American Airlines Cadet Academy has launched their first collegiate partnership with Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Cadets can earn their FAA certificates and ratings, along with their Associate or Applied Science degree simultaneously.
On Monday (October 31, 2022), American Airlines announced that the American Airlines Cadet Academy has launched their first collegiate partnership with Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Spartan College has been training pilots and aviation technicians since 1928. Cadets will now be able to earn their FAA certificates and ratings, along with their Associate or Applied Science degree simultaneously. Graduates will qualify for a restricted Air Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate after 1,250 flight hours. The new partnership expands American Airlines Air Academy’s network to five locations. The Aviation Flight Program can be completed in as little as 17 months with reduced ATP hours, and offers housing options and financial aid to qualified candidates. Additionally, Certified Flight Instructors can continue their education and earn a B.S. in Technology Management degree from Spartan College.
In Monday’s announcement, American Airlines’ Managing Director of Aviation Recruiting and Programs, Christina Flores, said,
“The American Airlines Cadet Academy is designed to address all of the obstacles associated with a traditional flight training path. We are thrilled to offer a new pathway which includes building flight time while working towards a college degree with the support of mentorship and financial aid.”
Also commenting on the new training partnership, Spartan College’s Chief Executive officer, Rob Polston, added,
“Spartan is well known for providing broad access to aspiring pilots from all backgrounds and for the high standards of our flight training. We are committed to working with American Airlines to train a pipeline of new pilots to meet their needs for years to come. We are honored to partner with one of the world’s leading airlines and train the next generation of pilots in their innovative Cadet Academy.”
Since launching in 2018, the American Airlines Cadet Academy has enrolled nearly 700 cadets, with over 100 already graduating from the program. Enrolled students are paired with an American Airlines’ pilot mentor, and qualifying cadets will also have access to American Airlines Federal Credit Union’s Cadet Loan Program to help cover the cost of training. Once the required flight hours have been obtained, graduates will be offered an interview by American’s wholly-owned regional carriers Envoy Air, Piedmont and PSA. If hired, they will then be on clear pathway to working at American Airlines. For those interested in learning more about pilot training and how to get started, please click here.
Source: American Airlines