Pilot Careers at Delta

Propel Pilot Career Path Program

Your path to a Delta flight deck starts here. Propel offers you the opportunity to accelerate your career as a pilot through one of our four tailored career paths – the Propel Flight Academy, Collegiate, Company, and Community (Interns, Partner Organizations and Endeavor Ambassadors). Each path offers a defined, yet customized, pilot career path with mentorship from Delta’s pilots every step of the way, guaranteeing your progression and a conditional job offer with Delta Air Lines.

The best benefit to the Delta Propel program, aside from having your choice of career paths to Delta, is the fact that Delta will be engaged with you throughout your entire journey. Signature events on-campus and at Delta’s World Headquarters strengthen your knowledge of the airline industry and develop your leadership skills. And to top it off, you will receive personal mentoring from an active Delta pilot.

The Delta Propel Academy Program
Aspiring pilots, start your journey to Delta. Propel Flight Academy offers an accelerated path to earn flight certifications and to build the experience needed to become a Delta pilot.
LEARN MORE

In-page Links

Propel Flight Academy

The Propel Flight Academy is Delta’s all-new pilot career pathway for aspiring pilots. In partnership with our exclusive training provider, Skyborne Airline Academy, your dream of becoming a Delta pilot is closer in reach than ever before. Start your training today at Skyborne’s campus in Vero Beach, Florida. The Propel Flight Academy offers high-quality instruction, state-of-the-art aircraft and training devices, mentoring support from Delta pilots and access to a newly refurbished 12,000 square foot co-branded facility. Pilots that graduate from the Propel Flight Academy will receive a conditional job offer and a defined career path to Delta’s flight deck.

Student pilots will complete Private, Instrument, Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certifications with an emphasis on preparing for airlines. Once students have completed their first certification or rating at Skyborne, they will have the opportunity to apply for Delta’s Propel Program – which includes a Qualified Job Offer, enhanced engagement opportunities and an accelerated timeline to a Delta flight deck. Successful students will also be offered employment with Skyborne as a CFI, receiving a full sponsorship from Skyborne for CFII and MEI, as well as a generous salary, and private health benefits, until they reach 1,500 hours of flight experience. Upon completion, program participants have multiple options to build their professional flying experience before seamlessly transitioning to Delta.

No prior flight experience required! Delta is excited to offer this new pathway for aspiring pilots to earn their certificates and gain flight experience. Here is a list of minimum requirements to be eligible to join the Propel Flight Academy:

  • No pilot certificate/rating beyond Private Pilot Single-Engine Land 
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Must have valid driver’s license
  • Must be able to work in the U.S.
  • Current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple re-entry status)
  • Able to pass drug screening
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • FAA 1st Class Medical
  • Willing to relocate to Vero Beach, FL for minimum of 1 year (or duration of flight training)
  • No felonies nor DUI/DWI within previous 10 years.
  • Ability to read, write and speak English
  • Ability to pass a background check

Collegiate Pilot Career Path

Delta is offering a new career path for students at select universities.  Successful candidates will be provided a Qualified Job Offer (QJO) detailing a defined path and an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot.

Delta understands the importance of high-quality flight training and ensuring opportunities for future generations of students. Pilots participating in Delta Propel (Connection Route) will be expected to build their flight hours by instructing at the university where they trained. Collegiate participants have the option of flying for one of the three Delta Connection Carriers, Wheels Up, or flying military aircraft for the Air National Guard or Reserves.

University Partners

Delta currently partners with the aviation universities listed above.  We plan to expand the number of aviation university partnership in the coming years. Be sure to check back for updates.

The Collegiate Pilot Career Path application window is now open year-round.

There is a two-step process to the Propel application.

  1. Submit a Talent Profile confirming you meet all eligibility requirements.
  2. Complete and submit the full application.

Once your application has been submitted it will be reviewed and you will not be able to make any adjustments to your application. We strongly recommend taking your time and having your application reviewed.

