Who decides which plane you're flying once you get a job at an airline?

Question

I mean, let's imagine, someone just passed with success the flight school, now he is going to American, and they take him. Can he then decide what he wants to fly first as an first officer (like "I want to fly B737-800", or "MD-82")? And, after a lot of years, who decides then what he will fly from the bigger planes (like 767 or 777)?

Answer 1

You can discuss it with the company's Chief Pilot or Crew Executive, but that official will put you where you are needed.  Most companies will consider your wishes to the extent possible, but there are no guarantees.

Answer 2

Its based on seniority. There are only so many positions available for flying each airplane. People who have been with the company the longest will get first crack at deciding which plane they fly, people who have been with the company not long at all will get the remains. Since bigger planes usually means better pay, only senior captains and senior first officers will fly the big planes. New hires will be put on the smallest planes, or cruiser (relief pilot) on a long-haul plane.

Answer 3

Seniority and the positions available, period.

Answer 4

Two things you can do...

If you like to fly 737's go to Southwest.  Make sure the airline you go to has a big fleet of what you want to fly

Second, get a 757 or 767 rating or what ever, and they will place you based on that.

Answer 5

You can bid, but what you will get will be based largely on your ratings and your juniority.