SkyWest Airlines Pilot Recruitment Process 2026
Everything you need to know about the SkyWest Airlines pilot hiring process, from application to final assessment. Updated 2026-08-22.
SkyWest 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 SkyWest 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 | 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 weekApply through SkyWest pilot portal or attend a pilot recruitment event.
- 2
Phone Interview
20 minutesBrief phone screen covering qualifications and motivation.
- 3
In-Person Interview
1 dayPanel interview and simulator evaluation at SkyWest HQ in St. George, Utah.
- 4
Training
6-8 weeksCRJ 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 |
|---|---|
| Route 1 — ATP (1,500 h) | At least 23 years old; 500 hours cross-country, 100 night, 75 instrument, 25 actual multi-engine |
| Route 2 — R-ATP (1,500 h) | At least 21; 200 cross-country, 100 night, 75 instrument, 25 actual multi-engine |
| Route 3 — R-ATP (1,250 h) | At least 21; 30 semester credits of aviation coursework and an associate degree from an approved institution; 200 cross-country, 100 night, 75 instrument, 25 multi; instrument/commercial earned under Part 141 |
| Route 4 — R-ATP (1,000 h) | At least 21; 60 semester credits and a bachelor's degree from an approved institution; 200 cross-country, 100 night, 75 instrument; instrument/commercial under Part 141 |
| Route 5 — R-ATP (750 h) | Military pilot with DD-214 honourable discharge or record of current service |
| Medical | FAA Class 1 medical |
| Onward path | SkyWest is a United Aviate participating carrier — accepted pilots receive a conditional job offer as a United First Officer |
Fleet You Could Fly at SkyWest Airlines
4 aircraft types currently operated
Type ratings accepted at application
Holding one of these ratings can accelerate the hiring pipeline.
SkyWest Airlines Pilot Bases (9)
Available pilot bases — bid by seniority
Cadet Program (No Experience Required)
SkyWest Pilot Pathway
Partnership with 40+ flight schools providing interview guarantee and tuition reimbursement for qualified candidates.
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
Knowing the SkyWest 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 SkyWest 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 SkyWest Airlines hiring pilots in 2026?
What are the minimum requirements to fly for SkyWest Airlines?
What is the SkyWest Airlines pilot interview process like?
What aircraft types does SkyWest Airlines operate?
Where are SkyWest Airlines pilot bases located?
What type ratings does SkyWest Airlines accept?
Does SkyWest Airlines have a cadet pilot program?
Ace the SkyWest Airlines Assessment
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SkyWest Airlines Cadet Program
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