overflow contributions, but at Southwest, it is an additional 2%.

The lowest pilot retirement values are at Atlas for the cargo operators and Allegiant on the passenger side, with $2.2 Millions at Atlas and $1.8 Million at Allegiant. Newer airlines typically have lower pay, benefits, and retirement values that improve over time. These airlines are also unique in offering the opportunity to be home most nights at Allegiant and to be home-based at Atlas.

Assumptions:
11 Years to Captain
Wide-body Captain in about 25 years if available
Current fleet mix
Current pay rates in 2026 - no future increases
No extra flying at 100%
No premium flying at 150% to 200%
5% retirement fund growth on company-paid retirement. The average is about 8%
No profit sharing – Averages 5.5% for those who have it & adds $500K to a 30-year career value

Add:
Future pay raises, which have averaged 4.2% over the past 18 Years

Average Flying:
15 days per month, ranging from 10 to 20
Average Hours at each airline – 71 to 91 hours varies by airline, averages 84 Hours/Month

2026 is looking like the 3rd best year in history, with over 7,500 new jobs at the Majors.
Great time to be or become an airline pilot!

Please like, repost, comment, tag, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your career loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult career decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn525N5. 877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Top Major Airline Wide-body Captain Average with benefits exceeds $500k per Year in 2026!
At 5 airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, and UPS

Starting pay is best at Southwest. The most recent contract is often the winner. Southwest has the top hourly pay in four of the first five years. UPS has the highest annual income in 4 of the first 5 years because they work more hours across thirteen 28-day pay periods, yielding 91 hours per month when adjusted to 12 months.

Maximum longevity is 12 years for most Major airlines, and wide body Captain averages 25 years at the passenger Majors. Sooner at the freight companies, which have a much higher percentage of wide-body aircraft. All UPS First Officers and Captains make the same. There is no equipment differential.

Top pay over a career is highlighted in Green. Lowest Pay in Orange. Average pay in Yellow

Assumptions:
11 Years to Captain
Wide-body Captain in about 25 years if available
Current fleet mix
Current pay rates in 2026 - no future increases
No extra flying at 100%
No premium flying at 150% to 200%
5% retirement fund growth on company-paid retirement
No profit sharing – Averages 5.5% for those who have it & adds $500K to a 30-year career value

Add:
Future pay raises, which average 4.2% over the past 18 Years

Average Flying:
15 days per month, ranging from 10 to 20
Average Hours at each airline – 71 to 91 hours varies by airline, averages 83.4 Hours/Month

2026 is shaping up to be the 3rd-best year in history, with over 7,500 new jobs at the Majors.
Great time to be or become an airline pilot!

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult career decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Major Airline Career Values: 40 Years Tops $25 Million!
Top 5 Airlines – American, Delta, Southwest, UPS, and United

Average annual career values range from $273,00 per year at five years to $515,000 per year after 40 years. This is the sum of pay, benefits, retirement, and 5% growth.
United is on top, having achieved the 18% 401 (k) first in 2026. Allegiant is last, and Spirit's pay and retirement reductions are included for the next 3 years.
Contracts are amendable at Allegiant, Frontier, and FedEx.
Recent contracts have had an average initial raise of 17.5% and an average over-the-life-of-the-contract raise of 31.6%.

Assumptions:
11 Years to Captain
Wide-body Captain in about 25 years if available
Current fleet mix
Current pay rates in 2026 - no future increases
No extra flying at 100%
No premium flying at 150% to 200%
5% retirement fund growth on company paid retirement
No profit sharing – Averages 5.5% for those who have it & adds $500K to a 30-year career value

Add:
Future pay raises, which average 4.2% over the past 18 Years

Average Flying:
15 days per month, ranging from 10 to 20
Average Hours at each airline – 71 to 91 hours varies by airline, averages 84 Hours/Month

2026 is looking like the 3rd best year in history, with over 7,500 new jobs at the Majors.
Great time to be or become an airline pilot!

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a career delay, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult career decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Top Pilot Pay Exceeds $463/Yr in 2026
at Three Major Airlines - AA, DAL, UAL!

Allegiant is the lowest by far, and American, Delta, FedEx, Southwest, United, and UPS lead the pack.

