You've probably seen the glossy ads. A pilot walking through DFW, crisp white shirt, sunglasses on, looking like they've got the world figured out. If you're looking into envoy airlines pilot requirements, you're likely chasing that same image—or at least the paycheck that comes with it. Honestly, it’s a weird time to be in aviation. In 2026, the industry is still shaking off the cobwebs of the last few years, and Envoy (a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines) is basically a giant gatekeeper for the majors.
But here is the thing. Meeting the "minimums" doesn't always mean you're ready for the line.
The Absolute Hard Numbers for First Officers
Let’s get the math out of the way first. You can't sweet-talk your way past the FAA. To sit in the right seat of an Embraer 175, you need your Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) or full ATP certificate. Basically, that means 1,500 hours of total time for most civilian pilots.
Wait.
If you went to a Part 141 university program, that number might drop to 1,000 hours. If you’re coming out of the military? 750 hours.
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Here is what the actual envoy airlines pilot requirements look like on paper:
- Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings.
- 25 to 50 hours of multi-engine time (they’ve been known to wiggle on this if you're a cadet, but usually, 50 is the goal).
- A First Class Medical. And yeah, it has to be current. Don't show up to an interview with a certificate that expires in two weeks.
- FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit. It’s a piece of paper you pay for, but you can’t fly internationally without it.
You also need to be at least 21 years old. Kind of obvious, but worth mentioning. You’ve also got to be able to work in the U.S. and travel to every country Envoy serves—which means a valid passport is non-negotiable.
The Secret "750 Hour" Rule and the Pay Spike
This is where it gets interesting and honestly, a bit lucrative. Envoy has been doing this thing where they pay First Officers "Captain pay" once they hit 750 hours of Part 121 time.
Think about that.
You’re still a First Officer. You’re still learning the ropes. But because of the "Pilot Supply Premium" (which is currently slated to run through December 31, 2026), your hourly rate jumps significantly. We are talking about a jump from roughly $99 per hour to a rate that reflects Captain seniority.
It’s a retention move. They want you to stay. They need you to stay until you flow to American.
Beyond the Cockpit: The Soft Requirements
It isn't just about stick-and-rudder skills anymore. During the interview, Envoy is looking for someone who won't be a nightmare to sit next to for a four-day trip. They call it the "Targeted Selection" interview. It’s all behavioral stuff. "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a Captain." "Tell me about a time you saw someone break a regulation."
If you can’t answer those without sounding like a jerk, the 1,500 hours won't save you.
The Cadet Program: A Backdoor Entry?
If you're sitting at 200 hours right now, reading about 1,500 hours feels like looking at the top of Mount Everest. Envoy knows this. Their Cadet Program is basically a way to "tag" you early.
You join as a "Cadet" once you have your Private Pilot license. Then, once you become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), you move up to "Cadet Instructor."
What’s the catch?
Not much of one, actually. You sign a piece of paper saying you'll fly for Envoy once you hit your hours. In exchange, you get travel benefits (standby flying) while you're still an instructor and a $15,000 bonus structure. Most people use that money to pay off the massive debt from flight school. It’s a smart move if you know for a fact you want to end up at American Airlines.
The "Flow" is the Real Prize
Why do people care so much about envoy airlines pilot requirements specifically? Why not SkyWest or Republic?
It’s the flow.
Envoy pilots have a contractual "flow-through" to American Airlines. This means you don't have to interview at American. You just wait your turn on the seniority list. When a spot opens at the "Big A," you move over. No more HR interviews. No more sim checks.
It’s the closest thing to job security you can find in this volatile industry. However, keep in mind that the "flow" can slow down. It’s a faucet that American Airlines controls. If they stop hiring, the flow stops moving.
Quality of Life: More than just flying
Let's talk about the "Commuter Policy." If you don't live in a hub like Dallas (DFW), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), or Phoenix (PHX), you're going to be a commuter. Envoy is actually pretty decent here. They offer up to four paid commuter hotels per month.
They also have "Long Call Reserve," which gives you at least 12 hours of notice before a trip. For a new pilot, that's huge. It's the difference between sleeping in your own bed and sitting in a crew room eating stale vending machine sandwiches.
What to Do Right Now
If you're serious about this, don't wait until you're at 1,499 hours to start your application.
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- Audit your logbook. Make sure your cross-country and night time actually meet the Part 61 or 141 requirements for the ATP. Errors here are the #1 reason people get sent home from interviews.
- Get your First Class Medical today. If you have a medical condition that might disqualify you, you need to know now, not $80,000 later.
- Update your resume on AirlineApps. This is the portal Envoy uses. Keep it fresh. Even if you only added 10 hours this month, update it. It shows the recruiters you’re active.
- Network. Talk to current Envoy pilots. Ask them about the "line life" in different bases.
The path to the flight deck is long, but the envoy airlines pilot requirements are a clear roadmap. Just make sure you’re looking at the road and not just the destination.