Understanding the Role of Seniority and Aircraft Assignment in the Aviation Industry

When it comes to the decision of which aircraft a pilot will fly, the process is often multifaceted, involving seniority, bidding systems, and airline policies. This article aims to clarify the factors that influence a pilot's assignment to different types of aircraft, with a focus on major airlines like Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit.

Southwest Airlines: A Seniority Driven System

At Southwest Airlines, a notable example, pilots do not have the luxury of choosing their aircraft based on preference. Instead, the assignment process is heavily influenced by seniority. Pilots bid based on their years of experience, so the length of time until a pilot gets the preferred aircraft depends on its level of desirability among the workforce.

For instance, if a pilot at Southwest Airlines wants to fly an Airbus aircraft, their chances are limited. The distribution of aircraft across pilots is determined by a bidding system. Once a pilot is assigned to a particular type of aircraft, they typically remain with that assignment for a while, usually around two years, due to the costs involved in retraining pilots frequently.

Frontier and Spirit Airlines: Predetermined Choices

When it comes to Frontier and Spirit Airlines, the process is more straightforward. Pilots flying for these airlines typically fly specific types of aircraft. For example, newly hired pilots at Frontier and Spirit are often assigned to fly the Airbus A320 series, while Southwest hires pilots primarily for their Boeing 737 fleet.

Flexibility Within Seniority Hierarchies

While the primary assignment is often predetermined, there are opportunities for pilots to change their aircraft as they advance in their career. This is typically done through a bidding process that occurs periodically. Pilots with higher seniority can bid for different positions, including flying different aircraft types, bases, or seat assignments (Captain vs. First Officer).

It's worth noting that these opportunities are not always guaranteed. The need for flexibility is based on the company's current needs and scheduling. When a new list of available planes is released, pilots can bid for positions based on the specific needs of the company at that time.

The Path to Becoming a Pilot

The journey to becoming a pilot and being assigned to a plane involves a series of educational and training processes. After completing a rigorous curriculum, pilots gain the necessary certificates, ratings, and flying hours. At this stage, they apply for positions at airlines.

Employers typically offer positions to pilots who are willing to fly a specific type of aircraft. Only in extremely rare circumstances might an airline have openings for two different aircraft types, allowing a well-qualified candidate to choose between them. This is a vanishingly rare occurrence, as it is more common for experienced high-seniority pilots to fly the better aircraft, while newer pilots fly the less desirable ones or continue to fly the same type until they gain sufficient experience.

When multiple job offers are received, the pilot may choose the one that aligns best with their career aspirations, unless the offer is particularly poor. Once a pilot is fully trained and employed, they generally fly one type of aircraft, unless they move to a more senior position that allows them to transition to a better type of aircraft.

It is crucial to understand that the assignment of aircraft to pilots is a complex process involving a combination of seniority, company needs, and individual performance. As pilots progress in their careers, they gain more control over their aircraft assignments, but this is not always the case.