Becoming a pilot and soaring in the sky is a dream for every aviation enthusiast. If you also have the ambition to build a career as a pilot, start exploring the opportunities.
To assist you, we will be providing information on ‘How to become a Hawaiian Airlines Pilot in 2023?’ covering topics like requirements, salary, processes and so on.
We have already published articles related to becoming a pilot for various other airlines in the United States which you canfind in the section below.
Now, let’s explore our main topic by knowing some basic details about Hawaiian Airlines.
Table of Contents
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii’s largest and longest-serving airline that operates scheduled passenger flights to various domestic and international destinations from Hawaii. The airline has its headquarter in Honolulu, Hawaii.
At present, Hawaiian operates flights with 18 Airbus A321neo, 24 Airbus A330-200 and 19 Boeing 717-200. Besides, the airline has orders for 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and deliveries are expected from August 2022.
Hawaiian Airlines operates from its main base at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu and secondary hub at Kahului Airport, Maui.
How to become a Hawaiian Airlines pilot?
Like other airlines in the United States, Hawaiian Airlines also offers opportunities for aviators to become professional pilots.
At Hawaiian, you can become a pilot via two different ways which are:
Hawaiian Airlines First Officer
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Pathway Program
Let’s explore details on these opportunities.
Hawaiian Airlines First Officer
Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii’s largest and most respected airline, provides an opportunity for competent pilots to fly to exciting destinations with the youngest widebody jets.
If you are advancing from First Officer to Captain and want to transition from a narrow-body to wide-body aircraft, working for Hawaiian Airlines is the best option.
Hawaiian Airlines announces vacancies for First Officers on its official website. As an applicant, you must fulfil basic and flight hour requirements to apply for the position.
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Requirements
Here are thebasic requirementsyou need to meet before applying for First Officer at Hawaiian Airlines.
- A High School Diploma or Equivalent Level of Education is required.
- College Degree is preferred.
- Applicants must hold legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Must obtain valid FAA First Class Medical Certificate
- Must hold FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
- Proficiency in English Language (Reading, Writing and Speaking) is a must.
FAA Certifications Requirement
- Applicants must be FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certified.
- Must possess Airplane Multiengine Land with English Proficient Endorsement.
- Applicants must fulfil First Class FAA Medical Certificate requirements.
Flight Time Requirement
- A total of 2,000 total flight hours is mandatory.
- A minimum of 1,000 flights hours must be obtained with fixed-wing aircraft.
- Applicants with 1,000 hours of turbine flight time as Pilot in Command (PIC) are highly preferred.
- Having Turboje/turboprop experienced in complex flying environments is an advantage.
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Hiring Process
If you meet all the requirements mentioned above, you are eligible to apply to Hawaiian Airlines First Officer position.
- First of all, you need to visit Hawaiian Airlines’ career site and look for active vacancies for First Officer.
- If you find an open vacancy, read all the requirements and instructions posted in the job details.
- As you meet all the requirements, apply online by submitting an application form and various documentation as required by the airline.
- After careful review and analysis of your application, the airline will select you for the further assessments that include interviews, psychometric tests, skills tests, certificate originality verification, cognitive testing and so on.
- If you manage to pass all the assessments, you will be selected for the First Officer position at Hawaiian Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Bases
Hawaiian Airlines operates from two hubs – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG).
Pilots at Hawaiian are required to operate from these two airports however, Honolulu is the primary one. HNL is located in Honolulu, Hawaii whereas OGG is situated in Maui.
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Uniform

Want to become a pilot for other airlines in the U.S.? Read the following articles.
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Become an Alaska Airlines Pilot
Become a pilot for Delta
Become an Allegiant Pilot
Become an Avelo Airlines Pilot
Become a Breeze Airways Pilot
Become a Frontier Airlines Pilot
Become a Spirit Airlines Pilot
Become a Sun Country Airlines Pilot
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Salary
Pilots at Hawaiian Airlines can earn up to $315,000 yearly after gaining seniority level. As a new First Officer, you can expect somewhere around $33,000 per year.
So, the salary ranges from $33,000 per year (for a new First Officer) up to $315,767 per year (for a Senior Captain).
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Benefits
Besides basic salary, Pilots at Hawaiian Airlines receive various benefits and travel privileges.
- Paid Vacation Opportunities
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Long-term Disability Insurance
- Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Medical Plan benefits at exceptional rates
- Dental Coverage
- Spending accounts for health care and dependent care
- Exceptional Travel Privileges
- Discounts at various stores and companies
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Schedule
The pilot schedule at Hawaiian Airlines depends upon the flight frequency and airline requirements.
As a first officer, you can expect 75 hours monthly reserve or line guarantee at Hawaiian Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Pathway Program
In December 2019, Hawaiian Airlines announced anew Pilot Pathway Programto offer interested pilots an accelerated time to become a pilot at Hawaiian.
