PSA Airlines Pilot Recruitment 2026
Hiring status, requirements, selection steps and the path to the seat. Requirements checked against PSA Airlines' official careers pages on .
Is PSA Airlines hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes. PSA Airlines is recruiting pilots, according to its official careers pages as of August 22, 2026. 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…
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 |
PSA Airlines pilot requirements
As published on PSA Airlines' official careers pages, checked August 22, 2026.
| 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 |
What the job pays
Estimate — not yet verified against the pilot contract. Full PSA Airlines pay table, by year and aircraft
The full table with every figure is on the PSA Airlines salary page.
From student pilot to PSA Airlines Captain
The hour figures are the FAA legal minimums (14 CFR Part 61); the time ranges are typical, not promises.
Step 1
Private Pilot certificate
40 h minimum 3–6 months 14 CFR 61.109Ground school, the FAA Private Pilot knowledge test (60 questions, 70% to pass), then the checkride. Most students log well over the 40-hour legal minimum.
Try free FAA Private Pilot written questionsStep 2
Instrument rating
50 h cross-country PIC + 40 h instrument 2–4 months 14 CFR 61.65Flying by reference to instruments in cloud. Another FAA knowledge test and checkride.
Step 3
Commercial Pilot certificate
250 h total 6–12 months 14 CFR 61.129The certificate that lets you be paid to fly. Add a multi-engine rating here or later.
Step 4
Build time (usually as a flight instructor)
250 → 1,500 h 1–2 yearsMost pilots instruct (CFI) or fly charter/survey to reach airline minimums.
Step 5
ATP minimums
1,500 h (R-ATP: 1,250 / 1,000 / 750) 14 CFR 61.159 / 61.160Restricted ATP at 1,250 h with an aviation associate degree, 1,000 h with a bachelor's, 750 h for qualifying military pilots. The ATP CTP course comes before the ATP knowledge test.
Step 6
Regional or entry-level airline First Officer
Turbine and Part 121 time 2–4 yearsWhere most US major-airline pilots build turbine and pilot-in-command time.
Step 7
PSA Airlines First Officer
See the requirements abovePay steps up every year of seniority on the contract scale.
Step 8
PSA Airlines Captain
Seniority-based upgrade Depends on seniority and growthCaptain seats are bid by seniority; how fast you hold one depends on hiring and retirements, not on your logbook alone.
How to Apply: PSA Airlines Pilot Application Process
The PSA Airlines pilot selection process step by step, as the airline describes it (checked August 22, 2026). Where the airline does not publish a stage, we say so.
- 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
Typical questions in airline pilot panel and HR interviews, including at PSA Airlines. Prepare STAR-format answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and 8-10 real aviation stories.
- 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?
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.
Already past the paperwork and preparing for the panel? , scored against the answers a panel is listening for. Seven days of access, no subscription.
No PSA Airlines pack yet — want it built?
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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 selection process?
What aircraft does PSA Airlines fly?
Where are PSA Airlines pilot bases?
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