Direct-entry captain (DEC) roles let an experienced pilot join a new airline straight into the left seat. They're competitive, and the application often decides whether you get an interview at all. I joined my current airline as a direct-entry captain in 2018. Here's the checklist I'd use today.
1. Read the published requirements properly
Each airline publishes its own minimums for total time, command time, type experience, licence and medical. Read them line by line, and note any you meet only just. Don't apply hoping a requirement will be overlooked.
2. Get your logbook in order
Total your hours by type, by role (PIC, P1 under supervision, co-pilot) and over recent periods. Make sure your logbook, your CV and the online form all show the same numbers. Mismatched figures are an easy reason to be screened out.
3. Check your licence and medical
Confirm your licence, type rating, instrument rating, language proficiency and medical are current, and when each one expires. If the job is under a different authority, read the general guide to converting a licence and the official authority pages early, because conversion can take months.
4. Prepare your command story
You'll almost certainly be asked how you lead. Prepare two or three real examples: a difficult decision, a time you supported a struggling first officer, and a time you changed your mind after someone spoke up. Keep them honest and short. I describe the questions I was asked in What a direct-entry captain interview is really testing.
5. Expect several stages
Depending on the airline, selection can include online tests, a technical interview, a simulator assessment, a competency-based interview and a medical. Many airlines describe their stages on their careers pages. Prepare for each one separately; see Simulator assessment preparation.
6. Think about the move itself
Before you accept, understand the contract, roster, base and what it means for your family. See Questions to ask before accepting an overseas airline job.
Next steps
- Take the free Airline Move Readiness Self-Check.
- Pre-order The Airline Move Playbook for the full step-by-step preparation.