To be eligible to apply for the Collegiate Pilot Career Path, students must be enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, an R-ATP eligible major at one of Delta's partner institutions above. The program is open to Juniors, Seniors, and students who graduated within the previous 6 months who intend to seek employment at their university as a flight instructor.  Pilots must hold, at minimum, a Private Pilot certificate and must have completed at least one additional Part-141 flight course at the partner institution.  In order to join Propel, pilots must hold a First Class Medical (note: it is acceptable if privileges have lapsed to second or third class). A pilot must hold or be able to hold a current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple re-entry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents).

Company Pilot Career Path

Delta employees can transition their careers and pursue their dreams of becoming a pilot for Delta Air Lines. Delta Propel offers a defined, accelerated path to allow candidates to earn their flight certifications, build their experience, and meet all the requirements to become a Delta pilot.

The path to become a Delta pilot can be challenging - let us support you every step of the way. Every Propel Company Career Path pilot will be connected with an active Delta pilot mentor. In addition, every pilot will have access to an extended Leave of Absence program.

Delta's Flight Training Partners

All candidates in the Company Pilot Career Path will be required to meet the qualification and testing aspects of Delta’s current pilot hiring. Employees in good standing must meet the following requirements to be considered for the Company Pilot Career Path:

  • Completion of 2 years (24 total months) as an active Delta Air Lines employee in good standing
  • FAA Private Pilot Certificate (Fixed Wing) preferred, not to exceed a Commercial Pilot Certificate (Single Engine-Fixed Wing)
    • If attending a Company Pathway partner school, the maximum qualification you may have is a Commercial Single Engine Certificate
    • If not already attending a partner school, the maximum qualification you may have is a Private Pilot Certificate
  • Logged 100 hours of total flight time (preferred) in a fixed-wing powered aircraft
  • Current Biennial Flight Review (BFR), if applicable
  • 4-year college degree preferred
  • FCC Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit in possession by interview date
  • Current FAA First Class Medical
  • No felonies
  • No DUI/DWI within the last 10 years
  • Has never interviewed for a Delta Air Lines pilot position outside of the program

Candidates who have progressed beyond their Commercial Certificate (single engine) are overqualified for the Propel program - meaning you may not fit into the full flight training footprint of the program. For example, candidates already possessing an FAA Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine, CFI/CFII/MEI certificate, or who already meet ATP minimums are too advanced for the program. These employees may be eligible for the Propel Advance Program.

Propel Advance is for employees who possess flight credentials beyond the requirements for the Propel Company Path (ie. Commercial- Multi Engine certificate, CFI/CFII/MEI, etc.). Employees who apply and are accepted into Propel Advance can take advantage of the Propel LOA—up to 66 months—to finish flight training, fly to obtain R-ATP/ATP minimums, and gain employment with a Delta Connection carrier to build Part 121 turbine flight time. All terms associated with the Propel LOA apply to candidates in Propel Advance, including pass travel, health benefits, and return to work if unsuccessful in the program.

Once employees meet the criteria of the program—1,500 hours Part 121 turbine time and a minimum of three (3) Delta Connection carrier training events—they receive a guaranteed interview with Delta Pilot Selection. All interview and testing requirements for Delta Pilot Selection apply. If successful in the interview, employees return to Delta as a New Hire Pilot.

The Propel Company Pilot Career Path and Propel Advance application window is now open year-round. More information about the program is available for Delta employees on DeltaNet. 
  • Completion of 2 years (24 total months) as an active Delta Air Lines, Inc. employee, including ready reserve employees, in good standing. Note: Employees currently on a LOA are eligible to apply for Propel Advance as long as the active service requirement has been met
  • Flight Credentials that exceed an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate-Single Engine (Fixed Wing), for example: FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate-Multi Engine, CFI/CFII/MEI, or ATP
  • In the preceding 365 days from the application submission date, eligible employees must have received a new rating or certificate OR be PIC current in accordance with FAR part 61.57 (take-offs, landings, and instrument proficiency) and have logged a minimum of 50 hours fixed wing flight time 
  • Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate (privileges may have reverted to Third Class)
  • Current passport or other travel documents enabling candidates to freely exit and re-enter the United States
  • At least 23 years of age
  • FCC Radiotelephone Operator's Permit
  • No DUI/DWI within the last 10 years
  • No felonies
  • Has never interviewed for a Delta Air Lines pilot position outside of this program

Q: Will I have to interview and complete testing to be accepted into Propel Advance?

