In addition to a qualifying bachelor's degree, candidates must have a current FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or equivalent rating from the armed services. Also a minimum of 1,500 hours of pilot in command (or first pilot) flight time which includes at least 500 hours of jet aircraft having at least 3,000 pounds of thrust per engine is required. Candidates must also possess one year of specialized experience at a level comparable to the grade of the position being filled. This experience description would be found in any pilot vacancy announcement.