How long does it take to go from first officer to captain at Delta?


How long does it take to go from first officer to captain at Delta? Some first officers have waited decades to become a captain while others can upgrade in just a few years, but we'll set an average range of 5-12 years from first officer to captain at a major airline. That means from 0 experience all the way to major airline captain, one can expect a timeline of 15+ years.


How many hours does it take to go from first officer to captain?

In the United States, pilots need at least 1,000 hours of second-in-command time at a Part 121 operation. In other words, a candidate for captain must have a minimum of 1,000 hours in the right seat, the first officer position, at an airline operation.


How do first officers become captains?

Summary. Upgrading to captain in the US under FAA regulations requires a minimum of 1,000 flight hours as second-in-command at the airline level. Military pilots can credit up to 500 military flying hours towards the 1,000 captain qualifying hours.


How long does it take to get seniority at Delta?

It does not matter how long they've been flying and how much experience they have, rather only the time they've been employed at that airline. Once someone has been hired onto an airline, they immediately receive a seniority number which then stays with them throughout their entire career at that airline.


How important is seniority at Delta Air Lines?

The longer you are with the airline, the greater your salary and benefits. Your seniority ranking also determines your monthly schedule, the location of your base, and when you upgrade from first officer to captain.


How long do you have to fly before becoming a captain?

Some first officers have waited decades to become a captain while others can upgrade in just a few years, but we'll set an average range of 5-12 years from first officer to captain at a major airline. That means from 0 experience all the way to major airline captain, one can expect a timeline of 15+ years.


How much does a first officer make at Delta?

Average Delta Air Lines First Officer yearly pay in the United States is approximately $119,537, which is 59% above the national average. Salary information comes from 6 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.


Do captains get free flights?

It depends on the company they work for, but most pilots get to fly for free. It's usually as stand-by or if the jump seat is available then they can get that. As for the family, they don't typically get to fly for free but they'll get a big discount.


What airline has the happiest pilots?

Southwest Airlines Provides Excellent Benefits Southwest provides its employees with excellent benefits and compensation. They also consider the pilot's family life when scheduling them for flights. Those aspects of working for the airline make the job a lot more enjoyable.


What airline pays the most for pilots?

United Airlines pilots approved a new four-year contract that is the costliest ever at a U.S. carrier, providing a cumulative increase in total compensation of as much as 40.2% over the life of the agreement.


Do family of pilots fly free?

This benefit varies from airline to airline. Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.


At what age do pilots retire?

In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.


Do pilots get drug tested?

Yes, airline pilots do get drug tested. Pilots are subject to several types of testing, including pre-employment, random testing, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty drug testing.


How much does a Delta 777 captain make?

The top pay for a Delta Airlines Captain is approximately $205,000, but those flying a Boeing 777 can potentially earn $298,500 per year plus bonuses, or as much as $350,000 in one year.


What is the highest paid Delta pilot?

The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000.