Amna Nawaz
@PBSNewsHour·5.3M subscribers·62.2K videos
New FAA hiring rule could narrow pilot pathway, experts say
Posted
March 9, 2026
Views
14,494
Likes
521
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March 9, 2026
14,494
521
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3:50Now PlayingThis new FAA mandate may make it more difficult to hire pilots
As U.S. airlines face a pilot shortage, a new federal directive is adding turbulence to the conversation around hiring.
As part of the Trump administration’s shift away from diversity, equity and inclusion policies, the Federal Aviation Administration is requiring airlines to formally pledge that pilot hiring is based strictly on merit, not race or gender.
But many in the industry say that's already how it works, and they worry this change could harm perception of airlines and pilots.
Here's a closer look at the rule change and what it means for pilot hiring, recruitment and training.
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