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 six tailored career paths – the Propel Flight Academy, Collegiate, Company, Partnership Organizations, Interns, 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.  

Propel Pathways


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.     

More about the Propel Flight Academy  

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 CFI certification or rating at Skyborne, they will have the opportunity to apply for Delta’s Propel Programwhich provides a Qualified Job Offer, enhanced engagement opportunities, and an accelerated timeline to a Delta flight deck.  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.

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.

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.  Additionally, since Propel pilots have an accelerated timeline to Delta of 42 months or less, they will be expected to instruct until the end of the academic semester in which they achieve Restricted-ATP minimums (before beginning employment at a Delta Connection carrier: Republic Airways, Endeavor Air and SkyWest Airlines).  The goal is to help stabilize the supply of flight instructors, while ensuring future Delta pilots gain valuable, high-quality flight experience.

Let us fly with you 

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 every step of the way.

Application Process

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. You will only be allowed to submit one application each year to the Collegiate Pilot Career Path for consideration.

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. 

Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University

Eligibility

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).

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Qualified Job Offer (QJO) offers you a defined path and an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot - and helps you achieve the necessary qualifications along the way. Pilots that meet all the requirements of the Delta Propel program can progress through their chosen career route to Delta in 42 months or less.
The Delta Propel - Collegiate Pilot Career Path is just one of the ways to become a Delta pilot. 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!

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.

Eligibility

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 3 years (36 total months) as an active Delta Air Lines employee

-Possess an FAA Private Pilot Certificate (Fixed Wing), not to exceed a Commercial Pilot Certificate (Single Engine-Fixed Wing)

-Logged 100 hours of total flight time in a fixed wing powered aircraft

-Current Biennial Flight Review (BFR)

-Meet additional pilot requirements outlined on the Deltanet Propel page

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.

Application Process

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 here.

Your success is our goal

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.

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Candidates accepted into this program will be given a Qualified Job Offer (QJO). This means that Delta offers you a defined path and accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot and helps you achieve the necessary qualifications along the way. If you successfully fulfill all the requirements of the program, you will become a First Officer for Delta.   

Propel Advance


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.

Eligibility

Completion of 3 years (36 total months) as an active Delta Air Lines, Inc. employee, including ready reserve employees, in good standing. Opmerking: 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

Application Process

Propel Advance application window is now open year-round. You can visit the Propel FAQs here on Deltanet or you can contact the Propel team via propel@delta.com

Delta's Flight Training Partners

ATP Flight School
ATP Flight School
ATP Flight School

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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.
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. 
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.

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

Partnership Organization Pilot Career 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.

Eligibility

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. 

Application Process

The Propel Partner Organization Path application window is now open year-round.  

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

o   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.

o   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. 

o   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.

Delta Partners

ATP Flight School
ATP Flight School
ATP Flight School

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A Qualified Job Offer (QJO) offers you a defined path and an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot - and then helps you achieve the necessary qualifications along the way. Pilots that meet all the requirements of the Delta Propel program can progress through their chosen career route to Delta in 42 months or less.
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Intern Pilot Path


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.

Eligibility

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. Additionally, since Propel pilots have an accelerated timeline to Delta of 42 months or less, they will be expected to instruct until the end of the academic semester in which they achieve Restricted-ATP minimums (before beginning employment at a Delta Connection carrier: Republic Airways, Endeavor Air and SkyWest Airlines).  The goal is to help stabilize the supply of flight instructors, while ensuring future Delta pilots gain valuable, high-quality flight experience.

Application process

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

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

o   Step 1: Submit a Talent Profile confirming you meet all eligibility requirements. 

o   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. 

o   We strongly recommend taking your time and having a friend review your application. 

o   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. 

o   Application webinar dates will be posted on our social media.     

Apply for a Delta Internship: Please visit the Student & Early Careers page to learn about internships.

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Endeavor Ambassador Path


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.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Propel Endeavor Ambassador path, applicant must be an Endeavor Ambassador. 

·      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 Endeavor Ambassador path, please reach out to Endeavor Air about becoming an ambassador.

Application Process

The window cadence for Propel Endeavor Ambassador Path is year-round. Applicants are limited to one application submission each year.

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

o   Step 1: Submit a Talent Profile confirming you meet all eligibility requirements. 

o   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. 

o   We strongly recommend taking your time and having a friend review your application. 

o   There is no advantage to submitting your application earlier in the application window. 

·      You will only be allowed to submit one full application each year to the Endeavor Ambassador path window for consideration.

·      We will host a monthly application webinar. We recommend attending at least one before submitting your application. 

o   Application webinar dates will be posted on our social media.     

Endeavor STEP Partner Schools

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 Endeavor Ambassador Paths. 


Auburn University

Bridgewater State University

University of Dubuque

Delta State University

Embry Riddle University - Daytona Beach

Embry Riddle University - Prescott

Florida Institute of Technology

Jacksonville University

Kent State University

Liberty University

Minnesota State University - Mankato

Middle Georgia State University 

Middle Tennessee State University

The Ohio State University

Purdue University

University of North Dakota

Western Michigan University

A Qualified Job Offer (QJO) offers you a defined path and an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot - and then helps you achieve the necessary qualifications along the way. Pilots meeting the requirements of the Delta Propel program will fly for Endeavor Air to Delta in 42 months or less - faster and more seamlessly than ever before. 
The Delta Propel - Endeavor Ambassador Career Path is just one of many ways to become a Delta pilot. 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. You are also still eligible for the Career Advancement Program through Endeavor, where your final destination will be Delta. 

General FAQs


If you already meet the minimum requirements to become a Delta pilot, you can apply through Airline Apps by clicking this link.

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