Pilot Careers at Delta

Propel Pilot Career Path Program

Your path to a Delta flight deck starts here. Propel offers you a defined path to a career as a pilot through one of our four tailored career paths: Collegiate, Company, Scholarship, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Each path offers a streamlined pilot career path, supporting your progression and a Qualified Job Offer with Delta Air Lines, and Delta’s wholly owned subsidiary, Endeavor Air.

The best benefit to the Delta Propel program is its single interview approach where participants only need to interview once with Propel to progress to Endeavor and eventually to mainline Delta. Delta will support you throughout your entire journey with signature events on-campus and at Delta’s World Headquarters to strengthen your industry knowledge and develop leadership skills.

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Collegiate Pilot Career Path

Delta is offering a pilot career path for college students at all U.S.-based universities with flight education programs accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), and graduates of select affiliate flight schools. Delta understands the importance of high-quality flight training and ensuring opportunities for future generations of students. Collegiate participants selected to Propel will receive a Conditional Job (CJO) to Endeavor Air, Delta’s wholly owned subsidiary, with a guaranteed career path to Delta Air Lines.

Delta currently affiliates with the aviation universities listed below:

University & Flight School Affiliates
Auburn University
Embry-Riddle Aeornautical University, Prescott Campus
Kent State University
Purdue University
University of Central Missouri
Bowling Green State University
Farmingdale State College
Lewis University
Rocky Mountain College
University of Dubuque
Bridgewater State University
Florida Institute of Technology
Liberty University
Saint Louis University
University of North Dakota
Delta State University
Hampton University
Louisiana Tech University
South Dakota State University
University of Oklahoma
Eastern Michigan University
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
Middle Georgia State University
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Vaughn College
Elizabeth CIty State University
Jacksonville University
Middle Tennessee State University
Texas Southern University
Western Michigan University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach Campus
Kansas State University
Minnesota State University - Mankato
The Ohio State University
Eligible applicants can apply here. We strongly recommend taking your time and having your application reviewed before submitting.
  • Student or Graduate of a U.S.-based 4-year AABI accredited flight education program
  • Actively flight instructing as a certified flight instructor and within 12 months of meeting R-ATP/ATP requirements
  • FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • Must hold a current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple re-entry status)
  • Legally eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Career Path

Our CFI career path applies to CFI’s at Propel affiliate flight schools:  ATP, Academy of Aviation, Luke Weathers Flight Academy, and Superior Flight School.

Delta's Flight Training Affiliates:

  • Must have completed flight training at a Propel affiliate flight school (Instrument & above ratings)
  • Actively flight instructing
  • FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • Must hold a current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple re-entry status)
  • Legally eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future
  • (for current Delta employees) – Completion of 2 years (24 total months) as an active Delta Air Lines employee and been on an active status within the past six months.  Must be in good standing.

Propel Scholarship Pilot Path

The Propel Scholarship Path is a destination for a select number of Propel referrals from Delta affiliate organizations with a focus on candidates from diverse backgrounds. These candidates would be eligible for Propel scholarships.

Student pilots will complete Private, Instrument, Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certifications at a Delta authorized flight school. Successful students will be offered employment with the flight school as a CFI and continue to build flight hours until eligible to transition to Endeavor Air and seamlessly progressing to Delta.

To be eligible for the Propel Scholarship Path, someone must be nominated from one of Delta’s affiliate organizations (including those listed above). Additional requirements include:

  • First Class Medical
  • 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. without sponsorship now or in the future.

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 streamlined 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 currently affiliates with the following aviation academies:

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, and been on active status within past six months. Must be 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 affiliate school, the maximum qualification you may have is a Commercial Single Engine Certificate
    • If not already attending a affiliate 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
  • 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
  • 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. without sponsorship now or in the future.

Additional information about the Propel Company Path can be found on DeltaNet.

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.

Company applicants are also required to provide letters of recommendation from a leader and a peer. 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.

Propel also provides pathways for Delta employees to pursue a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Technical (AMT), Ground Maintenance Mechanic and Flight Superintendent/Dispatcher. Those application processes are handled internally.

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!

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 streamlined pathway to Delta
  • An advanced engagement commitment (mentoring, on-site events, etc.)
Propel offers a single-interview experience and guaranteed path to mainline Delta flight deck and removes the burden of getting hired at a regional carrier by streamlining all Propel pilots through Endeavor Air. Once you achieve ATP minimums, you will onboard at Endeavor Air. From there you will start your progression to Delta flight deck through Endeavor’s Career Advancement Program (CAP) which includes a minimum of 24 months of active service as a captain.
Successful Propel pilots will be required to meet all General, Performance, and Professionalism Eligibility Requirements contained in Endeavor’s Career Advance Program (CAP) before transitioning to Delta. Additional information about CAP can be found here.
If you already meet the minimum requirements to become a Delta pilot, you can apply on our career site., opens in a new window
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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.