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First Officer Jobs

Come on board Piedmont Airlines as a first officer and start your journey toward American Airlines. Bring 500-950 hours of qualified Part 121 time and earn $75,000 on your first payday when you accept a conditional job offer before June 30, 2023 and begin class within 90 days.

Read more: Piedmont Airlines Offers Better Reserve Rules and Extends $100,000 Up Front Bonus For Experienced Pilots

New pilots train to proficiency and the standard at the American Airlines Training Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. You’ll get time with instructors who care about your progress. When it’s time to upgrade, you’ll have the training and confidence needed to take the left seat.

Need to talk to a recruiter? Email flyPiedmont@aa.com

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First Officer Pay and Bonus Structure

Piedmont pilots are among the highest-paid pilots in the regional aviation industry, with First Officers starting at $90 per hour. Additionally, pilots with 500-950 hours of qualified Part 121 time earn $75,000 on their first paycheck.


First Officer Wage Scale

 

DOS

DOS+1

DOS+2

(Through Aug 31, 2024)

1

$90.00

$93.00

$96.00

2

$97.50

$100.50

$103.50

3

$105.00

$108.00

$111.00

4

$108.75

$111.75

$114.75

5

$108.75

$111.75

$114.75

Minimum Qualifications

  • Meets minimum requirements to hold an ATP or RATP with a multi engine rating
  • 1,500 hours of flight time, 50 hours of multi-engine time, 250 hours as Pilot in Command or meet requirements for Restricted ATP
  • Valid United States passport or a valid passport with authorization to work in the United States
  • FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit
  • Current First Class Medical Certificate
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current employment in a pilot position
Pilot Pay Calculator

 

 

The Fastest Path to American Airlines

Piedmont Airlines pilots are on the fastest path to American Airlines under a company contractual “flow” program with enhanced quality of life benefits, including:

  • Compensating First Officers as Captains after accumulating 750 flight hours  
  • Minimum of 4 hours of flight pay for each day(s) of the assignment   
  • Commuting pilots in non-hub locations will receive four hotel nights per month 
  • 50% bonus on select holidays (including Super Bowl Sunday) for all pilots 
  • Minimum of 12 days off and additional enhancements to bid schedules 

 

Earn Your Stripes Quickly

At Piedmont, you may start as a first officer, but that doesn’t mean you’ll stay in the right seat longer than you need to. Piedmont first officers have the opportunity to become captains in 12-15 months. Plus, you’ll get paid as a CAPTAIN when you reach 750 hours. Pilots with Part 121 experience can upgrade even sooner.

View openings for First Officer jobs at Piedmont.

Graph showing how pilots through Piedmont upgrade to Captains usually within 15 months or less.

Recent News

Behind the Wings: Inspiration from one can change everything

“On a family trip when I was four years old, I had the opportunity to sit in the flight deck and knew then that I wanted to be a pilot,” …
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Military Transition

Make the transition from a military pilot to a rewarding aviation career as a pilot at Piedmont. Your military flight hours count. Are you short of FAA requirements for commercial pilots or need additional ratings? Our military transition program can help. We will match you with flight schools to customize your training and fill in the gaps to get you off the ground.

Crew Bases

Charlotte, NC

Two hours from the mountains, three to the coast, Charlotte has it all. Hiking, biking, rafting and the mild year-round climate to enjoy it. Fly Embraer jets from CLT, American’s largest East Coast hub. Build your career in a vibrant, growing city with a Southern charm that always says hello.

Philadelphia, PA

Piedmont’s prime location and growing Philadelphia hub offer pilots another great situation. You’ll challenge your skills with East Coast takeoffs and landings. Live where everything’s within reach – dynamic cities, rich culture, live sports, top dining, the beach and mighty Atlantic. Position your career, your life – in the center of it all.

Harrisburg, PA

US News and World Report ranked Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capitol, as the #1 Best Place to Live in PA. Located along the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg has something for everyone. Discover an eclectic mix of wilderness and city life, as well as the old and the new. Enjoy hiking trails and outdoor recreational activities. Explore nearby cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Learn More

Questions? We’d love to hear from you. Contact a recruiter to learn more about the application process and get a personal guide to joining the Piedmont team. Or visit us at any of our upcoming recruiting events to meet members of our team. View First Officer jobs below.

Upcoming Events

Event: SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

4075 James C. Ray Dr
March 28 - April 2

Event: Direct Entry Captain Info Session

April 6 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Event: Direct Entry Captain Info Session

April 20 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
More Events

Cadets

Receive financial support while building time. Pilots with 500 hours total time are eligible for Piedmont’s flexible Cadet Program. Cadets will receive $30,000 to help build flight hours and free ATP-CTP to become a First Officer at Piedmont.

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Direct Entry Captains

Bring your longevity with you and take your pilot Captain career to new heights at Piedmont Airlines. Earn full compensation for your previous Part 121, 135, or 91K experience. Piedmont Captains contractually flow to American Airlines in 5 years or more to the top of the Captain pay scale until they flow.

Learn More