A: No. Employees must apply for Propel Advance, and if accepted, they will be able to take advantage of the Propel LOA—up to 66 months—to finish flight training, obtain R-ATP/ATP minimums, and gain employment with a Delta Connection carrier. Upon meeting the criteria of the program—1,500 hours Part 121 turbine flight time and a minimum of three (3) training events at a Delta Connection carrier—employees are given a guaranteed interview and will complete all required testing with Delta Pilot Selection.

Q: Will I be given a Qualified Job Offer (QJO) if I am accepted into Propel Advance?

A: No. Propel Advance was established to allow employees who exceed the qualifications for the Propel Company Path the opportunity to take advantage of the Propel LOA. Delta and Propel do not have the required level of visibility or oversight into candidate training records and work performance, nor do Propel Advance candidates have to meet the same advanced engagement commitments as pilots in the Propel Company Path.

Q: Do I have to go to an approved flight training provider if I am accepted into Propel Advance?

A: No. Propel Advance is unique in that you can create your own path to building the flight time needed to meet R-ATP/ATP minimums. Employees accepted into Propel Advance who do not meet R-ATP/ATP minimums must provide a Plan of Action describing how they plan to obtain the flight time requirements needed to gain employment with a Delta Connection carrier. The Plan of Action is supplemental to the Propel application and is only required upon request from a Propel Manager.

Q: What happens if I am unsuccessful in either the Propel Company Path program or Propel Advance?

A: Candidates who are unsuccessful or disqualify from either program will be allowed to return to Delta Air Lines for full time employment under the following criteria:

  • Employees may return to their prior department into their previous position (if available); however former merit employees should expect their previous position to be backfilled immediately upon taking the LOA
  • If their prior position is not available, candidates will be given 60 days to be hired into an open position utilizing the company E-Bid system
  • After 60 days without gaining reemployment, the individual's LOA will end and their employment with Delta will be terminated

Community Paths
There are three main community pathways, including the Partnership Organization Pilot Career Path, Intern Career Path and the Endeavor Ambassador Path.

Delta is offering a new career path for members of our six partner organizations.  Successful candidates will be provided a Qualified Job Offer (QJO) detailing a defined path and an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot.

Delta Partners

The Propel Partner Organization Path application window is now open year-round. There is a two-step process to the Propel application.

  • Step 1: Submit a Talent Profile confirming you meet all eligibility requirements.
    • Nominees will receive a referral code from the Partner Organization and must submit this code on their Talent Profile.
  • Step 2: Complete and submit the full application. Once your application has been submitted it will be reviewed and you will not be able to make any adjustments to your application.

We strongly recommend taking your time and having your application reviewed. You will only be allowed to submit one application each year to the Partner Organization Pilot Career Path for consideration.

To be eligible to apply for the Propel Partner Organization path, someone must be nominated from one of our six partner organizations (listed below). Additional requirements include:

  • Active member of a Partner Organization collegiate chapter.
  • Enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, an R-ATP eligible major.
  • Juniors, Seniors, and students who graduated within the previous 6 months who intend to seek employment at their university as a flight instructor.
  • Private Pilot certificate
  • Completed at least one additional Part-141 flight course at their institution
  • First Class Medical (note:  it is acceptable if privileges have lapsed to second or third class)
  • Hold or be able to hold a current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple re-entry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents)

If interested in the Partner Organization path, please reach out to the organization and inquire about a nomination. 

Current Delta Interns and those who have interned in the past two years can pursue their dreams of becoming a pilot for Delta Air Lines. Delta Propel offers a defined, accelerated path to allow candidates to earn their flight certifications, build their experience, and meet all the requirements to become a Delta pilot.

 The application window is remaining open longer this year to allow students more time to complete the full application. 

