Aviation Recruiting Services

Aviation
Recruiting Services

API helps Part 91 flight departments identify, select, hire and retain the best of the best in business aviation.

For aviation Employers

Talent Indentification

Attract and retain high-performing business aviation team members.

Compensation Consulting

Benchmark your flight department’s current and proposed compensation plan.

Outplacement Support

Support employees post-departure, and prepare them for workforce re-entry.

Testimonials

API Client

"API knocked it out of the park… they really nailed the cultural fit"

API really knocked it out of the park for our flight department. I don't know how they do it, but they really nailed the cultural fit. We retained API to fill one pilot position. They presented three stellar candidates and in the end, we decided to hire all three. Our team is thrilled with the level of talent that API presented, but more importantly, impressed with how every single candidate fit within our department's culture. Having hired talent on my own in the past, I recognize how incredibly challenging this can be. API was flawless in their delivery and very professional and pleasant to work with.

Director of Aviation , Part 91 Flight Department

"We had a challenging hire in terms of finding the right candidates which is why we engaged API."

We had a challenging hire in terms of finding the right pool of candidates with such a broad and diverse background, which is why we engaged API.

Chief Pilot , Part 91 Flight Department

"We have exclusively hired API candidates to fill all of our pilot positions."

We’ve consulted with API for over 20 years, and have exclusively hired API candidates to fill all of our pilot positions. Their careful matching of candidate-to-employer has only one drawback: it makes for a very difficult decision. I cannot foresee filling a future pilot vacancy any other way.

Director of Aviation , Part 91 Flight Department

"API's outplacement assistance was invaluable."

As our organization faced impending closure, we looked to API to act as the guiding hand for our members during their transition. API was ready immediately to provide the advice needed as our team faced the challenge of redirecting their careers. It's hard to put a price tag on that, but I can tell you that API's assistance—both in the early days and over the course of several months—was invaluable.

Former Chief Pilot , Part 91 Flight Department

"Partnering with API was an investment in our future."

Of the many strategic decisions we’ve made over the years, using a recruiter like API has had one of the biggest impacts on our operation. Partnering with API was an investment in our future. We don't just hire pilots, we look for people who have the potential to become future leaders. API understood that.

Former Aviation Manager , Discount Tire

"API’s support, knowledge and skills were invaluable to our entire team"

There was comfort knowing that the API team was well versed in the outplacement process. They were counselors, psychiatrists, mentors, and friends. Their support, knowledge and skills were invaluable to our entire team. As a participant, the structural and emotional support was outstanding—from writing resumes to guiding our self-discovery and soul searching.

Director of Aviation , Part 91 Flight Department

"Given the opportunity to hire in the future, I would most certainly use API."

Having flown for several large departments, I learned early on that when the staff could count on certain predictable levels of stability it created a much more productive and focused working environment for the flight department. API was able to bring this to my former department and we thrived for many years after working with them. Given the opportunity to hire in the future, I would most certainly use API.

VP of Aviation , Part 91 Flight Department

"(API) thoroughly knows their industry, the marketplace and the intricacies of the outplacement arena. A perfect combination!"

I'm a big supporter of outplacement services for people impacted by downsizing, and was worried about using an organization that might not have any experience or knowledge of this industry. Thankfully I was introduced to API. This is an organization that thoroughly knows their industry, the marketplace and the intricacies of the outplacement arena. A perfect combination!

Former VP of HR , Wells Fargo Bank

"It is a pleasure to work with (API). They are smart, intuitive and totally professional."

API has an unmatched and in-depth knowledge of the industry and continually present 'top of the class' candidates. They have a deep knowledge of the business and maintain exceptional client relations by making sure that the fit is right for both the individual and our company regardless of the complexity of the search or the length of time. It is a pleasure to work with them. They are smart, intuitive and totally professional.

SVP of Executive Recruiting , Part 91 Flight Department

"My focus has never been on the latest hiring practices... API makes this their focus"

I would recommend API because, while working as a professional in the aviation industry, my focus has never been on what’s the latest hiring practices companies are using today. API makes this their focus.

Aircraft Technician , Part 91 Flight Department

"The individual we hired is an extremely strong fit and we're very pleased the final result."

