Flying for the charter operation lets pilots build the necessary hours to make a smooth transition to the major airlines. By the time they spend a few years at Grand Aire, they have better experience. Minimums vary for pilots depending on which aircraft they are hired into. Grand Aire's recruiters are also fixtures at the AEPS AirFairs, where they can meet applicants in person and set up interviews. The interview process at Grand Aire is a three-tier process.
First candidates meet with the HR department.
Next come interviews with the flight department, including senior management. It is during those interviews that technical aspects of the job are brought up. There is no psychological testing and no simulator evaluation. A pre-employment drug screen and full background check are mandatory. Once hired, new pilots go through in-house orientation and ground school, followed by training in the simulator.