Delta Fares

How can someone become a pilot for a commercial airline delta without being in the military?

Public Comments

1. Military experience isn't necessary, however many pilots do it to build their time up to acceptable standards for the airlines. If you don't fly in the military, you'll usually go with the path of a flight instructor. Going for your Instrument Instructor and Multi-Engine Instructor ratings is beneficial to you too, because it allows you to be paid for the type of times that the smaller airlines are looking for. Usually pilots will be hired by a small airline (American Eagle, Mesaba, Pinnacle, Compass, etc...) or a private company and build turbine time. With enough experience here, they'll eventually move up to the majors.
2. Delta is about to merge with Northwest, and will probably furlough a lot of pilots. If they even survive, they will probably not hire again for a very long time. The major airlines are not what they used to be. Right now, almost nobody is hiring. A few regionals still need pilots, but they will likely furlough soon as well. At least with the military, you will be in long enough that the industry might have a chance to recover. Otherwise, become a flight instructor and work your way up. Good luck.
3. The military is keeping their pilots now that they treat them better...pay etc. Airlines are hiring pilots with less than the 1000s of hours military pilots bring with them. It all depends if you are in it for the money or fun of flying. Check out the flight schools. There is one in Conway, South Carolina, for instance, that teaches you how to fly and how to work on planes. Check out a web search for aircraft schools. Good luck.