This was the first time in 15 years we outsourced to a recruiting company, and I was a skeptical that the team could get a sense of our cultural needs in our initial half-day meeting. API really understood our need for strict confidentiality, the unique job requirements, our owners' preferences and the very small niche in which to find talent. The individual we hired is an extremely strong fit and we're very pleased with the entire API process, and especially the final result. The entire team did a great job.

Chief Pilot , Part 91 Flight Department

"API helped us build an excellent team that has exceeded expectations."

[The team] at API were tremendous partners as we staffed an entire flight department from scratch. We had extremely strict requirements and a very tight time frame to work within, and a limited network from which to pull candidates, given that we were recruiting in a new location. They provided high-quality candidates and helped us build an excellent team that has exceeded expectations.

HR Manager , Part 91 Flight Department

"API took the time to understand our needs and, most importantly, the candidate fit with our corporate culture."

We greatly appreciate API’s help finding a Director of Aviation. They are very well-connected in the business aviation industry, highly professional and produced a slate of high-quality candidates within the requested timeframe. API took the time to understand our needs and, most importantly, the candidate fit with our corporate culture. We are very pleased with the results.

Aviation Reporting Executive , Part 91 Flight Department

For aviation Job Seekers

Become an API
Registered
Professional™

Be considered for unadvertised jobs with top employers.

Become an API
Registered
Professional™

Be considered for unadvertised jobs with top employers.

Elevate
with API™

Take your career to the next level or access expertise and support for securing a job.

Your HR partners in all things PEOPLE

The best investment in business aviation is your people. And at API, we help you hire and develop the best of the best.

For 50 years, Aviation Personnel International has been exclusively providing people-based aviation recruiting services for Part 91 flight departments. Our industry longevity, experience and specialization truly sets us apart. 

Among many things, we're best known for:
  • Helping aviation organizations hire high-performers by making cultural matches.
  • Serving as industry experts in aviation workforce issues (e.g., pilot shortage, diversity, attraction, retention and compensation).
  • Offering the broadest portfolio of pre-vetted, passive job seekers.
  • Being the longest-running business aviation recruiting services firm serving business and private aviation.
  • Operating as a woman-owned and -led aviation organization.

In business aviation, it's not about planes ... It's about People™

Quality, Not Quantity

Here at API, quality and confidentiality are never compromised.

When it comes to our aviation recruiting services, we assume the daunting responsibility to get it all right.

How may we assist you?
Your aviation people need:
Recruiting
Compensation Counseling
Outplacement
Other
What is the best way to reach you?
Phone
Email

Testimonials

API Job Seeker

"Companies that use API are the types of organizations flight crews want to work for."

I first became associated with API in August 1997 as part of an [outplacement service] severance package. Since then, API has not disappointed.

Over the years, API has placed me in several positions, each one better than the last. API’s commitment to their clients is second to none. Companies that use API to fill positions are the types of organizations flight crews want to work for because they demonstrates a commitment to placing the right people in the right positions.

I consider API an integral part of my career and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking to advance their aviation careers.

Captain , Part 91 Flight Department

"The whole API process has been quite enlightening."

Thank you for talking with me. I have to admit, the whole API process has been quite enlightening. It made me take a good look at the life experiences that made me the man that I am today.

Pilot , Part 91 Flight Department

"API takes the time to focus on people, their personalities and the right fit."

One of the many things I love about the API team is that they take the time to focus on people, their personalities and the right fit.
I feel completely confident that any career opportunity they present to me is worth serious consideration. Their time and effort is appreciated!

Chief Pilot , Part 91 Flight Department

"My thanks are for my position, and also for helping us create the most cohesive, fun team I have ever been a part of."

As I approach my second anniversary, I wanted to thank you again for seeing the ‘fit’ for me in this position. It has been a wild and fun ride, evolving significantly from the staid, predictable place it was when they retained you. My thanks are for my position, and also for helping us create the most cohesive, fun team I have ever been a part of. No dead weight, no agendas, no siloes. Truly a place where we are greater than the sum of the parts. A place where the people know that just culture prevails and respectful dissent is invited, and celebrated. It may be the best job in business aviation.

Director of Aviation , Part 91 Flight Department

"I would highly recommend Aviation Personnel International."

I just wanted to give a sincere thank you for the career assistance and guidance. API did an excellent job preparing, coordinating and navigating as a liaison between myself and the company.

I would highly recommend API to any corporate flight department that is currently searching for highly qualified aviation professionals.