This pilot pathway program allows aspirant pilots to begin their journey as an instructor for Hawaiian Airlines.
Minimum Requirements for Pilot Pathway Program
- A high school diploma or equivalent level of education is required.
- Having a college degree is a plus point.
- Applicants must obtain First Class FAA Medical Certificate.
- Must obtain Radiotelephone Operator Permit
- Must hold a valid passport and legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Must receive authorization to travel in and out of the United States.
- Proficiency in English Language (Reading, Writing and Speaking) is mandatory.
- Knowledge related to the Internet, Email, Microsoft Applications is required.
- COVID-19 Vaccination proof is mandatory.
- Courseware Development Experience.
FAA Certification and Flight Time Requirements
- Applicants must be Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certified.
- Must possess Airplane Multiengine Land with English Proficient Endorsement.
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of flight time is required.
- 1,000 hours turbine flight time as Pilot in Command (PIC) is an advantage.
- Applicants with previous experience as instructors or check airmen are highly preferred.
- Part 121 Experience is required.
- Must have obtained 14 CFR Part 25 Type Rating for Transport Category.
- ETOPS and International Operations Experience is also demanded.
Career Progression via Aircrew Instructor Pilot Pathways Program
Those selected for this program are required to deliver fleet and ground training programs to pilots. Besides, the selected instructors also develop courses for Flight Standards and Qualification activities.
After working for one year on the job, instructors will get an opportunity for a first officer interview with Hawaiian Airlines.
Those being able to pass the interview in the next available hiring window will be selected for the Hawaiian’s First Officer hiring pool. With that, candidates will be eligible to transfer to a pilot position two years after becoming a Flight Standards and Qualification Instructor.
The New Pilot Pathway Program is based in the airline headquarters in Honolulu where selected flight instructors will work in classrooms as well as advanced flight training devices.
Conclusion
Details we explored in the sections above cover almost every aspect related to ‘How to become a Hawaiian Airlines pilot?’
If you are an experienced pilot and hold required flight hours, you can directly apply for the First Officer position whenever vacancies arrive.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I become a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines?
You can become a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines by applying directly for the First Officer position or joining the Aircrew Instructor Pilot Pathways Program.
Where is Hawaiian Airlines pilot based?
Hawaiian Airlines operates flights from the primary hub at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. So, pilots are required to work from this base.
FAQs
How much do Hawaiian Airlines pilots make? ›
How much does a Pilot make at Hawaiian Airlines in the United States? Average Hawaiian Airlines Pilot weekly pay in the United States is approximately $1,440, which is 98% above the national average.
How much Hawaiian Airlines pay? ›The average Hawaiian Airlines salary ranges from approximately $42,040 per year for Flight Attendant to $119,253 per year for Director. Average Hawaiian Airlines hourly pay ranges from approximately $13.48 per hour for Aircraft Cleaner to $81.00 per hour for First Officer.
What are the salary requirements for an Airline Pilot? ›A short answer is the average airline pilot salary for 2022 was $225,740, but keep reading to learn how to earn at the very top! The average (mean) salary in 2022 was $225,740, and the median salary was $211,790. The average is up from $198,190 in 2021.
Can I become an Airline Pilot in 2 years? ›The FAA requires 1,500 hours to fly as an airline pilot, which can be earned in two years.
Can pilots make 300k a year? ›Traditionally a pilot at a regional airline might start out earning less than $50,000 per year, but get hired on by a major airline and that goes up quickly into the six figures, and well over $300,000 for senior captains flying widebody aircraft overseas. Some earn over $400,000.
Which Airlines salary is best pilot? ›In the USA, the yearly average airline pilot salary (First Officer) in a major airline is $39,000-$119,000, while Captains in the same type of airline can make $70,000-$257,000. Alaskan Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and others are topping the list of the best-paying carriers in the country.
Is Hawaiian Airlines paid training? ›Learn the industry-leading best practices with paid training and continual development of skills. Hawaiian Airlines requires the following qualifications: Legally authorized to work in the United States. Minimum age 18 possessing at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Does Hawaiian Airlines pay for training? ›In addition to offering competitive pay, rich medical and travel benefits, paid training for full- and part-time positions, Hawai'i's hometown airline is also providing sign-on bonuses for select roles and flexible work options for corporate team members.
How long is Hawaiian Airlines training? ›A lot of people don't know the intense process to become a flight attendant. Three rounds of interviews are followed by seven weeks of daily training, then one must pass their final test with a 90% score or better.
What GPA do you need to be a airline pilot? ›Private Pilot Certificate. Instrument Rating. Minimum 2.5 Cumulative GPA. Minimum 3.0 Cumulative GPA in Aviation Courses.
