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 can find in the section below.
Now, let’s explore our main topic by knowing some basic details about Hawaiian Airlines.
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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 the basic requirements you 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.
Become a United Airlines pilot
Become an American Airlines pilot
Become a Southwest Airlines pilot
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 a new Pilot Pathway Program to 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.
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.
How much do Hawaiian airline pilots make?
Hawaiian Airlines pilots receive generous compensation, with average weekly earnings surpassing $2,400, well above the national average. First officers begin at $81 per hour and have the potential to earn up to $228,000 annually, while captains can achieve a yearly salary of $327,000. Noteworthy cities for top pay include Teterboro, Boston, and Omaha.
Additional resources like Hawaiian Airlines Pilot Careers & Salary and Pilot weekly salaries at Hawaiian Airlines offer more detailed information on specific salary ranges and factors influencing individual pay.
How long does it take to become a pilot in Hawaii?
Becoming a pilot in Hawaii requires time and dedication, with the timeframe depending on the desired license and individual learning pace. Obtaining a Private Pilot License takes 6-9 months, a Commercial Pilot License requires 1-2 years, and becoming an Airline Transport Pilot entails a 3-5-year commitment.
Factors such as training frequency, weather conditions, and flight school availability can impact the timeline. Additional information on pursuing a pilot’s license in Hawaii can be found at resources like Hawaii Flight Training and Barber’s Point Flight School.
Is Hawaiian Airlines good for pilots?
Whether Hawaiian Airlines suits you depends on your priorities. If you prioritize high salaries, excellent benefits, a positive work environment, and unique flight opportunities, Hawaiian Airlines could be an excellent choice. However, if you value a stable schedule, a low cost of living, or rapid career advancement, other airlines might be a better fit for you.
