Hawaiian Airlines A321 Pilot Schedule and Lifestyle

Btw, when’s your interview? I’ll see what I can find out.

Adam

Thank you so much!

I really appreciate the insight and advice. Like I said before this is my dream, I want to fly for Hawaiian!

Right now I have my interview scheduled for Feb 10. I’ll have some time to make sure I’m ready and I was thinking about doing an interview prep course just to make sure I’m ready. I don’t want to take any chances with the dream job hahaha

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Had the interview on earlier this month and got the offer! Also, got cleared into the training pool so now just waiting on a class date! Very excited to be at Hawaiian!

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Congrats Thomas!

Aloha and see you on the line!

Adam

Baillie, if your dad is Matt, you’re a lucky kid!!! Absolutely loved flying with him and make sure you use his name!!!

Hi Adam,
I’m in the middle of my training right now and will be an instructor soon. I have a really strong passion for finding my way to Hawaiian Airlines. I have tried to find all of your posts and replies to gain as much knowledge before asking questions you’ve already answered so apologies if anything is repeated! I see in this thread that they are hiring like crazy… i cant imagine that has slowed. A few of my questions…

What is the outlook on hiring in 2-3 years?
I know hiring is at ATP mins how much are you seeing hiring at actual mins?
The landscape is changing so much if I wanted to get hired at Hawaiian as quickly as possible what looks better on a resume… 1500 hours CFI/CFII/MEI or finding my way to 135 and building a few hundred hours of jet time would that make a difference?
Will the additions of the 787 make a difference in hiring or will those seats go rather quickly from current pilots?
Do they consider applicants stronger who are not only willing but wanting to relocate to the island?
Any and all advice you have being in my position with the goal of flying for Hawaiian Airlines!

Thank you so much for your time.

Sean

Sean,

  1. We’re predicted to continue to grow as Japan and Oceania haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. Alot will also have to do with the Amazon contract. There are clauses that would allow increased flying but it hasn’t started yet and that of course could change. The future is impossible to predict.

  2. Not sure where you got the info we’re hiring at ATP mins but that’s just not true. While ALL the Majors list the ATP mins as their min requirement, they’re far from competitive and you’re not going to get a position here without some mainland Regional jet flying.

  3. Again if you want to fly for Hawaiian you’ll need to get some RJ experience.

  4. Traditionally Hawaiian always looked for pilots with ties to the island or conveyed a strong desire to be here. With the introduction of the Amazon flying and a mainland base that’s become less of an issue.

  5. Yes, stop thinking about Hawaiian or any other airline for now. Focus on your training and building not only your time, but your skill and experience. More than anything else Hawaiian (and all airlines) want good pilots.

Adam

Thanks for all the amazing information, Adam! Can you tell us a little about your new contract? I’m heading to HNL in a few weeks for the interview, and I’m particularly curious about QOL enhancements. Days off, RSV rules, anything really stand out to you? If I’m lucky enough to get an offer, I’d be moving our entire family to the islands (wife, toddler, grandparents, cats) so time at home with them will be paramount!

Thanks again,
Adam

Endeavor FO, MSP

Adam,

Overall the new contract brings us closer to industry standard but no there’s nothing that really stands out other then the pay rates.

Adam

Hi Adam,

Thanks for the good info. I’m currently a 737 captain at the one and only major down under. My wife is from the states and we are thinking of a move to the islands…

Unforeseen world events aside, is the hiring looking to continue into next year with the Amazon cargo and the 787 jets arriving?

Is the 717 commutable from the big island for example?

What are your opinions on upgrade times on the 717? Will they remain relatively fast? I understand it sat at the 2-3 year mark pre pandemic?

Historically what is Progression time to WBCA like at Hawaiian? Current madness aside…I’ll be 39 at time of application so roughly 26 years left.

I’m really drawn to the 717 flying, I’ve a young family at home and have spent most of my career doing long haul across the pacific (just recently switched to the 737) so it’s really appealing to me. Also short upgrades appeal too. As you Said it’s certainly a unique job in the 121 world!!

Thanks in advance. Kind regards. Steve.

Steve,

While we wait for Adam to answer, I am curious, how difficult is it for an American to get hired on at Quantas?

Chris

Hi Chris,

Qantas is on somewhat of an outsourcing campaign at the moment…getting into what we call “mainline” without at least permanent residency and an Australian ATP is impossible.

However, they have just started a campaign to hire crew from overseas to fly the A220 for a subsidiary called National jet (conveniently painted in Qantas colors). They are going down the avenue of sponsored visas for those jobs.

That would be the best starting point for someone to get a foot in the door of the industry/country. One thing to note though is the reason they can’t get Australians into these jobs is because they’re migrating to the USA in flocks! As I’m sure you know!!

Another thing to bear in mind is progression at mainline is historically very slow. We have just had upgrade time reduce from over 20 years to 17years! A different world to the US right now.

Although Australias a great country to live in, aviation wise there’s a reason most Asian/middle Eastern carriers are filled with Australians!

If anyone is interested in jobs or more details about Oz and flying here please reach out…Not that I’ve painted a pretty picture!!

Interesting that Australians can easily get a job in the US, but Americans cannot get a job in Australia.

There just isn’t as much of a demand here for pilots. While there are opportunities right now for Americans to get jobs and visas with national jet…I wouldn’t recommend it given how the industry is in the US right now! And frankly you’d all probably laugh at the conditions offered!

Steve,

Lots of questions but understand there are ALOT of things happening behind the scenes (Amazon, 787 arrival, etc etc). With that in mind I’ll share my thoughts:

  1. Great question and one that really can’t be answered right now. We haven’t had a new bid and my understanding is they’re simply catching up on training. No new bid means no new slots. If/ when there is we’ll have a better idea but my understanding is the last few classes that started were pilots currently in the pool.

  2. InterIsland is a tough commute if you live anywhere other than Oahu. Do people do it? Sure but the ones I know are very senior. InterIsland flights are often full and the first flights of the day stay very early. If that’s your plan you should also plan on getting a crashpad.

  3. Again, no new bid means no movement. While many pilots have been holding CA for a while, there’s a backlog to get them trained. I think 717 upgrades will still be the shortest but I see them going back to 2yrs.

  4. WB upgrades are currently about 6yrs but traditionally they’ve been 10+. I think as (if) Amazon adds planes they’ll be opportunities but that means commuting to the mainland.

Adam

Thanks for the info Adam, much appreciated. It seems the future is bright at Hawaiian. I appreciate the insight. All the best.

Hi Adam!
I’m new to the thread and about a year too late but I’m just getting into aviation and a goal of mine is to fly for Hawaiian at some point. I am wondering how to make myself more marketable to HAL for a better shot at getting a job offer?

Kai

Hawaiian, like all Major airlines hired well trained experienced pilots with clean records who have a strong desire to fly for the airline. Best thing you can do is do well in training, maintain a good record both in aviation and your private life, get some Regional experience and Letters of Rec along the way and you’ll be fine.

That and of course hope Hawaiian is hiring when you’re ready.

Adam