Lead Aviation Maintenance Technician , Part 91 Flight Department

Working with the team at API was an absolute pleasure.

Working with the team at API was an absolute pleasure. Every "interview" in their thorough process felt more like a conversation over coffee than a formal interview. Debbi and Jennifer have honed their craft and are experts at screening applicants for placement. They take great pride in matching an applicant's personality with the culture of the companies they represent. Communication was excellent throughout the process. I highly recommend the team at API whether you're an applicant looking for a job or a company looking for the right employee who will match your workplace culture.

Pilot , Encompass Health

"API is the best resource for those looking for a job in business aviation."

Because of their emphasis on fitting the right people to the right position and department, I think that API is the best resource for those looking for a job in business aviation.

The people at API are consummate professionals, and they’ve always provided me with great input to enhance my development as a business aviation professional.

Working with API hasn’t just provided me with job opportunities I would not have found elsewhere, but they have also helped me to efficiently develop professionally.

Lead Pilot , Part 91 Flight Department

"I offer my sincere thanks to API for helping me to land this amazing job!"

I regularly reflect on how lucky I am to be where I am, surrounded by the best in the industry; and I offer my sincere thanks to API for helping me to land this amazing job!

Flight Standards Captain , Part 91 Flight Department

"API takes the time to focus on people, their personalities and the right fit."

One of the many things I love about the API team is that they take the time to focus on people, their personalities and the right fit.

I feel completely confident that any career opportunity they present to me is worth serious consideration. Their time and effort is appreciated!

Chief Pilot , Part 91 Flight Department

"My experience with API has resulted in my dream job."

My experience with API has resulted in my dream job. You will serve yourself, your department or future employer well by developing a long-lasting relationship with these fine people.

Captain , Part 91 Flight Department

API is the very BEST in the industry, hands down!

API is the very BEST in the industry, hands down! I spent several months working with the team at API, including Jennifer and Debbi. The experience was nothing short of incredible. When I was feeling like I wasn’t valuable, you helped me see my worth. When I thought the perfect place for me didn’t exist, you helped show me that it does! You all ROCK, and I will not forget it…ever. I made friends for a lifetime with your group. Thank you for that, and everything else y’all did for me.

Captain , Part 91 Flight Department

"Calling API was the most important step… in order to land my dream job."

Calling API was the most important step I took after my retirement from the Air Force. API provided outstanding service that allowed me to highlight and market my skills in order to land my dream job with a world-class corporate aviation department.

Senior Flight Technician , Part 91 Flight Department

"The API team is focused on personality and fit. In a corporate flight department, this is a critical component to success."

While most recruiting firms are merely interested in placing pilots in jobs, the API team is focused on personality and fit. In a corporate flight department, this is a critical component to success. By interviewing the departments to determine culture and needs, they then use a variety of personality tests and interviews to match those needs with potential candidates. This is a unique approach to recruiting.

API guided me through the entire process and were there at every step to ensure my success. They gave me clear idea of what the hiring manager was looking for and helped me prepare for the interview. I went in well-briefed and confident. That allowed me to tailor my answers to preemptively address those concerns.

In this dynamic hiring environment, it’s getting difficult to find people qualified on specific equipment. I was not the candidate on paper that my employer-to-be thought they were looking for. But through API's unique recruiting process, they were able to focus on what the hiring customer really needed.

Captain , Part 91 Flight Department

"Working with API, I found an opportunity that was closely aligned with my values, personality and aviation goals."

Working with API, I was finally able to find an opportunity that was closely aligned with my values, personality and aviation goals. My current organization is one-of-a-kind, and like a family.

Without API, I never would have known this department existed, much less had the chance to present myself at an interview. The API process was slightly more comprehensive and personal than other applications; I attribute this to the success of the match. Sheryl Barden and her team offered enough insight into the position for me to know I was interested and that a potential match was on the table. They stayed in touch throughout the various phases of interview, which removed the majority of the mystery (and nerves) that usually occurs during the vetting process. I have and will continue to recommend colleagues to API.

Captain , Part 91 Flight Department

I cannot recommend API enough.

I interviewed and set up my candidate profile and over the years I kept in contact with API. Early this year, I was contacted by them to interview for what would become my dream job. I cannot recommend API enough. They handled my interview process with the upmost professionalism and I can’t thank them enough!

Captain G650 , Part 91 Flight Department
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