careers
The airline pilot interview
What to expect in an airline interview — the technical, HR and simulator components, and how to prepare.
Airline interviews typically have several components, and preparation pays off.
- Application and records review — your logbook, certificates, medical, and background must be clean and well organized. Discrepancies and gaps get scrutinized.
- HR / behavioral interview — structured questions about teamwork, conflict, error and decision-making. Answer with concrete examples using a clear structure (situation, action, result). Airlines hire for CRM and professionalism as much as stick skills.
- Technical interview — regulations, weather, systems, and scenario questions ("you're number two for an approach and the field goes below minimums…"). Know the basics cold.
- Simulator evaluation (at some carriers) — a basic instrument profile flown to standard; they're assessing trainability and composure, not perfection.
- Cognitive/aptitude testing and a medical may also feature, especially in cadet selection.
How to prepare: study the company and the role, review your own logbook so you can speak to any flight, brush up regulations and weather, practice behavioral answers out loud, and — if there's a sim ride — fly a few practice profiles. Show up early, dress sharply, and be the calm, coachable professional they want in the other seat.
*Reference and training only.*
Official sources
For reference and training only — verify current requirements with the official authority. Last reviewed June 2, 2026.