Are airline pilots paid hourly or salary? ›
Pilots don't earn a flat annual salary like some professions. Instead, they're paid an hourly wage for each flight hour flown, along with per diem. Most airlines guarantee a minimum number of hours per month, so that pilots can count on at least a minimum amount of monthly income.
Is it easy to get hired as an airline pilot? ›It is pretty hard to become an airline pilot. The most difficult aspect of becoming an airline pilot isn't so much learning to fly a plane, but more the written and practical tests you must take and pass along the way. It takes around 4 to 5 years to become an airline pilot.
How to get 1500 flight hours? ›The time it takes to move on to an airline after you complete the professional pilot training program will also depend on how often you fly, but most people can gain the required 1500 hours within a year or two after earning a flight instructor certificate, making your total time to go from zero to airline pilot about ...
Is 35 too late to become a pilot? ›The answer is no. While some airlines have an age requirement before you can fly a commercial flight, there's no age limit in wanting to become a pilot. Many think that at age 40, they have missed their opportunity to become a pilot.
Do pilots get 6 months off? ›This depends on the airline, whether a pilot is a long haul or short haul. However, airline pilots will work fewer days than a 'normal job', with most pilots having at least ten days off a month. This may be a slightly surprising amount of time off, especially as the job as a pilot is seen as many by well-paid.
Do pilots get extra pay? ›Airlines often provide additional pay called flight pay, or sector pay, as it's often known. This is often broken down into how many hours per month they fly. Therefore, the total airline pilot salary increases the more they fly. This flight pay is additional for each flying hour or sector you complete.
How much do Fedex pilots make starting out? ›First Officer | Captain |
---|---|
Starting: $84/hr | Starting: $276/hr |
Average: $208/hr | Average: $313/hr |
Top: $237/hr | Top: $335/hr |
Pilots have high salaries that can reach up to $7 million. Find out how! Due to the constant high demand for pilots and their rising salaries, the aviation industry is a great option for your future career.
What is the lowest paid pilot? ›How Much Does a Pilot Make? Pilots made a median salary of $134,630 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $208,000 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $100,550.
How many hours do pilots work? ›Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include some days of work followed by some days off.
Is airline pilot a stable job? ›
While flying is a well-paid career, it isn't always the most stable. This, combined with the cost of flight training, means that you could very well find yourself out of a job as a pilot and with a huge debt at the same time.
Is it hard to get a job with Hawaiian Airlines? ›Yes, it is hard to get a job at Hawaiian Airlines.
All positions, even low-level roles, are well compensated when compared to the national averages of similar roles. Making it a more competitive airline to get a job at. Qualifications for roles vary depending on the department.
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Flight Attendant Qualifications
Able to relocate within the state of Hawaii or the continental U.S.
Every pilot has a different schedule, and every pilot's schedule changes from month to month. The amount of time spent away from home depends on a crew member's seniority, preferences, and aircraft. The most labor-intensive schedule might place a pilot out of base for 12-15 nights in a month.
Is Hawaiian Airlines worth it? ›Hawaiian Airlines was named the world's best domestic airline for 2022 by Travel + Leisure. I've flown with them for years, and I've always had positive experiences with the staff. I love that the carrier uses local vendors and provides free snacks on even the shortest flights.
Where is Hawaiian Airlines training? ›Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321neo Capt. Nathan Richards (standing) provides virtual procedures training to a pilot at the carrier's Honolulu training facility. Based in Honolulu, Hawaiian's instructors will work in classrooms and advanced flight training devices.
How many weeks is pilot training? ›Training typically takes six to 12 months with a minimum of 40 logged flying hours. You must get certified as a private pilot before getting your commercial pilot certificate. Private pilots learn to maneuver a single-engine airplane without assistance from a copilot. This is not a professional certification.
How long does it take to become a pilot in Hawaii? ›General Requirements:
FAA ATP, First Class medical, 2000 hours total time, and high school diploma or GED equivalent. Preferred: 1,000 hours PIC, college degree, and international flying experience.
"The Standard limits the privileges for pilots in single-pilot commercial air transport operations to 60 years of age, while extending that limit to 65 years of age for multi-pilot operations.
Do airline pilots need a 4 year degree? ›
A pilot does not need a college degree for a job with a regional airline, and most pilots complete a majority of their training at flight school. Many employers, such as major airlines, prefer pilots with a minimum of a bachelor's degree.
Do airlines require a 4 year degree to be a pilot? ›Major Airlines
The answer is no. Getting an aviation degree or going to an aviation college is not a requirement to become an airline pilot. In fact, major airlines accept any and all bachelor fields and aren't the least bit concerned with what you studied in college.
Bachelor of Aviation
The most common type of higher education to pursue when you want to be a pilot is a bachelor's degree in aviation. Some higher education institutions offer this degree as part of a Bachelor of Science (BS) program, and others offer aviation education as part of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program.
