Being a pilot?

Question

can a pilot pick what airline to fly for, and also what type or airplane to fly?

Answer 1

Short answer, sure you can.  Long answer is a bit tougher.  

You won't start out applying for the big airlines.  You'll be applying to the likes of Colgan, ASA, Compass etc.  You'll submit resumes to these airlines and, well, say you want to fly for Delta.  lets say Republic doesn't fly regional for Delta but they'll hire you.  Can you turn down the job to get a leg up on Delta in hopes of getting on with Comair?  Sure you can.  Did you just turn down a job yup. Bad career move? Most likely.  

Next part, say you're working for a regional and you again, still want to work for Delta, American mainline offers you a gig flying big iron.  You say no, you're only interested in Delta.  Can you, sure.  Did you just make a horrible career call?  Maybe not if Delta gets around to hiring you soon, but definately if you're 45 still flying Saab turbo props for the same regional wondering what another 35K a year in your pay check would feel like.

That continues with what you fly.  If you have your heart set on your first airline gig being in a CRJ and you get offered a Dash 8, sure you can turn it down in hopes of being offered the RJ down the line, but you just lost a great oppertunity to build quality time.  

Can you get hired and demand a plane, nope.  Thats the same anywhere.  I can't go apply to a major company, demand they hire me and demand that they hire me off the street as their CEO.  Even if I've been there for years and have been an excellent employee, I can't hope to pick what promotions I want.  You can possibly try to trade or beg after you've been hired before going through the sims, but in general you'll take the steps up when you can .

Answer 2

no, they choose you. if you don't own the airplane, you cannot afford to be picky. as always, if you want a professional airline pilot career, you need: 1) a first class flight medical, 2) a 4 year degree, 3) 3000+ hrs flight time, preferably multiengine jet or turboprop, 4) contacts (pilots or management) that are employed for the airline(s) you want to work for. Above all, you need to be stubborn and full of resolve, preferably single when you initially start, and be able to raise the money. Good Luck!

Answer 3

sounds as if your just starting out.....we each have the option of working where we want to .....the question now is if the airline you want to fly for wants to hire you....as for the type of aircraft to fly you need to get certified for the type of aircraft you want

Answer 4

Yes, there is some choice.

Though competition for jobs is high so you pretty much get what you can!

Answer 5

Yes. It's very similar to picking which company to work for in many other jobs. However, the type of airplane you want to fly will depend on the company. It's just like any other job.