Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines, a regional carrier headquartered at Salisbury Regional Airport in Maryland, operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group. Originally founded as Henson Airlines in 1961, it was rebranded in 1993 to honor the legacy of the original Piedmont Airlines (1948–1989). Its fleet consists exclusively of 93 Embraer ERJ145 regional jets. The airline serves nearly 50 destinations, primarily under the American Eagle brand, and employs over 9,800 people. Its primary hubs are Philadelphia International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with additional maintenance and crew bases across the northeastern United States. Piedmont is integral to American Airlines’ regional network, ensuring reliable connectivity
Airline Notes
First Officer Overview:
Reserve Duty: Reserve pilots frequently have access to trips, aiding in building hours and seniority.
Upgrade Time: First Officers can upgrade to Captain in approximately 18 months.
Flight Schedule: Trips typically last 3–4 days, followed by 2–3 days off. Pilots are guaranteed a minimum of 12 days off monthly.
Flow to American Airlines: Flow time is approximately five years. Captains who do not flow within this time are paid at the top hourly rate of $213.75.
Compensation and Benefits:
First Officer Pay Rates:
Year 1: $96/hour
Year 2: $103.50/hour
Year 3: $111/hour
Year 4–5: $114.75/hour
Captain Pay Rates:
Year 1: $153.75/hour
Year 5: $168.75/hour
Year 10: $187.50/hour
Year 15: $206.25/hour
Year 20+: $221.25/hour
Longevity Benefits: Direct-entry Captains can bring seniority from other airlines, starting at higher pay rates (e.g., $165/hour at Step 4 for Captains with three years of Part 121 experience).
Additional Perks:
Commuter Policy:Non-punitive policy with up to four hotel nights per month for non-hub commuting.
Hub commuters receive six hotel nights per quarter.
Vacation and Sick Leave:48 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Up to 20 paid vacation days based on seniority.
Holiday pay includes a 50% bonus for select holidays.
Career Development:
Captain Upgrades: First Officers may upgrade within 12–15 months, or sooner with Part 121 experience.
Flow Program: Direct path to American Airlines, usually within five years. Captains are compensated at Captain pay rates after achieving 750 flight hours.
Reserve Captains: Guaranteed Long Call Reserve status after completing 250 Captain hours.
Training and 401(k):
Training: Conducted at Piedmont’s headquarters with paid accommodations and salaries.
401(k) Contributions: Begin after six months, with company matching available after one year. Matching percentage increases with tenure.
First Officer Minimum Qualifications
Meets minimum requirements to hold an ATP or RATP with a multi engine rating
1,500 hours of flight time, 50 hours of multi-engine time, 250 hours as Pilot in Command or meet requirements for Restricted ATP
Valid United States passport or a valid passport with authorization to work in the United States
FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Current First Class Medical Certificate
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Preferred Qualifications:
Current employment in a pilot position
Direct Entry Captain Minimum Qualifications
2,500 hours of total flight time/ 950 hours of qualifying Part 121/135
Commercial Multi-engine certificate with an instrument rating, and an English Proficient Endorsement
Valid United States passport or a valid passport with authorization to work in the United States
FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Current First Class Medical Certificate
Possess a high school diploma or GED
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Airline Type
Regional
Number of Pilots
790
Number of Aircraft in Fleet
93
Number of Domiciles
3
Union
ALPA
Fleet
ERJ-145: 93
Domiciles
MDT
PHL
CLT
Airline Notes
First Officer Overview:
Reserve Duty: Reserve pilots frequently have access to trips, aiding in building hours and seniority.
Upgrade Time: First Officers can upgrade to Captain in approximately 18 months.
Flight Schedule: Trips typically last 3–4 days, followed by 2–3 days off. Pilots are guaranteed a minimum of 12 days off monthly.
Flow to American Airlines: Flow time is approximately five years. Captains who do not flow within this time are paid at the top hourly rate of $213.75.
Compensation and Benefits:
First Officer Pay Rates:
Year 1: $96/hour
Year 2: $103.50/hour
Year 3: $111/hour
Year 4–5: $114.75/hour
Captain Pay Rates:
Year 1: $153.75/hour
Year 5: $168.75/hour
Year 10: $187.50/hour
Year 15: $206.25/hour
Year 20+: $221.25/hour
Longevity Benefits: Direct-entry Captains can bring seniority from other airlines, starting at higher pay rates (e.g., $165/hour at Step 4 for Captains with three years of Part 121 experience).
Additional Perks:
Commuter Policy:Non-punitive policy with up to four hotel nights per month for non-hub commuting.
Hub commuters receive six hotel nights per quarter.
Vacation and Sick Leave:48 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Up to 20 paid vacation days based on seniority.
Holiday pay includes a 50% bonus for select holidays.
Career Development:
Captain Upgrades: First Officers may upgrade within 12–15 months, or sooner with Part 121 experience.
Flow Program: Direct path to American Airlines, usually within five years. Captains are compensated at Captain pay rates after achieving 750 flight hours.
Reserve Captains: Guaranteed Long Call Reserve status after completing 250 Captain hours.
Training and 401(k):
Training: Conducted at Piedmont’s headquarters with paid accommodations and salaries.
401(k) Contributions: Begin after six months, with company matching available after one year. Matching percentage increases with tenure.