Spirit Airlines has entered into a milestone partnership with Liberty University to launch the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at the university’s School of Aeronautics in Lynchburg, Virginia.
On Thursday (September 14, 2023), Spirit Airlines announced the start of a new partnership with Liberty University to expand the future pipeline for pilots. Under the partnership, the carrier will launch their Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at the university’s School of Aeronautics in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty University is now the 10th partner of the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program, which offers graduates a fast track to a rewarding career as a Spirit Airlines’ First Officer.
In Thursday’s announcement, Spirit’s Senior Director of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot, Captain Ryan Rodosta, said,
“We put a lot of hard work into developing the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program and assembling a great group of partners making it incredibly rewarding to reach this key milestone. Liberty University offers a premier pilot training program designed to provide graduates with the skills to lead in the aviation field, and Spirit's growth creates opportunities for those graduates to achieve their dreams with us.”
Also commenting on the new pilot training collaboration, Liberty University’s Dean of the School of Aeronautics, Rick Roof, said,
“We are delighted to join with Spirit Airlines as the 10th partner in their Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program. This partnership is a major step in creating exceptional opportunities for our graduates, providing selected Liberty trained aviation professionals with a unique pathway directly to Spirit once they fulfill the necessary training and experience. Spirit will gain access to pilots with exceptional technical skills and the character to be difference-makers in the aerospace industry, while Liberty Aeronautics graduates can become a member of the Spirit team where they will join a recognized leader in quality of life while flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the skies. This is an incredible opportunity for our Champions to fulfill their aviation dreams, and their calling to serve.”
Liberty University students pursuing an aviation degree can apply for the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program after completing their sophomore year and obtaining a faculty member recommendation. If successful during Spirit’s interview process, candidates will then receive a conditional offer of employment, a Spirit EFB, and mentorship , as they complete their degree and build flight hours. Once they have reached the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) minimum requirements, pilots must successfully complete the Spirit-funded and approved Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) and Jet Transition course. Successful graduates meeting all program requirements will then join Spirit as a First Officer. To learn more about the program and application process, please click here.
Source: Spirit Airlines/PRNewswire