Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot Onboarding Checklist

Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Aviation onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot Onboarding Checklist

1. Background check and security clearance: This task involves conducting a thorough background check on the pilot to ensure they meet all the necessary security requirements. It is typically performed by the airline’s security department or a designated third-party agency.

2. Employment contract and paperwork: The pilot needs to review and sign their employment contract, which outlines their rights, responsibilities, and compensation. This task is usually handled by the airline’s human resources department.

3. Uniform and equipment allocation: The pilot needs to be fitted for their uniform and provided with all necessary equipment, such as a flight bag, headset, and any other specific tools required for their role. This task is typically performed by the airline’s uniform and equipment department.

4. Company policies and procedures: The pilot must familiarize themselves with the airline’s policies and procedures, including safety protocols, emergency procedures, and operational guidelines. This task is usually facilitated by the airline’s training department or a designated instructor.

5. Aircraft familiarization: The pilot needs to undergo training and familiarization with the specific aircraft they will be operating. This includes understanding the cockpit layout, systems, and controls. The training is typically conducted by the airline’s training department or experienced flight instructors.

6. Simulator training: Pilots often undergo simulator training to practice various flight scenarios, emergency procedures, and improve their skills. This task is usually conducted by the airline’s training department or specialized simulator instructors.

7. Line training: Once the initial training is completed, the pilot may need to undergo line training, which involves flying under the supervision of a more experienced pilot to gain practical experience and familiarize themselves with the airline’s specific operational procedures. This task is typically performed by senior pilots or designated line training captains.

8. Standard operating procedures (SOPs): The pilot needs to study and understand the airline’s standard operating procedures, which outline the standardized practices for various flight operations. This task is usually facilitated by the airline’s training department or designated instructors.

9. Navigation and route familiarization: The pilot needs to study and familiarize themselves with the routes they will be flying, including navigation charts, waypoints, and any specific procedures or restrictions. This task is typically performed by the pilot themselves, with support from the airline’s operations department.

10. Crew resource management (CRM) training: CRM training focuses on effective communication, teamwork, and decision-making within the cockpit. It helps pilots work efficiently with their co-pilots and other crew members. This task is usually conducted by the airline’s training department or specialized CRM instructors.

11. Medical examinations and certifications: Pilots must undergo regular medical examinations to ensure they meet the required health standards. This task is typically performed by designated aviation medical examiners approved by the aviation authority.

12. Regulatory compliance training: Pilots need to stay updated with the latest regulations and requirements set by the aviation authority. This includes attending recurrent training sessions or completing online courses to maintain their licenses and certifications. The training is usually facilitated by the airline’s training department or external training providers.

13. Emergency procedures training: Pilots must undergo training on various emergency procedures, including evacuations, fire suppression, and handling medical emergencies. This task is typically conducted by the airline’s training department or specialized emergency response instructors.

14. Line check and proficiency checks: Pilots need to undergo regular line checks and proficiency checks to ensure they maintain the required level of competence and proficiency. These checks are typically performed by designated check pilots or flight operations inspectors.

15. Introduction to company culture and values: The pilot should be introduced to the company’s culture, values, and mission to align themselves with the organization’s goals. This task is usually facilitated by the airline’s human resources department or senior management.

16. Introduction to support departments: The pilot should be introduced to various support departments within the company, such as flight operations, maintenance, dispatch, and crew scheduling. This helps them understand the roles and responsibilities of each department and how they collaborate. The introduction is typically facilitated by the airline’s operations or human resources department.

17. Mentorship program: The pilot may be assigned a mentor, an experienced pilot who can provide guidance, support, and share their knowledge and experience. This mentorship program is usually coordinated by the airline’s training department or pilot union.

18. Ongoing professional development: Pilots should be encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, or pursuing advanced certifications. The airline’s training department or human resources department may provide guidance and support in this regard.

19. Performance evaluations and feedback: The pilot should undergo regular performance evaluations and receive constructive feedback to identify areas for improvement and ensure they meet the required standards. These evaluations are typically conducted by designated check pilots, flight operations inspectors, or line training captains.

20. Integration into the crew and company events: The pilot should be encouraged to participate in crew and company events to foster camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. This task is usually facilitated by the airline’s human resources department or crew scheduling department

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot up to speed and working well in your Aviation team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.