  • There is a two-step process to the Propel application.   
    • Step 1: Submit a Talent Profile confirming you meet all eligibility requirements. 
    • Step 2: Complete and submit the full application.
  • Once your application has been submitted it will be reviewed and you will not be able to make any adjustments to your application. 
  • We strongly recommend taking your time and having a friend review your application. 
  • There is no advantage to submitting your application earlier in the application window. 
  • You will only be allowed to submit one full application to the 2022 Intern path window for consideration.
  • We will host a monthly application webinar. We recommend attending at least one before submitting your application. 
  • Application webinar dates will be posted on our social media.     

Please visit the Student & Early Careers page to learn about and apply for internships at Delta. 

Current Delta Interns and those who interned in the past two years must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for the career path:

  • Be in good standing or have left in good standing
  • Enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, an R-ATP eligible major 
  • Juniors, Seniors, and students who graduated within the previous 6 months who intend to seek employment at their university as a flight instructor
  • Private Pilot certificate 
  • Completed at least one additional Part-141 flight course 
  • First Class Medical (note:  it is acceptable if privileges have lapsed to second or third class)
  • Hold or be able to hold a current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple re-entry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents)

Ensuring flight training opportunities for future generations

Delta understands the importance of high-quality flight training and ensuring opportunities for future generations of students. Pilots participating in Delta Propel (Connection Route) will be expected to build their flight hours by instructing at the university where they trained.

Q: Are interns required to attend a partner university to qualify for this pilot pathway?

A: This path is for Delta interns who do not attend a Propel partner university. If you attend a Propel partner university, we ask that you apply to the College Pilot Career Path. The selection process is the same for the College and Intern paths.  

Endeavor Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. Flying as Delta Connection, Endeavor operates 183 regional jets on more than 900 daily flights to over 140 destinations in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Endeavor Ambassadors at STEP university partners will have an opportunity to apply to Propel. 

Delta is offering a new career path for Endeavor Ambassador students at Endeavor STEP university partner to apply to Propel.  Successful candidates will be provided a Qualified Job Offer (QJO) detailing a defined path and an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot.

To learn more about the eligibility, STEP Partner Schools and application process for the Endeavor Ambassador Path visit the Endeavor Program Overview, opens in a new window.

General FAQs
You’re in the right place! Over the next decade, Delta expects to hire thousands of pilots to staff our daily flights across the globe. A career as a pilot is exciting and financially rewarding. We encourage aspiring pilots to take a discovery flight at your local airport and research the options available to you. Propel by Delta is a career path program that accelerates your journey to a Delta flight deck. 
The Delta Propel is meant to streamline your career and support you along the way. If you decide not to join or are not accepted into the program, you will still be eligible to apply to Delta in future semesters or later in your career. We encourage you to do so!
If you already meet the minimum requirements to become a Delta pilot, you can apply through Airline Apps, opens in a new window.
No, a four-year degree is preferred, but not mandatory.
Candidates that meet the qualifications during the application process will be considered for the Propel Flight Academy, which will include application review, testing, and virtual interview. Acceptance numbers will be based on forecast Delta pilot staffing requirements.
The average cost for the program is approximately $84,000 training cost and an estimated $7,000 housing cost (if needed).  You will obtain all certificates and ratings necessary to earn a flight instructor job and ultimately become a Delta pilot. If you decide to join Propel by Delta, you will have the confidence in knowing your investment in your flight training is backed by a defined, accelerated timeline to a Delta career. 
Delta offers several employee scholarships for flight training through the Delta Scholarship Fund, including a specific Propel scholarship for a participant in the program. Additionally, we recommend reviewing scholarships available through our affiliate organizations including WAI, NGPA, and OBAP, including Delta-sponsored scholarship.
Delta has partnered with Skyborne Academy, opens in a new window to create Propel Flight Academy. Skyborne's campus at Vero Beach Airport, Florida enjoys 320 days of sunshine and flying weather, making it the perfect training environment. Skyborne boasts world-class flight and ground instruction facilities. Candidates can also enjoy onsite residential accommodation, including a swimming pool, basketball courts and recreation center, as well as being just a short drive to the beach. Most importantly, Skyborne’s staff and instructor team are dynamic, engaging and welcoming to bring out the best in all pilots who walk through their doors. 
Propel Flight Academy training will be conducted with Delta’s exclusive training provider Skyborne Academy. Candidates will complete their Private Pilot certification, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certification, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate. Skyborne offers additional incentives for candidates to gain their CFI-Instrument and Multi-Engine Instructor ratings. Upon successfully completing the training curriculum, candidates can gain employment with Skyborne to further build their flight experience and hours.  
To join the Propel Flight Academy you must complete an application. Apply here today! The initial screening process includes cognitive/personality testing in addition to a virtual interview. Your next step is to begin your flight training at the Propel Flight Academy in Vero Beach, FL.
  • Address history for past 10 years with no gaps - including dates 
  • Education history - including dates, GPA's, degree name and transcripts 
  • Driver’s Record and Criminal Record information 
  • Work history - including dates and positions 
  • Pilot Certificate information (if applicable)
  • Pilot Training History information (If applicable. Note: Delta highly recommends obtaining copies of all training records to assist in submission of complete and accurate information.) 
  • Pilot Flight Experience information from your logbook(s)  (if applicable)
No, high school transcripts are not required.  
Degrees obtained from a non-U.S. institution must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. degrees by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
No. We recommend taking your time and thoroughly reviewing your application before submitting. 
No – a letter of recommendation is not required.
If your application is unsuccessful, you can reapply to the Propel Flight Academy no sooner than six months from your original application. There is not a limit on the number of times you can reapply.  
No, due to the volume of applications we will not be able to provide specific feedback. 

