By Brandon Martini, COO, Stratus Financial
So, you’ve worked hard, earned your ratings, built your hours—and now it’s time to start applying for pilot positions. Whether you’re aiming for a regional airline, corporate flight department, or charter operator, one thing is certain: the interview process is about more than just flying skills.
Pilots are trusted with people’s lives, expensive aircraft, and complex operations. That means employers aren’t just evaluating your logbook—they’re evaluating you as a person and a professional.
In this article, I’ll walk you through practical, proven tips to help you prepare for—and ace—your pilot interviews.
1. Understand What They're Looking For
Yes, they want you to be a good pilot. But employers are also looking for maturity, professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Your demeanor matters as much as your hours.
Key traits employers look for:
- Solid decision-making
- Safety mindset
- Teamwork and communication
- Leadership potential
- Accountability and humility
Tip: Think of the interview as a “captain’s evaluation”—not just a job interview. Following the right pilot interview tips helps you show that you think and act like a PIC.
2. Know the Company
Before the interview, spend time learning about the employer:
- What aircraft do they operate?
- What are their routes, mission, or service area?
- Are they growing? Have they had safety events? What’s their culture like?
Why it matters: Interviewers will ask, “Why do you want to work here?” or “What do you know about us?” A generic answer shows lack of preparation. A thoughtful response shows interest and professionalism.
Example Answer:
“I’m excited about this opportunity because your fleet upgrade to the Phenom 300 shows your commitment to both safety and modern technology. I’m passionate about flying high-performance aircraft and contributing to a team that values precision and continuous improvement.”
3. Practice Technical Questions
Depending on the role, you may be asked aviation knowledge questions or walk through scenarios like:
- How would you handle gear failure?
- Explain the difference between V1 and Vr.
- What are the legal weather minimums for a Part 135 flight?
How to prepare:
- Review your FAR/AIM and POH material
- Study common IFR and VFR questions
- Use flashcards or apps like Prepware or ATP’s interview resources
- Practice explaining your thought process clearly and calmly
It’s not just about the correct answer—it’s about how you think under pressure. One of the best pilot interview tips is to talk through your thought process clearly and calmly.
4. Prepare for HR and Behavioral Questions
These often catch pilots off guard. Questions like:
- “Tell me about a time you made a mistake.”
- “Describe a time you had a conflict with a coworker.”
- “What would you do if your captain violated a regulation?”
Use the STAR method:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
Tip: Prepare 3–5 stories ahead of time from your training or jobs that showcase leadership, problem-solving, or conflict resolution.
Example:
“In training, I once briefed the wrong approach due to a misread ATIS. I caught the error during the crosscheck with my sim partner, corrected it, and we briefed the proper plate. It reminded me how important it is to slow down and confirm critical details. I’ve made it a habit ever since.”
5. Dress and Act Professionally
You don’t need to wear a pilot uniform, but you do need to show up polished and presentable. Business attire, clean grooming, and a confident handshake (or smile, if virtual) go a long way.
Virtual interviews? Test your lighting, camera, and sound in advance. Sit up straight. Look at the camera when speaking. Remove distractions from the background.
Dressing the part reflects your attention to detail—just like a preflight. Among the most underrated pilot interview tips is how your appearance and demeanor speak before you even say a word.
6. Ask Smart Questions
At the end of most interviews, you’ll be invited to ask questions. Have a few ready that show you’re thoughtful and engaged.
Good examples:
- “What qualities make someone successful in this role?”
- “How does your company support professional development for pilots?”
- “What’s the typical upgrade path or transition timeline here?”
Pro Tip: Avoid questions that are too focused on pay or time off unless you’re already deep in the hiring process.
7. Follow Up
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. Keep it short, polite, and professional.
Example:
“Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. I appreciated learning more about your operation, and I’m very excited about the potential to contribute to your team. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything further from me.”
Following up shows respect and enthusiasm—two traits every flight department values.
Final Thoughts
With the right preparation and mindset, you can walk in with confidence and walk out with options. Keep these pilot interview tips in mind as you take this exciting next step.
At Stratus Financial, we’re proud to support student pilots like you—from that very first discovery flight to the day you land your dream job. You’ve already come a long way. Keep pushing forward—you’re almost there.