ACP370 Airline Career Pilot Programs Explained

by CarlValeri on September 21, 2023

 

Today we answer a question concerning airline career programs. They come with many names including pathway, flow-through, gateway, destinations, and many more. In this episode, I will try to explain the benefits and challenges of these programs coming up next.

If you want to ask a question visit: 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Or feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com 

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw”

The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at  www.strumorlaw.com 

Listener Questions:

Thank you for the great content and helpful information! I’ve heard you answer multiple questions about people changing careers and getting into aviation a little later in life. That’s the position I am in, and I’m trying to sort out what would be the best path for me.  

I am 38 and currently have zero aviation experience.  I feel like if I’m going to switch careers to aviation, I need to pick a path and stick with it since I am starting late and seniority is king.  So, the airline-specific programs are of interest to me such as Southwest’s Destination 225.  What are your thoughts on these types of programs?

My Thoughts on Airline Career Programs:

  • It really depends on your situation.
  • You only need to interview once.
  • Costs are many times higher than if you did it on your own.
  • During good times they are great.
  • They move people off the seniority list at the regionals quicker.
  • During bad times they often have flow-back provisions.
  • The time and cost may be more than you anticipated.
  • You can many times make it to a major quicker and less expensive on your own.
  • Prepares you to become an airline pilot because you use airline procedures from the start.
  • Programs are set up similarly to ab initio programs and are now mostly called “cadet” programs.  The programs have been popular in the past and are still popular in other countries.
  • There are many options where private flight schools have affiliations with airlines through cadet programs. 
  • It may be your last interview but be prepared to interview with others. 
  • Check Ride Failures matter. Some have a maximum of 3.
  • Real-Life Examples:
  1. From zero to the left seat of an airbus.
  2. Some think it is their last interview but it is not.
  3. Rotor transition 

 

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw”

The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at  www.strumorlaw.com 

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