2 answers
Izabella
Student
Miami, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What are the most effective steps a student can take during their undergraduate years to become a competitive applicant for major airline pilot positions?
-I got admitted into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
-I am currently a 12th grader who is taking only college coursework at my community college
-I do not have any certifications or license in relation to aviation
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2 answers
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs, FAA Part 121
102
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Izabella - I would suggest you go online and enter the following: "airline cadet pilot programs."
This will give you a list of the various major airlines and their "cadet" programs.
Most of the airlines have a flight school they affiliate with.
Once you have acquired a specific skill level and their required number of flight hours then you are eligible to apply to their commuter airline affiliate. Then you can slowly progress from the commuter aircraft to the major parent airline.
Example: For Alaska Airlines you would start flying at Horizon Airlines and then progress to Alaska Airlines.
The other thing is to try and get hired in any position at the airline and start/continue your flight training. At Alaska Airlines once you reach a certain skill level you can apply for a stipend which will help pay for your flight training.
Here is a link to Alaska Airlines Pilot Program "Ascend": https://careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pilot-training/
Enjoy your journey
This will give you a list of the various major airlines and their "cadet" programs.
Most of the airlines have a flight school they affiliate with.
Once you have acquired a specific skill level and their required number of flight hours then you are eligible to apply to their commuter airline affiliate. Then you can slowly progress from the commuter aircraft to the major parent airline.
Example: For Alaska Airlines you would start flying at Horizon Airlines and then progress to Alaska Airlines.
The other thing is to try and get hired in any position at the airline and start/continue your flight training. At Alaska Airlines once you reach a certain skill level you can apply for a stipend which will help pay for your flight training.
Here is a link to Alaska Airlines Pilot Program "Ascend": https://careers.alaskaair.com/career-opportunities/pilots/pilot-training/
Enjoy your journey
Thank you so much. It is hard trying to find the right path in aviation. I always find answers that contradict each other but you made my path just one step easier.
Izabella
Dennis Nguyen
Flight Instructor
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
What Wayne said, I highly recommend you look into airline cadet programs. Some cadet programs at regional airlines can help you transition into a legacy carrier such as United, American, or Delta.
There are also pilot job fairs, conventions, and networking events that you can attend throughout the year to meet with pilots/recruiters and establish your connection with them. Some associations include PAPA, NGPA, OBAP, Women in Aviation, and more!
Attending aviation events, networking, joining clubs/extracurricular activities, or volunteering are good ways to stand out when applying for future pilot positions!
There are also pilot job fairs, conventions, and networking events that you can attend throughout the year to meet with pilots/recruiters and establish your connection with them. Some associations include PAPA, NGPA, OBAP, Women in Aviation, and more!
Attending aviation events, networking, joining clubs/extracurricular activities, or volunteering are good ways to stand out when applying for future pilot positions!