Aviationfly receives a lot of inquiries as to how to become a Pilot with SkyWest Airlines. Basically, the question lies on how SkyWest Airlines hires Pilots. To assist those who aspire to work with SkyWest Airlines, we have gathered the following information to help you familiarize and provide you background with all the essential information you would need as you prepare on becoming a Pilot with SkyWest Airlines.
SkyWest Airlines has various types of aircraft which include 193 Embraer E175, 141 Bombardier CRJ200, 104 Bombardier CRJ700, and 40 Bombardier CRJ900, all of which make up a whopping 478 operating aircraft (source). Also, SkyWest has ordered eight (8) new E175 aircraft for operation with Alaska Airlines (source), and sixteen (16) New E175 Aircraft for Operation with Delta Air Lines (source). In this regard, the airline will need approximately 288 new pilots to run these aircraft on order.
The information provided below is based on the official website of SkyWest Airlines. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check with SkyWest Airlines directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, opening of pathway or cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any.
There are two ways to become a SkyWest Airlines Pilot; one is a direct application to SkyWest Airlines (this is mostly done by experienced pilots) and another is through SkyWest Cadet Program.
Apply as a licensed pilot directly to SkyWest Airlines
Assuming that you already hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), to become First Officer with SkyWest Airlines, you would need to meet the following minimum requirements:
- English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE)
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be at least instrument current
- Be a U.S. citizen or show proof of right to work in the U.S.
- Hold an FCC Radio License
- Have a current passport
- Be willing to rescind seniority with current carrier
- Hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Possess a current first-class medical (verified at interview)
Minimum Hour Requirement for:
ATP Certificate Holder (1,500 hours)
- Be at least 23 years old
- 500 hours of cross country
- 100 hours of night
- 75 hours of instrument
- 25 hours of actual multi-engine
Restricted ATP Holder (1,500 hours)
- Be at least 21 years old
- 200 hours of cross country
- 100 hours of night
- 75 hours of instrument
- 25 hours of actual multi-engine
Restricted ATP Holder (1,250 hours)
- At least 21 years old
- 30 semester credit hours of aviation-related coursework and transcripts
- Associate degree from approved institution and proof of completion
- 200 hours of cross country
- 100 hours of night
- 75 hours of instrument
- 25 hours of actual multi-engine
- Instrument Commercial Rating earned under Part 141 at approved institution
Restricted ATP Holder (1,000 hours)
- At least 21 years old
- 60 semester credit hours of aviation related coursework and transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree from approved institution and proof of completion
- 200 hours of cross country
- 100 hours of night
- 75 hours of instrument
- Instrument commercial rating earned under
- Part 141 at an approved institution
Restricted ATP Holder (750 hours)
- Military pilot
- DD-214 Honorable Discharge or record of current service
SkyWest will provide the means to complete a SkyWest-approved CTP course for those who complete an application and successfully pass the pilot interview.
SkyWest recognizes skills common to helicopter and glider flying and will accept helo/glider time as part of an applicant’s total time as long as they have a minimum of 250 hours of fixed-wing.
The entire training process for CRJ students is to be completed in Salt Lake City with the exception of IOE, while the training for E175 is primarily available in Denver and Salt Lake City.
During flight training, students will receive hotel accommodations. While occupancy with fellow students should be expected, students may request single rooms by accepting responsibility for half the accommodation expenses. Courtesy shuttle services operating to and from the training facility will be provided by the hotels.
SkyWest provides all pilot new hires with uniforms.
Career Upgrade?
If you have an experience with a FAR Part 121 Carrier, you can upgrade your career with SkyWest Airlines where you get a Year-for-Year Pay Credit for FAR 121 Experience of up to 10 years. That means that every year you have worked at a FAR Part 121 carrier counts towards your compensation and benefits (up to a 10 year rate). Plus, SkyWest is offering a $7,500 bonus for current CL65 and ERJ 170/190 type-rated pilots.
Credit will apply to pilot pay (up to 10 years), 401(k) match, profit sharing, and user/vacation accrual. Credit does not apply to seat, bidding or travel seniority. Proof of eligibility is required and must be approved through screening processes. The same application and rigorous interview process applies.
All information herein is from SkyWest Airlines’ website. Please always check their website to stay updated.
Join SkyWest Cadet Program
The Pilot Pathway Program allows students to remain at their campus to complete their flight training until they are able to meet SkyWest’s Airline Transport Pilot standards.
To apply as a cadet, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Hold a commercial multi-engine and instrument pilot certificate (recommended but not required)
- Communication skills, both orally and in writing
- Be an active student at a certified flight school
- A minimum of 250 flight hours Total Time (unless attending a top tier school)
- Actively engaged in flight training, including military flying, to become a comercial pilot
With the Pilot Pathway Program, SkyWest Airlines is in partnership with the following Partners categorized into three:
- Elite Partners where Tuition reimbursement programs is up to $17,500 and you’ll get access to the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program from zero flight hours.
Elite Partners are as follows:
- AeroGuard Flight Training Center
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
- University of North Dakota
- ATP Flight School
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- L3HARRIS
- College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences of Utah State University
- School of Aviation Services of Utah Valley University
- Axiom Aviation
- Cornerstone Aviation
- FLT Academy
- Enhanced Partners where Cadets receive up to a $12,500 tuition advance and $5,000 upon successful completion of SkyWest IOE
- Southern Airways Express
- Standard Partners where you’ll get access to the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program at 250 flight hours/CFI (you can see here the full list of Standard Partners)
You may also visit How can I join the SkyWest Cadet Program – a dedicated page for SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program.
All information herein is from SkyWest Airlines’ website. Please always check their website to stay updated.
SkyWest Airlines Pilot Salary
As a 1st Year First Officer (FO): $48.33/flight hour*
As a 2nd year First Officer (FO): $53.33/flight hour*
As a 3rd Year Captain (CA): $88.02/flight hour*
*Includes Pilot Profit Sharing (PPS) program based on minimum revenue guarantee; pay increases from there. PPS payouts occur semi-annually. Does not include Financial and Performance Rewards
Last Update: August 2021
Disclaimer
The information provided above is based on the official website of SkyWest Airlines. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check with SkyWest Airlines directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, opening of pathway or cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any.
How to become a Pilot in the USA
Check out how to become a Pilot in the USA to know more about the minimum requirements, pilot training options, and airline programs.