PSA Airlines Pilot Recruitment Process 2026
Everything you need to know about the PSA Airlines pilot hiring process, from application to final assessment. Updated 2026-08-22.
PSA Airlines screens with an aptitude battery before a human reads your application.
Sit a timed practice paper free — no account. Scored on pace as well as accuracy, because pace is what the real battery culls on.
Where are you with PSA Airlines?
Selection runs on its own timetable, and what helps depends entirely on where you are in it. Tell us, and what we send you matches that — nothing else.
| Hiring status | Active— applications open |
|---|---|
| Country / Region | United States · North America |
| Bases | 4 bases · CLT, DCA, PHL, DAY |
| Fleet types | CRJ-700, CRJ-900 |
| Contract type | Permanent with American Airlines flow-through |
| Type ratings accepted | CRJ-700/900 |
| Assessment stages | 3 stages · 3-step pipeline |
How to Apply: PSA Airlines Pilot Application Process
The PSA Airlines pilot selection pipeline runs 3 steps from initial application through to first day of training. Here is exactly what to expect at each stage.
- 1
Online Application
1 weekApply via PSA careers or AA Cadet pathway.
- 2
Interview
1 dayPanel interview at Dayton, OH headquarters.
- 3
Training
6-8 weeksCRJ-700/900 type rating.
Assessment Stages: What PSA Airlines Tests
1. Online Application & Screening
Initial review of qualifications, flight hours, certificates, and background.
Preparation Tips
- Ensure logbook is accurate and up to date
- Have all certificates scanned and ready
- Tailor your CV to airline operations
2. Aptitude & Psychometric Testing
Computer-based tests measuring cognitive ability, multi-tasking, spatial awareness, and personality traits.
Preparation Tips
- Practice with COMPASS or PILAPT test preparation
- Work on mental math speed
- Get adequate sleep before test day
3. Simulator Assessment
Fixed-base or full-motion simulator session evaluating hand-flying, instrument skills, and multi-crew coordination.
Preparation Tips
- Practice raw-data instrument approaches
- Brief out loud as you would with a real crew
- Manage workload verbally
PSA Airlines Pilot Interview Questions
Recent PSA Airlines pilot candidates report these questions appearing in their panel and HR interviews. Use STAR-format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses and have 8-10 aviation anecdotes ready.
- Q1
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a crew member and how you resolved it.
- Q2
Describe a situation where you made a critical decision under time pressure.
- Q3
Why do you want to fly for this airline specifically?
- Q4
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for safety.
- Q5
How do you handle fatigue management during long duty periods?
Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | FAA ATP or R-ATP minimums under 14 CFR 61.160 — 1,500 hours standard, 1,250 with a qualifying associate degree, 1,000 with a qualifying bachelor's degree, 750 for military pilots |
| Multi-engine | 25 hours multi-engine time |
| ATP-CTP | Completion of ATP-CTP required |
| Medical | FAA First Class medical |
| Route in | PSA is a wholly owned American Airlines regional — one of the published paths to mainline |
Fleet You Could Fly at PSA Airlines
2 aircraft types currently operated
Type ratings accepted at application
Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.
PSA Airlines Pilot Bases (4)
Available pilot bases — bid by seniority
Insider Tips for PSA Airlines Applicants
AA wholly-owned regional with flow-through guarantee
Signing bonus available
CLT is the largest base
Knowing the PSA Airlines process is step one. Being ready for the stages that actually cut people is step two.
Before a human reads your application there is an aptitude battery, and candidates consistently report it as the heaviest cull — pace, not difficulty. You can practise it here for free: timed papers generated fresh each run, plus a divided-attention drill that measures how much your performance degrades under load.
No PSA Airlines pack yet — want it built?
We will not pretend to have one. We build the next pack for the airline that gets asked for most, so leaving your address here is a vote. No sequence, one email when it ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PSA Airlines hiring pilots in 2026?
What are the minimum requirements to fly for PSA Airlines?
What is the PSA Airlines pilot interview process like?
What aircraft types does PSA Airlines operate?
Where are PSA Airlines pilot bases located?
What type ratings does PSA Airlines accept?
Ace the PSA Airlines Assessment
Airline Interview Prep Kit
87% of applicants fail the interview stage. Prepare with 200+ airline-specific questions, HR scenarios, group exercises, and sim assessment guides.
$7.49 first month, then $14.99/mo. Cancel anytime. 3,500+ questions included.
Prepare for the PSA Airlines assessment
Get ready for aptitude tests, simulator evaluations, and competency-based interviews with our practice tools.
Related Pilot Career Resources
Airline Pilot Interview Guide
200+ questions
HR scenarios, sim assessment drills, and the question banks used at every major airline.
All Airline Recruitment Guides
Hub: 55 airlines
Compare hiring status, requirements, and bases across every major airline.
Pilot Jobs by State
US directory
Find airline pilot jobs in all 50 US states — airlines, airports, and top employers.