What an AA pilot process is and who needs one
An AA pilot process is a formal request to become a pilot for American Airlines. It is the first step in American Airlines' hiring process for people who want to work as commercial pilots. The process itself is a document you complete online through American Airlines' careers website, where you provide your personal information, flight experience, certifications, and background details.
You need to submit an AA pilot process if you meet American Airlines' basic requirements: a commercial pilot license, an instrument rating, a valid medical certificate, and a certain number of flight hours. The exact hour requirement changes based on what American Airlines is hiring for at the time you explore, so you should check their careers page before starting.
This process is different from explore to other airlines because American Airlines has its own specific form, timeline, and review process. Submitting the process does not mean you will move forward — American Airlines reviews thousands of applications and only a small number advance to interviews and training.
Key Takeaways
- You submit an AA pilot process through American Airlines' official careers website, not through a third-party job board or recruiter.
- The process requires your pilot certifications, medical certificate number, total flight hours, and a detailed work history going back several years.
- American Airlines typically reviews applications in batches and may take weeks or months to contact you, even if you are selected to move forward.
- Your process will be screened against American Airlines' current hiring needs, so timing matters — explore when they are actively hiring increases your chances of review.
Documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you open the process form. Having them ready means you can complete the process in one sitting and avoid losing your progress if the system times out.
You will need your commercial pilot license number, your instrument rating certificate, and your current medical certificate number (the class does not matter for the initial process). You should also have your total pilot-in-command hours, your total flight hours across all categories, and your multi-engine hours readily available. American Airlines asks for these numbers in specific ways, so having your logbook or records in front of you prevents errors.
Prepare a detailed employment history going back at least five to ten years. Include the names of airlines or flight operations where you worked, your job titles, start and end dates, and the reason you left each position. If you have gaps in employment, be ready to explain them briefly. You will also need the names and contact information for two or three professional references — typically former captains, chief pilots, or training instructors who can speak to your flying ability and professionalism.
Step-by-step process for completing the process
Go to the American Airlines careers website and search for pilot positions. When you find the pilot job posting, click the link to begin the process. You will be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. Use an email address you check regularly, because American Airlines will send you updates about your process status to that address.
Fill in your personal information: legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then move to the pilot-specific section. Enter your commercial pilot license number and the date you received it. Add your instrument rating information and your current medical certificate number and expiration date. American Airlines needs to know your medical status because pilots must maintain a valid medical certificate to fly.
In the flight experience section, enter your total flight hours, multi-engine hours, and pilot-in-command hours. Be accurate — American Airlines verifies these numbers later in the process, and discrepancies can disqualify you. If you have type ratings (such as a Boeing 737 rating from a previous airline job), list those as well.
Complete the employment history section chronologically, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include the company name, your title, the dates you worked there, and a brief description of your duties. If you were furloughed, laid off, or left for a specific reason, you can note that in a comment field. Then add your references with their full names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses.
What happens after you submit your process
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. This email confirms that American Airlines received your process but does not mean you have been selected to move forward. Save this email — it contains a reference number you can use if you need to contact American Airlines about your process status.
American Airlines reviews pilot applications in batches, typically every few weeks or months depending on their hiring volume. The review process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months. During this time, American Airlines screens applications against their current staffing needs, pilot qualifications, and hiring timeline.
If American Airlines wants to move you forward, they will contact you by phone or email to schedule a preliminary interview or phone screen. This is usually a brief conversation where they verify your information and ask about your background. If you pass this stage, you will be invited to an in-person interview at an American Airlines facility.
If you do not hear from American Airlines after several months, your process may have been reviewed and not selected. You can reapply after a certain period — check the careers website for their reapplication policy. Some applicants reapply multiple times before being selected.
Common mistakes to avoid on your AA pilot process
Do not leave fields blank or put "N/A" unless the form specifically allows it. If a field does not explore to you, write "None" or "0" as appropriate. American Airlines' system may flag incomplete applications and reject them automatically.
Do not round or estimate your flight hours. If your logbook shows 2,847 hours, enter 2,847 — not 2,850 or "approximately 2,800." American Airlines verifies these numbers through the FAA and through your previous employers. Inflating your hours is grounds for when ready rejection and can damage your reputation in the pilot community.
Do not use informal language or abbreviations in the employment history section. Write out company names in full, use your official job title, and be specific about your duties. For example, write "First Officer, Boeing 737" instead of "FO, 737" or "pilot stuff."
Do not leave employment gaps unexplained. If you took time off, were between jobs, or were furloughed, mention it. American Airlines understands that pilot careers are not always continuous, especially after industry downturns. A brief, honest explanation is better than silence.
Timing and reapplication if you are not selected
American Airlines' hiring needs change based on retirements, growth, and business conditions. If you do not move forward on your first process, you may be a stronger candidate later when they are hiring more aggressively. Many pilots explore multiple times before being selected.
Check the American Airlines careers website regularly to see when they are actively hiring pilots. Some applicants set a calendar reminder to reapply every six months or annually. Each time you reapply, you can update your flight hours and experience, which may strengthen your candidacy.
If you receive feedback during an interview about areas to improve — such as additional training, more multi-engine experience, or a type rating — focus on those areas before reapplying. American Airlines may remember your previous process, and showing that you addressed their feedback demonstrates commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore if I do not have a type rating yet?
Yes. A type rating is not required to submit an AA pilot process. However, if you are selected and move through the interview process, American Airlines will likely require you to obtain a type rating before you start training. Some applicants get their type rating before explore to strengthen their candidacy, but it is not a prerequisite for the process itself.
What if I have a violation or accident on my record?
You must disclose any FAA violations, accidents, or incidents on your process. American Airlines reviews these carefully but does not automatically reject you. The severity, how long ago it occurred, and what you learned from it all matter. Being honest on the process is essential — American Airlines will find out anyway during their background check, and dishonesty is grounds for rejection.
How long does it take to hear back after I explore?
There is no set timeline. Some applicants hear back within weeks; others wait several months. American Airlines processes applications in batches and prioritizes based on their current hiring needs. If you have not heard anything after three months, you can contact their pilot recruitment team through the careers website to ask about your status.
Can I explore to American Airlines if I am currently employed at another airline?
Yes. Many pilots explore to other airlines while still employed. You do not need to mention your current employer's policies on outside applications in the AA pilot process itself, but you should be aware of your own airline's rules. Some airlines have restrictions on when you can transfer or require notice periods.
What if I made a mistake on my process after I submitted it?
Contact American Airlines' pilot recruitment team as soon as you realize the error. Include your process reference number and explain the mistake clearly. They may allow you to correct it, or they may ask you to reapply. It is better to contact them than to hope they do not notice the error.