ACTIVELY HIRINGUnited StatesPermanent with flow-through options to Delta, United, American, AlaskaAPPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

SkyWest Airlines Pilot Recruitment Process 2026

Renzo Madueño

Former Airbus A320 First Officer · FAA Commercial Pilot · Founder, Rotate Pilot

Ex-airline pilot, 1,400+ flight hours. Writes from real cockpit and checkride experience — not a content farm.

Everything you need to know about the SkyWest Airlines pilot hiring process, from application to final assessment. Updated 2026-03-01.

Hiring status	Active— applications open
Country / Region	United States · North America
Bases	9 bases · SLC, ORD, DEN, MSP, DTW +4 more
Fleet types	CRJ-200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900, ERJ-175
Contract type	Permanent with flow-through options to Delta, United, American, Alaska
Type ratings accepted	CRJ-200/700/900, ERJ-175
Assessment stages	3 stages · 4-step pipeline

How to Apply: SkyWest Airlines Pilot Application Process

The SkyWest Airlines pilot selection pipeline runs 4 steps from initial application through to first day of training. Here is exactly what to expect at each stage.

1
Online Application
1 week
Apply through SkyWest pilot portal or attend a pilot recruitment event.
2
Phone Interview
20 minutes
Brief phone screen covering qualifications and motivation.
3
In-Person Interview
1 day
Panel interview and simulator evaluation at SkyWest HQ in St. George, Utah.
4
Training
6-8 weeks
CRJ or ERJ type rating at SkyWest training center.

Assessment Stages: What SkyWest 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

SkyWest Airlines Pilot Interview Questions

Recent SkyWest 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
Why do you want to fly for SkyWest?
Q2
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Q3
Describe a time you worked as part of a team.
Q4
How do you handle stress in the cockpit?
Q5
What do you know about SkyWest operations?

Minimum Requirements

Requirement	Detail
Certificates	Commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating (ATP within 12 months)
Total Flight Time	1,500 hours (R-ATP: 1,000-1,250)
Medical	FAA Class 1 medical

Fleet You Could Fly at SkyWest Airlines

4 aircraft types currently operated

CRJ-200CRJ-700CRJ-900ERJ-175

Type ratings accepted at application

CRJ-200/700/900ERJ-175

Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.

SkyWest Airlines Pilot Bases (9)

Available pilot bases — bid by seniority

SLCORDDENMSPDTWLAXSFOSEAPHX

Cadet Program (No Experience Required)

CADET PROGRAMME

SkyWest Pilot Pathway

Partnership with 40+ flight schools providing interview guarantee and tuition reimbursement for qualified candidates.

Cost: Tuition reimbursement up to $25,000Duration: 2-3 years to captain, 5-7 to flow-through

Read full cadet program guide →

Insider Tips for SkyWest Airlines Applicants

Largest US regional with flow-through to all Big 4

Captain upgrade in 2-3 years

Tuition reimbursement available

Great stepping stone to major airline career

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SkyWest Airlines hiring pilots in 2026?

Yes, SkyWest Airlines is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Check their official careers portal for current openings.

What are the minimum requirements to fly for SkyWest Airlines?

Certificates: Commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating (ATP within 12 months). Total Flight Time: 1,500 hours (R-ATP: 1,000-1,250). Medical: FAA Class 1 medical.

What is the SkyWest Airlines pilot interview process like?

The SkyWest Airlines recruitment process involves 4 stages: Online Application, Phone Interview, In-Person Interview, Training.

What aircraft types does SkyWest Airlines operate?

SkyWest Airlines operates: CRJ-200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900, ERJ-175.

Where are SkyWest Airlines pilot bases located?

SkyWest Airlines pilot bases include: SLC, ORD, DEN, MSP, DTW, LAX, SFO, SEA, PHX.

What type ratings does SkyWest Airlines accept?

SkyWest Airlines accepts the following type ratings: CRJ-200/700/900, ERJ-175. Holding one of these can accelerate your hiring.

Does SkyWest Airlines have a cadet pilot program?

Yes, SkyWest Airlines offers the SkyWest Pilot Pathway. Partnership with 40+ flight schools providing interview guarantee and tuition reimbursement for qualified candidates. Duration: 2-3 years to captain, 5-7 to flow-through. Cost: Tuition reimbursement up to $25,000.

Ace the SkyWest Airlines Assessment