Average Annual Pay:
Start at $100K First Officer
$200K in 4 years First Officer
$320K 10 Year Captain
$372K Max Captain
Max Starting $147K at Southwest
Max Captain $481K at Delta

Assumptions:
11 Years to Captain
Wide-body Captain in about 25 years if available
Average Hours at each airline
Current fleet mix
Current pay rates in 2026 - no future increases
No extra flying at 100%
No premium flying at 150% to 200%
No profit sharing – Averages 5.5% for those who have it and adds $500K to career value

Add:
Future pay raises, which average 4.2% over the past 18 Years
16% to 20% - retirement contributions, 100% company paid
15% non-retirement benefits – medical, dental, life, vision insurance + travel

Average Flying:
15 days per month, ranging from 10 to 20
70-91 hours per month – varies by airline

Great time to be or become an airline pilot

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If you have been injured or experienced a delay in your career, I can put a number on your loss.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult decision, give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx.
877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

2026 Major Pilot Hiring Forecast Over 7500 New Pilot Jobs at The Major Airlines
The 3rd best Year in History!

The 2026 Major Airline Pilot Hiring Forecast will exceed all but the two record years in 2022 and 2023, when the Majors hired 13,000 and 12,000 pilots, respectively. Prior to those two years Major airline pilot hiring had approached or exceeded 5,000 pilots only four times in history, with one of those being in the second half of 2021. In just 2.5 years, from the middle of 2021 through 2023, the Majors hired 30,000 pilots. That is six times the previous all-time annual highs.

The big 4 – American, Delta, United, and Southwest are leading the charge. These 4 airlines account for about 75% of the US airline passenger traffic. Yes, Southwest has joined the big three at the top of the 12 Major airline pile. Not only do they have more flights than United, but their new contract offers excellent pay, benefits, and leading retirement contributions of 20%, placing their 30-year career value near the top of the pile, right alongside American, Delta, United, and UPS. Each of these airlines yields 30-year career values of about $20 million.

I expect total hiring in 2026 will be higher than this forecast because more airlines may resume hiring, and the Majors have a history of underestimating their needs and regularly hire more pilots than planned.

The dip in pilot hiring seen in the summer of 2025 is clearly over. If you are looking for a new or better job in 2026, things that did not work in 2025 may well work in 2026 especially as the year progresses. The limited number of pilots on furlough today will easily be absorbed in the hiring surge in 2026.

You need good paperwork - resume and application, recommendations for pilots that work at the 5-10 airlines on your target list, and attendance at job fairs where these airlines are recruiting. You should be following your target companies closely on social media.

Like Mom said – Get a Job! 2026 may well be your year!

Please like, repost, comment, and share this information.

If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult career decision give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Pilot Career Problems?

Accidents, Incident, Violations, Check ride Failures, Ask to Resign, Termination, Traffic Violations, Loss of License, and Loss of Medical.

So you have a problem like the ones listed above. What is a career pilot to do? Will it stop your career progression, slow you down, or is it no big deal?

The first step is to check the record. The Pilot Record Database (PRD) is the most important record to check if your event is covered. Otherwise, it may be your driving record, training records, or FAA airmen’s record. Whichever is applicable, it is the staring place to determine what you must deal with on you resume, application, in the interview, and your background check, because it is what your next airline or aviation employer will see. Your paperwork and the information you provide in your interview (written and spoken) must match. It will be verified on your background check and must pass a reasonableness check by the interviewers.

Often the records have limited information about your disclosure item ,which is usually good news, because you are the only one that knows the details What details you provide, beyond what is on the record, is up to you. The minimum is what is in the record and the target is what it takes to tell your story.

There is nothing that says that that an airline cannot hire you based on most disclosure items. If they like you in the interview, believe your story, and it matches the record you can be hired. The background check is usually accomplished after you are hired and in class to keep the cost down. They can put you in class but they cannot use you on the line until your background check is complete. I some cases they will do your background check before class, which is more common at the larger airlines.

A disclosure item does affect your ability to get the interview and the job by a lot or a little based on several variables. First ,how recent is your problem; the older the better. Second, how bad is the problem? The worst problems like a DUI can set you back by ten years at some airlines (Google: “Canadian Waiver” to understand why). The least important problems like a failed Private or CFI check ride years ago are not a big deal, if you handle it properly. Finally, what has happened since your problem? Have you moved on and acquired additional licenses or ratings, been promoted to Captain, been hired and been successful in training at a new employer(s)? This establishes if it was a one-time event or a trend.

