Airline pilot interview questions cover your flying experience, motivation and professional judgment, with technical content varying by airline. AeroScout's new pilot interview question bank contains 391 questions across nine US airlines and a general interview option. It is built mainly from questions reported by pilots after their interviews.
The bank supports airline-specific pilot interview preparation through AI-led mock interviews. Each session uses questions associated with the selected airline and includes a written assessment. Full interviews last up to 25 minutes.
What does the pilot interview question bank cover?
The question bank covers background and motivation, behavioral questions, training records and operational scenarios. Technical questions are included according to the airline selected. The emphasis reflects the candidate reports used for each airline.
| Category | Topics to prepare |
|---|---|
| Background and motivation | Flying experience, career history, reasons for applying and knowledge of the airline. |
| Behavioral and CRM questions | Examples of teamwork, communication, leadership and handling disagreements. |
| Training and employment records | Checkride failures, training setbacks, incidents and gaps in employment. |
| Operational scenarios | Professional judgment, use of available information and coordination with other crew members. |
| Technical knowledge | Topics such as aircraft systems, weather, charts and instrument procedures, depending on the airline. |
Most questions come from candidate reports. Pilots can also submit questions through AeroScout, and submissions are reviewed before they are added. Information about an airline comes from its official website.
These subject areas are also reflected in Embry-Riddle's pilot interview guidance, which includes HR questions and technical preparation.
Which airlines are included?
The question bank includes airline-specific preparation for Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Regional airline options cover SkyWest Airlines, Envoy Air, Republic Airways, PSA Airlines and Endeavor Air.
A General option is available for pilots applying to several airlines or to an employer without a dedicated option. The airline interview overview describes the available coverage and reported interview formats.
Technical coverage differs between options. SkyWest, Envoy and PSA sessions have a longer technical section. The Delta and Southwest versions currently have no separate technical section, based on recent candidate reports. Check the airline's current instructions when preparing for an actual assessment.
Examples of reported pilot interview questions
The following questions appear on AeroScout's pilot interview page and were reported by candidates. They illustrate the differences between airline interviews; questions and selection processes can change.
| Airline | Reported question |
|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | Do your logbook totals line up with your application? |
| SkyWest Airlines | What are your flight times for the last 30, 60 and 90 days and the last 12 months? |
| Republic Airways | What does AO2 mean on a METAR? |
| Endeavor Air | What is the maximum speed in Class C airspace within four nautical miles of the airport? |
How to prepare for an airline pilot interview
Review the airline's selection process
Use the airline's recruitment information and your interview invitation to establish what is required. SkyWest's pilot career guide describes possible CRM, behavioral and technical interview phases. Delta's hiring FAQ outlines an online assessment, a panel interview and further evaluations.
Confirm which documents to bring and whether the process includes aptitude tests or a simulator assessment. Prepare for those stages separately from the interview.
Check your application and flight records
Compare your submitted application with your resume and logbook. Flight-time totals, employment dates and training history should be consistent. Be prepared to explain the experience behind your totals and any gaps in your record.
If you have a checkride failure or training setback to discuss, prepare an accurate account of what happened, the corrective work and what changed afterward.
Prepare examples for competency-based questions
Choose relevant events from your own experience. For each example, identify your responsibility, the action you took and the outcome. Make your individual contribution clear while acknowledging the work of other crew members.
The STAR method provides a structure: situation, task, action and result. Keep the context brief enough to explain your decisions and what you learned. Use notes to organize the facts and prepare for follow-up questions.
For questions about your motivation, explain why the specific airline and role fit your experience and career plans. Support your answer with accurate information from the employer's own material.
Review the relevant technical subjects
Prioritize the subjects named in the airline's preparation material. Review aircraft systems and any required chart, weather or instrument knowledge using current references. Check details you are uncertain about before your interview.
For operational scenarios, be prepared to explain your reasoning, the information you would need and how you would coordinate with the crew. Base your answers on applicable procedures and your training.
Interview sessions and written assessment
AeroScout uses the question bank in browser-based interviews led by an AI interviewer. Select the airline you are preparing for and answer the questions during the session. The interviewer can ask follow-up questions and take the role of another crew member in an operational scenario.
Each full session lasts up to 25 minutes. The written assessment includes an overall result, competency ratings supported by excerpts from your answers, and priorities for further preparation. The report is saved to your account.
Use the assessment to identify incomplete explanations or subjects that need further review. It provides feedback on the practice session; it does not predict an airline's hiring decision.
Pilot interview preparation pricing
Full interview packages start at $25 for three sessions. A free demonstration lasts about one minute and does not require a card.
| Package | Price in USD | Price per interview |
|---|---|---|
| 3 interviews | $25 | $8.33 |
| 7 interviews | $39 | $5.57 |
| 10 interviews | $50 | $5.00 |
Packages are one-time purchases with no subscription. Each full interview includes a written assessment and can use any available airline option. Taxes may apply at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Are these official airline question banks?
No. AeroScout's question bank is built mainly from candidate reports. AeroScout is independent and is not affiliated with the airlines listed. Reported questions provide preparation material, but they do not guarantee what will be asked in a future interview.
How are technical answers assessed?
AeroScout compares technical responses with public FAA regulations and guidance. If the available text does not cover a question, the report marks the answer as unchecked rather than classifying it as correct or incorrect. Review those subjects using the appropriate reference or with an instructor.
Is this suitable for a first airline interview?
Candidates can use examples from flight training, instruction or other work when they are relevant to the question. Preparation should reflect your actual experience. For advice on the application stage, see our guide to finding your first airline job as a low-hour pilot.
View AeroScout's pilot interview preparation for airline coverage, current packages and the free demonstration.