FAA Orders Airlines to Certify Merit-Based Pilot Hiring

The Federal Aviation Administration has directed all U.S. airlines to certify that pilot hiring decisions are based solely on merit, warning that carriers could face federal investigations if they fail to comply.

The order, issued February 13, follows statements from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy citing allegations that some airlines may have considered race or gender in hiring decisions. Under the directive, airlines must formally confirm that pilot recruitment and selection processes are exclusively merit-based and aligned with federal safety requirements.

Duffy said the move is intended to ensure that “all U.S. carriers” terminate any hiring practices that deviate from merit-only standards. The FAA notice emphasizes that airlines must fulfill their statutory obligation to provide the highest possible degree of safety by ensuring pilot qualifications are determined strictly by training, experience and competency.

The directive comes amid a broader federal policy shift. Shortly after taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump issued executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs across federal agencies and encouraging similar action in the private sector.

There is no evidence that U.S. airlines are employing unqualified pilots. Pilot and airline industry groups responded by underscoring that federal certification standards already impose uniform and rigorous requirements on all aviators.

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), stated that all union pilots are trained and evaluated to the same uncompromising standards, regardless of background. He emphasized that pilot identity has no bearing on operational competence, adding that safety-critical qualifications leave no room for shortcuts or compromises.

Airlines for America, the trade association representing major carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, reiterated that safety remains the industry’s top priority. The group said its member airlines comply fully with federal regulations governing pilot training, licensing and certification.

Historically, U.S. airline pilot ranks have been predominantly white and male. Some airlines previously announced initiatives aimed at broadening recruitment pipelines, though hiring decisions remain subject to strict FAA certification criteria.

The FAA has not detailed a timeline for compliance reporting but indicated that enforcement action could follow if airlines fail to certify adherence to merit-based hiring standards.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, usatoday.com