By joining as a trainee pilot, you actually get paid to fly aircraft. The military will put you through your flight training and many commercial pilots have gone through this route.
How many hours does a pilot work a day? ›An airline transport pilot can fly up to 8 hours per 24 hour period and up to 10 hours if a second pilot is aboard. Pilots are required to rest a minimum of 16 hours postflight. Some variances to these regulations exist depending on the company's operations specifications.
Do pilots get paid once a month? ›On a monthly basis with some additional hourly pay (most common at foreign airlines) — pilots are paid a base monthly amount, and then get a smaller variable amount that reflects the hours they fly, how long they're away from home, etc.
What disqualifies you from being an airline pilot? ›These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.
Do pilots need a degree? ›No, you do not need a degree to work as a pilot, although having a degree will help in advancing your career at most stages and especially in making the final move to a major airline.
What is the age limit for airline pilots? ›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.
How do you survive a 22 hour flight? ›- Find comfortable clothes to wear on long flights. ...
- Reserve a good seat. ...
- Prepare yourself for sleep. ...
- Don't pack too much in your cabin luggage. ...
- Take your own snacks. ...
- Move around the plane. ...
- Stay hydrated. ...
- Relax!
How do I survive a 15 hour flight? ›
- Upgrade. ...
- Choose your seat wisely. ...
- Power up. ...
- Load up your devices. ...
- Pack a pillow (and a blanket) ...
- Wear comfortable clothes. ...
- Don't forget an eye mask and earplugs. ...
- Noise-cancellation headphones and soft music.
The fastest way to become a pilot is with an accelerated flight school.
Can pilots fly after 65? ›In the U.S., the maximum retirement age for pilots is currently 65, mirroring the international mandatory retirement age set by the International Civil Aviation Authority.
Is there a pilot shortage? ›In North America, with an aging pilot population and heavy use of early retirements, the shortage reemerges quickly and is projected to reach over 12,000 pilots by 2023 — 13 percent of total demand.
Can you be a pilot after 60? ›Our rule means that a pilot who reaches age 60 must leave part 121 operations, but it does not mean that he or she can no longer play an important role in aviation.
Can a pilot fly 7 days a week? ›(d) No pilot may fly more than 32 hours during any seven consecutive days, and each pilot must be relieved from all duty for at least 24 consecutive hours at least once during any seven consecutive days.
How often are pilots home? ›In terms of actual days, some publications say most short-haul pilots will either travel home every day if possible or work for five days and then spend three or four days at home. Long-haul pilots are said to spend more time away from home, although they do get 10 to 15 days off per month to see their families.
Do airline pilots families fly free? ›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.
How much do Hawaiian air captains make? ›Pilot pay at Hawaiian Airlines ranges from $32,400.00 per year for a new first officer up to $315,000.00 per year for a senior captain.
How much does a first officer make at Hawaiian Airlines? ›How much does a First Officer make at Hawaiian Airlines in Hawaii? Average Hawaiian Airlines First Officer hourly pay in Hawaii is approximately $81.00, which is 120% above the national average.
How much does an Air Tahiti pilot earn? ›
The estimated total pay for a Airline Pilot at Air Tahiti is $119,993 per year.
What is the highest cargo pilot salary? ›Percentile | Salary | Last Updated |
---|---|---|
10th Percentile Cargo Pilot Salary | $68,458 | May 01, 2023 |
25th Percentile Cargo Pilot Salary | $85,045 | May 01, 2023 |
50th Percentile Cargo Pilot Salary | $103,264 | May 01, 2023 |
75th Percentile Cargo Pilot Salary | $120,322 | May 01, 2023 |
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.
Do pilots get paid after retirement? ›If you've already been serving for a long time, you may still be under the old retirement system that pays 2.5% of base pay.) If a pilot served for 20 full years, his or her retirement pay would equate to 40% of base pay (under the BRS), or 50% of base pay under the legacy retirement system.
How much do FedEx pilots make starting out? ›First Officer | Captain |
---|---|
Starting: $84/hr | Starting: $276/hr |
Average: $208/hr | Average: $313/hr |
Top: $237/hr | Top: $335/hr |
You must have a valid passport and be able to secure visas from all destination countries where Hawaiian Airlines operates. You must have excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills. You are able to live in Hawaii or within the continental U.S.
Can you become a millionaire as an Airline Pilot? ›Pilots have high salaries that can reach up to $7 million. Find out how! Due to the constant high demand for pilots and their rising salaries, the aviation industry is a great option for your future career.
What state has the highest pilot salary? ›State | Employment (1) | Annual mean wage (2) |
---|---|---|
California | 9,670 | $ 252,110 |
Texas | 9,190 | $ 212,940 |
New York | 7,990 | $ 229,120 |
Illinois | 6,570 | $ 221,580 |