You will have to talk about your disclosure item(s) on your online application and in your interview – probably not on your resume. In most cases how you handle that presentation will make all the difference. It is your job to provide the facts, just the facts. Save your rational for why it was ok and how you would avoid this problem in the future for the interview.

Time to make a statement. First, step after checking the record, is usually to write down everything about this incident in a detailed statement and then melt it down to a page or two. Looking for a fact filled tight narrative that includes the facts in the record. I would recommend that you sign and date your statement and have it available at your interview. They may not accept it depending on their companies’ rules, but the act of offering a signed statement reinforces that you stand behind your story and organizes your thoughts prior to having to answer questions on this this issue in the interview. You would not want to be discussing your issue for the first time in an interview. Just like a good ILS requires a little practice.

What if your situation is more serious and you may need a “break” (special consideration) from the screener/interviewer to reach your goal. Who would you give a break too? It is much more likely that you would give a break to someone you know, someone you know knows, or who you have met. “But I do not know any pilot recruiters” you say. What you can do is get recommendations from pilots that work at their airline who you have flown or worked with in the past. The key is to spread the weight of the decision to hire you with a problem(s) in your background beyond just the interviewer.

If you do not know anyone at you dream airline I cannot say that you are a good candidate and will not need a recommendation. I must report that 80% of the pilots hired are recommended, 15% are minorities, and only 5% are non-recommended/non-minority – do not amaze me - be recommended and get the job you want sooner. Work all of your networks to find airline employees that will recommend you – Work, school, church, family – Everyone needs to know what you need! This is not the time to be shy. Nobody looks out for you like you do!

The best way to get a “break” is to meet the recruiters at job fairs. This face-to-face experience with you is the absolute best way to get an interview, with or without a problem. If they meet you in person, look over your resume, like you, believe your story, and place your resume in the “RED HOT” resume pile, then after they get back to the office, and checkout your electronic application on file - that is your best chance to get and interview. No recruiter wants to make interview decisions on paperwork alone. They really want to look you in the face, shake your hand, read your recommendations, look over your resume, and talk with you to best determine if you are “their kind of pilot”.

The airlines hire about 75% of the pilots they interview on the first attempt these days and another 10-15% are successful on the second interview. 85% over all that get interviewed are hired. The real test is to get an interview.

Remember that if you have a problem or two you do not need every job, just one. Every recruiter will react to your situation differently. The same story could be unacceptable to one recruiter and fine with another at the same airline based on their personal preferences and experiences. Pilot hiring is more of an art than a science. That is why it is important to include at least five airlines on your list as a candidate with no big issues and five to ten if you have a few issues and may need a break. We call a one airline target list “bird hunting with a rifle”. You might hit one but there again you might not. Likewise, you cannot apply to all the airlines and do a thorough job of visiting them at job fairs and getting 3 to 4 recommendations each. The first recommendation at each airline is the most important and garners the most consideration.

Be sure to mix this plan with a full measure of patience and persistence. A steady even pressure toward your goal will produce the best results. Strong paperwork, resume and application, quality recommendations, and getting face-to-face exposure at job fairs will get you hired as fast as possible. If you meet minimums you should apply. If the airlines you are targeting are at a job fair you should be there too.

The job fairs best attended by the airlines are often the minority job fairs like Women in Aviation International (March), RTAG (October), and OBAP (August). These are networking events so go early and stay late. Attend any airline presentation during the meeting. Pass out you resume and develop a business card with a 5-6 line resume on the back. Include highest rating, type ratings, total flight time, turbine PIC, education level, and medical. You will not need many since you flight times are constantly changing.

I hear every day that the electronic application, social media, and email contacts alone are not getting the job (literally). In a tighter job market you need to do more and that is where the job fairs and recommendations come in to move you to the top of the pile. The only thing better than a recommendation or job fair is two or three. Be a hornet. If no one has told you to backoff lately you may not be trying hard enough. BZZZzzzz….

