Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and stability of focal plane are important performance index for airborne hyperspectral imaging systems in visible near infrared (VNIR) band. To fulfill the requirement, the rational selection of charge coupled device (CCD) detectors turns to be a key issue. A rapid method is proposed for choosing compatible CCD based on the scale, pixel size and frame rates of CCD. According to SNR formula of hyperspectral imager in VNIR band, a SNR model and a focal depth model are built. With analysis of a real project application, the selection process is proposed and the calculation when choosing the pixel size (or SNR) of the CCD is particularly elaborated. SNR and focal depth analysis of the selected one is also presented, proving that the models and the method of choosing CCD are rational. Results show that an efficient and accurate means of selecting CCD detectors is proposed for airborne hyperspectral imager.