Free checklist
The pilot interview checklist
Everything to do before your pilot interview: what to bring, how to get your logbook interview-ready, what to research and wear, and what to do on the day. 43 items, from pilots who've been through it.
Documents to bring
Bring exactly what your invitation lists. This is the set most pilot interviews ask for; put originals in one folder and copies in another.
- Pilot certificates
Every certificate you hold: commercial or ATP, CFI, and ground instructor if you have it. Originals plus a copy. - Medical certificate
Current, with the class the job requires (usually first class for airline jobs). Know the expiration date. - FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Many airlines require it. If you don't have one, apply now; it takes a few weeks. - Passport and driver's license
Many airlines require a valid passport to be hired. Check the expiration date now; renewals take weeks. - Every logbook you own
Paper and digital. See the logbook section below; it can make or break the interview. - Several printed copies of your resume
Matching your application exactly: dates, employers, hours. - A printout of your submitted application
Panels compare it to your logbook and your answers. Know what you wrote. - Letters of recommendation
Originals in sealed or signed form if the company asks for them. - Training and checkride records
Notices of disapproval with the retest you passed, if any. Owning it on paper shows you're not hiding it. - College transcripts and anything else the invitation lists
Some companies ask for transcripts, a degree copy or an aptitude test confirmation.
Get your logbook interview-ready
Interviewers really do read logbooks, and they notice both inconsistencies and how the book is presented. Treat it like part of the interview.
- Log every checkride and evaluation, not just the FAA practical tests
Include company checks and checkouts too: your first SIC checkout in a King Air, Part 135 competency and line checks, IOE, PIC proficiency checks, stage checks, flight reviews, IPCs. Panels ask about each one, and gaps look like something's missing. - Make your totals match your application, exactly
Total time, PIC, SIC, multi, turbine, cross-country, night, instrument and last 12 months. If the application says 1,512.3 hours, the logbook should too. - Make paper and digital agree
If you moved from paper to ForeFlight or LogTen, check that the carried-forward totals match line for line. - Check your categories add up
Night and instrument can't exceed total time; PIC and SIC shouldn't overlap on the same flight unless that's legitimate; cross-country should meet the definition you're claiming. - Confirm endorsements and signatures are there
Instructor endorsements, checkride entries and any required signatures. Missing ones raise questions. - Clean up how it looks
Legible, consistent entries. Correct mistakes with a single line and initials, never white-out or ripped pages. - Flag the pages they'll want to see
Use small tabs for checkrides, endorsements and type ratings so you can flip there in seconds. - Print a one-page summary by category
Totals in every category the application asks for. Hand it over if they ask; it shows organization. - Be ready to explain anything unusual
Gaps in flying, a failed checkride, a big jump in hours. Short, honest and owned, like a STAR story.
Know your own numbers and story
Fumbling your own hours or dates is an easy way to look unprepared.
- Memorize your totals
Total, PIC, multi, turbine, instrument, cross-country, night and the last 12 months. - Know the dates of every certificate and rating
And any checkride you didn't pass the first time, with what you learned. - Practice "tell me about yourself" out loud
About three minutes: how you started, the key steps, where you are now, why this job now. - Have your core STAR stories ready
A disagreement, a mistake, safety over pressure, a decision, an emergency. Build them in the Story bank.
Research the company
"Why us?" is asked in almost every interview, and generic answers stand out.
- Fleet, bases, routes and pathway programs
From the company's own careers pages and recent news. - Their mission and core values
Have a real example from your flying that matches one or two of them. - Talk to pilots who work there
Culture, training footprint, schedules. Mentioning a real conversation makes your answer specific. - Prepare two or three questions to ask them
About training, culture or the line. Not pay on the first question. - Practice with that company's reported questions
Pick the company on the Practice screen.
What to wear
Conservative and sharp. Nobody is hired for their suit, but people get remembered for the wrong one.
- A dark, well-fitted suit
Navy, charcoal or black. Pressed. - Polished dress shoes
Pilots notice shoes. - Fresh haircut and neat grooming
A few days before, not the morning of. - A simple bag or portfolio for your documents
So you're not juggling folders in front of the panel.
Travel and logistics
Remove every way the day can go wrong before it starts.
- Arrive the day before
Especially if you're flying in. Have a backup flight in mind. - Confirm the address, building and start time
And who to call if you're running late. - Do a dry run to the location
Know where to park or how long the shuttle takes. - For a virtual interview, test everything the day before
Camera at eye level, light in front of you, quiet room, wired internet if you can, the right app installed, a plain background, and dressed fully as if in person.
The night before and the day of
Treat it like a checkride morning.
- Get real sleep
Pack and print everything the evening before. - No new practice the night before
Read your stories once and stop. The morning of, a short warm-up out loud if it helps, like your "tell me about yourself" on the drive. - Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early
Phone on silent. Be kind to everyone, from the front desk to the shuttle driver; they may be asked. - Eat and bring water
Long interview days are draining.
After the interview
The interview isn't quite over when you walk out.
- Send a short thank-you email
Same day or next morning, to the recruiter or panel contact. - Write down every question you were asked
While it's fresh. You'll want them if there's a next round or another company. - Share your questions with Class Date
Help the next pilot in your seat, anonymously, and get free months on your pass.
Now practice the hard part
The checklist gets you in the door. The answers get you the job.
Answer a real panel question out loud and get instant STAR feedback. Free, no account.
Independent interview practice. Not affiliated with any airline. Always follow the instructions in your interview invitation.