6.6.25 True North Flight Deck Forecast

✈️ Hiring & Industry News (Past Week)

• American Airlines is currently hiring and is set to increase hiring in late August, focusing on sourcing through regional flow agreements.

• Hiring across U.S. airlines has normalized to pre-pandemic levels, with around 5,000 new airline pilots hired in 2024, down from the 2021–22 peak (flyingmag.com).

• Southwest is advancing its Destination 225° cadet pathway with recent program updates and ongoing cadet selections (careers.southwestair.com).

No major contract negotiations or strikes reported this week. Union activity remains steady but quiet.

🎯 Pilot Minimums & Pay: Legacy Carriers

American Airlines

• First Officer (FO): ATP + 1,500 TT; multi-engine ATP; age ≥ 23; turbine time preferred.

• Direct-Entry Captain (DEC): NA

• Notes: Hiring resumes late August; pay aligns with legacy market.

Delta Air Lines

• FO: Minimum 1,500 TT; ATP-written; 250 PIC (≥50 multi-engine); 1,000 turbine hours preferred; age ≥ 23 (delta.com, facebook.com).

• DEC: NA

• Notes: Competitive pay; Propel cadet pathway ongoing.

United Airlines

• FO: ATP + 1,500 TT; preferred 1,000 turbine; 100 recent flight hours; age ≥ 23 .

• DEC: NA

• Notes: FO pay starts at approx. $120.69/hr (careers.united.com).

Southwest Airlines

• FO: ATP certificate; total 2,500 TT or 1,500 turbine + 1,000 TT; PIC turbine ≥1,000 hours preferred; age ≥ 23 .

• DEC: NA

• Notes: Destination 225° preferred pathway; pay competitive under 2024 contract.

  
  

🚀 Strategic Summary

• American: Hiring now—meet ATP + 1,500 hours requirement and turbine time.

• Delta/United: Mirror requirements; veteran turbine and PIC experience strengthens profiles.

• Southwest: Focus on cadet pathway and turbine PIC to fast-track hiring.

  
  

✅ Recommendations

• First Officer applicants: Secure your ATP, build turbine hours (aim ≥1,000), and ensure ATP written is current.

• Prep for American: Polish resumes and meet requirements ahead of the August hiring wave.

• Stay connected: Engage with cadet and flow programs (Southwest’s Destination 225°, Delta’s Propel) to gain early routes in.

  
  

🚀 Don’t just follow the forecast—fly above it.

Whether you're attending an upcoming industry conference, aiming for your first airline job, or shooting for a captain upgrade, True North Pilot Consulting is here to help you navigate every step of the journey. Let’s get you interview-ready, confident, and in control of your future. Check out all of the ways we can assist!