FAA Mandates Documentation in Merit-Based Pilot Hiring
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has instructed all airlines operating in the country to document that their pilot hiring processes are based solely on professional qualifications and merit. Failure to comply could result in a federal investigation.
According to Reuters, airlines will be required to clearly outline their pilot selection criteria and demonstrate that objective standards such as performance, training, licensing, and flight experience form the basis of hiring decisions.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the American public prioritizes pilots’ professional competence over factors such as appearance or gender. His remarks are viewed in the context of ongoing public debate surrounding diversity and equity-based hiring policies.
Industry experts note that pilot certification and training standards in the United States are already subject to strict FAA oversight. Under current regulations, pilots must complete mandatory flight hour requirements, aircraft type ratings, simulator checks, and recurrent proficiency evaluations before serving in airline operations.
The new directive is seen not as a change to existing safety standards, but rather as an effort to ensure greater legal and administrative transparency in hiring practices. Further details regarding the official regulatory text and implementation timeline are expected in the coming days.