Interviews will be conducted continuously throughout the year. 

 

The Propel Flight Academy interview is conducted virtually. The interview consists of learning about your background, your plan to become a professional pilot as well as some behavioral and situational questions. 
To be eligible to apply for Propel, you must hold 1st Class Medical Certification at the time of application. It is acceptable to have a 1st Class Medical that was previously issued and has reverted to 3rd class privileges. To learn more about medical certification, visit the FAA Medical Certification website, opens in a new window.

Qualified Job Offer (QJO) is a job offer as a Delta pilot contingent on the candidate successfully completing every part of the Propel by Delta program. A QJO includes: 

  • A defined pathway and timeline (fastest offered by any mainline carrier) to Delta
  • An advanced engagement commitment (mentoring, on-site events, etc.)
  • A Propel Pledge outlining the requirements of the program
Candidates will obtain flight training with the Propel Flight Academy - earning their Commercial Pilot Multi Certificate and Certificated Flight Instructor certificate. Once training is complete, candidates are expected to apply for and be hired as a flight instructor at Skyborne to earn their ATP flight time minimums.  Once ATP minimums are achieved, candidates must successfully interview and fly for one of the Delta Connection carriers.
You will be assigned a mentor (an active Delta pilot) during the duration of the program. You will be required to check in with your mentor on a set schedule to ensure you are on track and meeting the targets/gateways of the program.  In addition, your mentor will be available to assist you along the way during flight training, flight instructing, and while flying at a Delta Connection carrier. 

For participants in the Company and Academy pathways: Yes, any exceptions due to extenuating circumstances must be approved by Delta.

For students on the Collegiate and Community pathways: Effective July 21, 2023, students not already onboarded by a Delta Connection carrier or Wheels Up are able to build time with any Part 121 or Part 91K (dual crew only) carrier. Employment with a Delta Connection Carrier or Wheels Up is strongly encouraged. This is subject to change at Delta's discretion.

Successful Propel pilots will be placed in the next New Hire Indoctrination Class after building time with a carrier with a preferred 1,000 hours of turbine flight time, active employment with that carrier for a maximum of 42 months and meeting all other requirements of the Delta Propel program. Actual transition time to a Delta pilot position is subject to change and is dependent on Delta's operational needs.
Propel participants are not required to only work Delta Connection flights. For example, Propel participants who get hired at SkyWest or Republic could end up working flights for United Express, and that would not be considered an issue with the Program. 
NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Have a question or want to get in touch with our team? Send us a direct email and we will contact you.

Delta Air Lines is an equal opportunity employer including disability/veteran.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and provides reasonable accommodation in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you are a qualified individual, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings through this site, apply for jobs through Delta’s online system, or at any point in the selection process. To request a reasonable accommodation, please click here., opens in a new window