2026 is looking like a very good year. Possibly the 3rd or 4th year best year in history with over 5,000 pilot jobs at the Majors. Get ready now to get the job you want.

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If I can help you improve your resume and application, prepare for an interview, or make a difficult decision give me a call, text, email, or visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx. 877-334-2939.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

New data on my website https://t.co/gfejv4oVej, Career Development, Career Resources brings together my numerous post on Major Airline Pilot Pay, Fleets, and Seniority over the past few months. Includes 39 slides in all for your enjoyment. Check it out.

2026 is shaping up as possible the 3rd best year in history the time is now to get ready by tuning up your paper work - resume/cover letter and application, getting 3-4 quality recommendation from pilots at the airlines on your list (5-minimum), and getting face-to face when and wherever you can at job fairs.

Do not forget to follow all of the airlines on your list on social media - even if not your normal mode of operation!

As always Fly-Fly-Fly with a goal of 2,000 hours multi turbine PIC as fast as possible. You will likely be hired before that but that goal ensures you make good decisions along the way.

If we can help you with a new or improved resume/cover letter, app review, or interview prep let me know. If you have a question or forbid a problem experience based career counseling always available.

Great time to be or become an airline pilot!

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[email protected], 877-334-2939, text 678-776-5633

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Here is my latest webinar Series completed in conjunction with Axiom Aviation.
3 Webinar back-to-back - Long but loaded with the latest Info.
US Airline Pilot Job Market and Industry Overview
Professional Pilot Job Search Planning and Career Values
Pilot Resumes and Applications - Ace the Airline Scoring System.

LINK: https://t.co/5GIfkuMrVE

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[email protected], 877-334-2939, https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx

I will be presenting the first in this series live at RTAG this coming weekend.
Hope to see you there. Booth 1102. FREE Resume and App Reviews for all.
Stop by and ask me anything!

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Where the Airline Pilot Jobs are?

Just found this interesting chart from AOG that shows the increase in seats for the past 12 months at the top 10 US airlines. While not a hiring forecast remember that the seats are bolted into airplanes and we fly those planes. It actually takes about 15-16 pilots per plane. Little less for short-range domestic flying and more for the long-range international stuff.

Look for airlines with a strong fleet plans and consistent profits so that can make it happen. Career values (Pay, Benefits, and Retirement) at the big 4 passenger airlines are close enough to not be big factor. Retirements are part of the formula too and they don't change with the economy.

When I advise pilots with career choices (more than one job offer) and it involves the Big 4, and/or Big 2 on the Cargo side, it often comes down to life style - where do you want to live and what/where do you want to fly? With small children where is your family support network? Money, time off, and flexibility is good almost everywhere.

Remember you will have at least 2 lives to live as an airline pilot with a family. The one with kids still in school up to college and one after they are out of the house - Free at last!

For a career planning/career counseling, resume, or app review email or call/text [email protected] or 877-334-2939. Visit https://t.co/JvWjn51xXx.

See you at RTAG booth #1102 for a free resume or app critique!

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[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

Here is a version with higher resolution charts.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

US Pilot Demand From US major Airline Current Fleet, Orders, & Options

Here is a conservative estimate of the future pilot needed for the next 5 years using the current airline fleets, orders, and options plus age 65 retirements.

No longer the BIG 3. Southwest has grown so that is now clearly the BIG 4 as you can see in the first chart.

United has the most ambitious fleet plan and as a result leads in pilot hiring over the next 5 years. Simply more planes equal more pilots. More international routes and large long-range aircraft also produce the demand for more pilots.

Note that freight companies like FedEx and UPS often acquire used aircraft in addition to new airplanes so orders and options are not as predictive as they are for the passenger airlines.

This forecast should be well short of the pilots that will be need for several reasons. First this only includes current aircraft orders and options (the big airlines usually get the planes they order and option although not exactly when planned). Orders placed in the next five years and delivered during that period are not included. Additionally, I have only used an estimate of know age 65 retirements. Obviously not all pilots make it to 65 with about 1/2 % lost each year due to medical issues or other causes in the early years. Nearing retirement at age 65 that percentage increases to more like 1-3 % per year.

[Kit Darby @KitDarby]

https://t.co/ZJPXZclOCF. Please like, share, forward, and comments. 877-334-2939