Discover21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast194. What Will Pilot Hiring Really Look Like in 2026?
194. What Will Pilot Hiring Really Look Like in 2026?

194. What Will Pilot Hiring Really Look Like in 2026?

Update: 2025-12-23
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Description

James Onieal from Raven Career Development returns to break down what pilot hiring is shaping up to look like in 2026. We dig into majors, regionals, corporate paths, and why movement can feel slow right up until it suddenly isn't. From CFI logjams to corporate and furlough realities, this episode is all about timing, strategy, and expectations. Subscribe and listen to stay ahead of the hiring curve.

Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Click here to learn more.

Show Notes

0:00 Intro

4:15 Big 3 in 2026

11:52 Rejection Rates

15:23 Cadet Program Pipeline

26:08 Corporate Pilot Q&A

32:32 Regional FO Q&A

40:46 CJO or More Interviews

48:50 No Legacy Offers After Furlough?

59:29 Retirement Gameplan

59:29 GED & Education

1:20:20 Final Thoughts

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Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at info@21fivepodcast.com. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

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194. What Will Pilot Hiring Really Look Like in 2026?

194. What Will Pilot Hiring Really Look Like in 2026?

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