It is no small secret that the air transit industry is facing a pilot shortage. This shortage has caused countless problems for air carriers nationwide as they lack sufficient pilots to fly their fleet and keep their operations running. Because of this, airlines have done various things to attract additional pilots. These methods of enticement range from raising pilot salaries to improving quality of life. But in this article, we will focus on the technique that is becoming increasingly common, which is the implementation of pilot cadet programs.
What Are Pilot Cadet Programs?
Pilot cadet programs are courses new pilots may enroll in that will help them secure a position with an airline. Each program is unique, meaning pilots will have different experiences going through each program. They are typically free to join and have little to nothing to do with a pilot’s initial training.
These programs typically give pilots training regarding interview prep and airline operations. They do not typically provide them with training in regards to flying or for any pre-Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) training. They are meant to give pilots a clear path to their airline by helping them secure and prepare for an interview.
Aspiring pilots can benefit greatly from these programs as they help them secure an interview at an airline. Airlines also benefit significantly from these programs because they provide a steady stream of new pilots.
While cadet programs existed long before the pilot shortage, their importance has grown immensely. Many existing programs have been expanded as airlines increase funding, hoping to secure more talent through them. Many airlines that did not previously have cadet programs have added them.
Which cadet program does Axiom offer?
Many cadet programs are only available to students at specific partner flight schools, so where you train determines which airline pathway you can join. At Axiom, our focus is the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program.
SkyWest Cadet Program
SkyWest is a house favorite, as Axiom Aviation is a top-tier partner with SkyWest Airlines. SkyWest is a regional airline that operates flights on behalf of Delta, Alaska, United, and American Airlines. It flies the Embraer E175, Bombardier CRJ200, CRJ 700, and CRJ 900.
Pilots hold employee seniority at the airline through the SkyWest Cadet Program from the day they enroll. They also get access to interview prep and career guidance.
So, are pilot cadet programs worth it?
For most aspiring airline pilots, yes. A cadet program gives you a clear path to an airline, interview preparation, and career guidance while you are still in training. At Axiom Aviation, that path is our official SkyWest Airlines Pilot Pathway Program partnership. We are the only Utah flight school with that official pathway, and our Career Pilot Program takes students from private pilot through CFI/CFII on the way there.
If you also want a college degree, our partnerships with Thomas Edison State University and Purdue Global let you turn FAA certificates into college credit and earn a degree online at reduced tuition while you train. Not sure where to begin? A Discovery Flight is the best way to get started! There has never been a better time to become a pilot.
Ready to start flight training? Or have questions about pilot cadet programs? Reach out to us anytime at info@flyaxiom.com. Or give us a call at 262-297-4568.