SkyWest Airlines (OO) is a regional US airline based and headquartered in St. George, Utah. The carrier provides and maintains aircraft, schedules, and markets a select number of domestic routings of its partner airlines in the country. SKW operates on behalf of four carriers under the following regional names:
- Alaska Airlines (Alaska SkyWest)
- American Airlines (American Eagle)
- Delta Air Lines (Delta Connection)
- United Airlines (United Express)
SkyWest Airlines serves nearly 300 destinations across the United States by flying from the bases of the clients it is contracted to. There are approximately 500 airplanes in the air provider’s fleet, making it America’s largest regional aviation service.
SKW operates roughly 1,850 flights per day for its four carriers. The airline’s smooth operations are credited to nearly 5,000 pilots who are paid a leading salary by regional aviation standards.
SkyWest Airlines Pilot Salary
SkyWest guarantees its pilots 75 hours of minimum flying time per month. There is no base salary paid as with other carriers around the world, though hourly rates and a minimum commitment translate into an attractive pay packet for the pilots.
A first officer at SkyWest spends no more than three years and is paid the below amount depending on the experience.
- Up to 1 year of experience – $90.90 per flight hour; $6,817.50 per month or $81,810 per year.
- 1 to 3 years of experience – $96.15 per flight hour; $7,211.25 per month or $86,535 per year.
A captain at SkyWest earns the following commensurate with the experience.
- Up to 1 year of experience – $141.40 per flight hour; $10,605 per month or $127,260 per year.
- 1 to 3 years of experience – $150.88 per flight hour; $11,316 per month or $135,792 per year.
- 3 to 12 years of experience – $194.02 per flight hour; $14,551.50 per month or $174,618 per year.
- Over 12 years of experience – $218.16 per flight hour; $16,362 per month or $196,344.
SkyWest Airlines Pilot Benefits
SkyWest Airlines offers its pilots benefits that are in line with the American aviation industry. Some of these benefits include.
- MINIMUM GUARANTEE – Every pilot is guaranteed a minimum amount of flying hours (75) per month and is paid in accordance with that figure even if the airline fails to roster them onto an adequate amount of flights. This ensures that there is a respectable figure that each pilot is assured of earning.
- RETIREMENT PLANS – The airline offers a 401 (k) program to all of its employees so that they are supported post-retirement. A workshop for the management and investment of finances is also provided to the pilots who are transitioning into retirement.
- HEALTH BENEFITS – Pilots and their families are entitled to health insurance that covers any expense or incident around the United States. All of SkyWest’s pilots are also provided with a life insurance policy as part of their employment terms.
- TRAVEL BENEFITS – SkyWest Airlines pilots can travel for discounted rates or free (subject to availability). Interestingly, they can pick to fly on any of the carrier’s partners as well, such as Alaska (AS), American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), or United Airlines (UA).
What aircraft do SkyWest pilots fly?
SkyWest has a mixed fleet of Bombardier and Embraer airplanes, which is as below:
- Bombardier CRJ200 – 89
- Bombardier CRJ550 – 6
- Bombardier CRJ700 – 108
- Bombardier CRJ900 – 41
- Embraer 175 – 200
SkyWest also has the following planes on order:
- Bombardier CRJ550 – 13
- Embraer 175 – 36
Where are SkyWest Pilots based?
SkyWest Airlines has a large number of operating bases around the United States, all of which are segregated on the type of aircraft and the contracted airline’s hub. Here is a list of where SkyWest pilots are stationed:
- Austin
- Atlanta
- Boise
- Chicago
- Colorado Springs
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fresno
- Los Angeles
- Houston
- Minneapolis
- Palm Springs
- Portland
- Phoenix
- Salt Lake City
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Tuscan
How to become a Pilot at SkyWest Airlines?
A pilot at SkyWest Airlines must meet the following requirements:
Regulatory Requirements:
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
- Current First Class Medical Certificate
- Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit
- Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge eligibility
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug test
- Successful completion of the Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) evaluation
- 1500 hours fixed wing flight time
SkyWest Air Lines Pilot Job Requirements:
- At least 21 years of age
- Have a current passport
- Be a U.S. Citizen or show proof of right to work in the U.S.
- English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE)
- Be at least instrument current
- Hod an FCC Radio License
- Possess a current first-class medical
- Hold a Commercial License
- Be willing to rescind seniority with current carrier
SKW follows the below hiring process for pilots:
- APPLICATION – An online application is made on the SkyWest careers portal. SkyWest, alongside Alaska and Delta Air Lines, is part of the Guaranteed Pilot Interview Program, so every application, at some point, will be contacted for an interview with the airline.
- INTERVIEW – An interview with SkyWest follows the below scenarios:
- CRM Scenario: A CRM scenario interview is conducted to judge a candidate’s ability to perform in an airline-based environment.
- Behavioral Interview – In this round, behavioral patterns like leadership skills, ground conversations, professionalism, etc. are checked. This also includes the checking and verification of all documents, including pilot licenses and medical certificates.
- Technical Interview – This interview round tests an individual’s knowledge of aircraft systems, Jeppesen charts, etc. while a simulator test could also be conducted.
3. OFFER – A successful applicant is offered a contract with SkyWest.
SkyWest Pilot Salary FAQ
A first officer’s base salary is approximately $81,000 annually and an experienced captain’s salary can rise to approximately $200,000 per year.
SkyWest operates for Alaska, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
SkyWest flies Bombardier CRJs and Embraer aircraft.
Depending on operational requirements, SkyWest pilots are based in 20 different US cities.
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