FAA Requires Airlines to Certify Merit-Based Pilot Hiring

New directive aims to address allegations of discrimination in pilot hiring practices.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a directive requiring all U.S. airlines to certify that they are conducting merit-based hiring for pilots. This action comes in response to allegations of airlines hiring based on race and sex, and follows an executive order issued by former President Trump to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The FAA stated that airlines must ensure pilot hiring is exclusively merit-based to fulfill their duty to provide the highest possible degree of safety.

Why it matters

The directive is intended to address concerns about potential discrimination in the historically white and male-dominated airline pilot profession. While there is no evidence of unqualified pilots being hired, the FAA is taking steps to ensure airlines adhere to merit-based hiring practices to maintain the highest safety standards.

The details

Under the new FAA directive, all U.S. airlines must certify that they are conducting merit-based hiring for pilots. If airlines fail to comply, they could face a federal investigation. The action follows an executive order issued by former President Trump shortly after taking office in 2025 to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the United States. Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers, stated that safety is the top priority and that its member airlines comply with all federal regulations and laws, including those related to qualifications, training and licensing.

  • The FAA issued the directive on February 13, 2026.
  • Former President Trump issued the executive order to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs in January 2025, shortly after taking office.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who announced the FAA's directive.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who issued an executive order to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Airlines for America

The trade association representing major U.S. passenger airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines.

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that in 2021 set a goal to train 5,000 new pilots by 2030, with at least half being women or people of color.

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What they’re saying

“Safety is, and always will be, the top priority for U.S. airlines.”

— Airlines for America

“We must ensure pilot hiring is exclusively merit-based to fulfill its duty to provide the highest possible degree of safety.”

— Federal Aviation Administration

What’s next

The FAA will monitor airlines' compliance with the new directive and investigate any airlines that fail to certify their use of merit-based pilot hiring practices.

The takeaway

This directive aims to address concerns about potential discrimination in the airline pilot profession, which has historically been dominated by white men. By requiring airlines to certify their use of merit-based hiring, the FAA is taking steps to ensure the industry maintains the highest safety standards while also promoting diversity and inclusion.