According to the ALPA, most airlines require at least 1,500 flight hours in multi-engine aircraft. Newly hired pilots for regional airlines average over 2,000 hours. The average multi-engine flight hours for new hires at major airlines is 4,000. Helicopter Pilots need about 1,000 hours of helicopter flight time to be competitive for jobs. Most earn those hours as flying instructors after obtaining their own helicopter pilot s certification.
Most pilots find employment by contacting employers directly.
More entry opportunities for airline pilots will be with the regional airlines. Pilot unions also list employment opportunities. Photogrammetry Pilots should look in the yellow pages under Aerial Photography. The California Agricultural Aircraft Association aids Agricultural Pilots in finding employment. The Helicopter Association International provides employment services for Helicopter Pilots.