Do you get to choose which airplane to fly?

Hey everyone!

Im am currently 15 years old and thinking about a career as an airline pilot. Out of curiosity, when you get hired by a regional or a major airline, do you get to choose what plane you will fly? Or does the airline assign you an aircraft?

-Kevin

Kevin,

In most cases you’ll be assigned whatever the airline has an open slot for. Occasionally there may be open slots on more than one airplane in which case you’ll “bid” for what’s available. Like EVERYTHING in the industry whether you get what you want will be based on seniority. In this case that means your seniority within the class which will usually be determined by your date of birth or SS#.

Adam

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