The Basics of Airline Pilot Interviews: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Becoming an airline pilot is a highly competitive process, and one of the most important stages in securing a position is the interview. Airline pilot interviews are structured, in-depth assessments that evaluate more than just flying ability—they measure technical knowledge, situational awareness, communication skills, and whether a candidate aligns with the airline's culture and values. Whether you're transitioning from the military, regional carriers, or coming from a civilian background with flight school experience, understanding the format and effective airline pilot interview preparation are essential to standing out in this critical process.

Interview Format

While each airline has its own unique process, most interviews follow a standard format that includes multiple phases. It often begins with a pre-screening interview, typically conducted over the phone or via video call. This is usually handled by a recruiter or human resources representative and focuses on confirming your flight experience, certificates, and general qualifications. It's also an opportunity for the airline to get a sense of your personality and communication skills early on.

The main interview day, whether held in person or virtually, is generally broken into several distinct parts. One of the most important components is the Human Resources or behavioral interview. This section is designed to evaluate your interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ability to handle challenging or stressful situations. These questions often follow the STAR method—an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, and Result—to help interviewers assess how you've responded to real-life scenarios in the past. If your unfamiliar with the STAR method, read our comprehensive article covering the basics here: https://www.directtohired.com/post/how-to-answer-airline-interview-questions-using-the-star-method. You’ll likely be interviewed by a panel consisting of HR staff, line pilots, or chief pilots.

Following the behavioral interview is the technical interview. This section tests your knowledge of aircraft systems, regulations, weather interpretation, performance calculations, and flight planning. You may be asked to explain the systems of aircraft you’ve flown, interpret METARs and TAFs, walk through approach plates, or answer questions related to FARs (Federal Aviation Regulations). These questions help the airline gauge your aeronautical knowledge and ability to think critically under pressure. If you are transitioning from the military, it will be important to brush up on the FARs, and specifically the FARs relating to IFR regulations and procedures found in §91.167-193.

In addition to these core interviews, many airlines include cognitive or aptitude testing in their hiring process. These tests may evaluate your multitasking skills, decision-making speed, spatial reasoning, or personality traits. Some airlines use standardized tests like the Wonderlic, CCAT, or custom-built assessments to measure how well you might perform in a dynamic and demanding flight deck environment. You may also be required to complete a simulator evaluation, depending on the airline and the type of position. The simulator ride typically involves basic flight maneuvers, navigation, CRM (Crew Resource Management), and the handling of abnormal or emergency situations. The focus here is not just on flying skills, but also on checklist usage, communication, and situational awareness. NetJets is a carrier that notoriously uses simulator evaluations to judge general flying abilities as a part of the interview. They like to have applicants fly the KTEB ILS Rwy 6 approach to make sure that you can meet the crossing restriction altitudes.

Interview Questions

The types of questions you’ll encounter during an airline pilot interview can be categorized into behavioral, technical, scenario-based, and HR-focused questions. Behavioral questions may include, “Tell me about a time you made a mistake in the cockpit,” or “Describe a time you had a conflict with a crewmember—how did you handle it?” Technical questions can range from, “Explain the electrical system on your most recent aircraft,” to, “What are the requirements for a visual approach?” Scenario-based questions challenge you to think through real-time flight problems, such as navigating weather-related diversions or dealing with equipment failures. HR questions tend to be more general and may ask why you’re interested in that particular airline or what makes you a good cultural fit.

Interview Timelines

As for timing, the pre-screening call typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. The full interview day can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours and may even extend over multiple days depending on the airline. Simulator sessions generally last 1 to 2 hours, and cognitive testing can range from 1 to 3 hours, sometimes completed remotely in advance.

Interview Strategies

Successful airline pilot interview preparation requires a well-rounded strategy. Start by learning as much as you can about the airline. Research their fleet, routes, mission statement, and company culture. Talk to current pilots if possible to gain firsthand insight. When preparing for behavioral interviews, practice using the STAR method and pull from real-life examples that showcase leadership, sound judgment, and teamwork. For the technical interview, thoroughly review aircraft systems, FARs, IFR procedures, weather theory, and instrument charts. Brush up on weight and balance, takeoff performance, and emergency procedures—especially those relevant to the aircraft you've most recently flown.

If your interview includes a simulator evaluation, practice chair-flying or use a desktop flight simulator to stay sharp. Focus on CRM, callouts, and handling abnormal situations professionally. Taking a few mock interviews can also be incredibly helpful. You can work with fellow pilots, mentors, or professional interview prep services to simulate the experience and get constructive feedback. Additionally, make sure all your documents are well-organized—bring updated logbooks, a polished resume, current medical and pilot certificates, and identification documents. First impressions count, so dress professionally in business attire, arrive early, and present yourself with confidence and humility.

In conclusion, the airline pilot interview is a comprehensive assessment designed to test your readiness to operate in one of the most safety-critical environments in the world. By taking the time for thorough airline pilot interview preparation, and understanding the structure and expectations of the process, you’ll significantly improve your chances of making a great impression and getting hired. Approach it like a checkride: be calm, be prepared, and fly the interview like you’d fly the plane—with discipline, confidence, and professionalism.