Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway Expands With Dallas-Based Flight School
In a move to boost its pilot pool, Spirit is taking flight with the US Aviation Academy.
Floridia-based Spirit Airlines is looking to increase its pilot pool in Texas, with the latest announcement that the ultra-low-cost carrier will partner with Denton-based US Aviation Academy. The latest move is hoped to feed trainee pilots into the Spirit base already at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). For prospective pilots, a dream of taking the helm of Spirits mix of A320s could be closer, with the alumni eligible to apply for the spirit wings pilot pathway program once they have completed a total of 500 hours of flight time and received a recommendation from the academy leaders.
If applicants then pass Spirit’s interview process, the cadets will be invited to join the airline with a conditional offer of employment and receive mentorship while completing the required hours for their Air Transport Pilot (ATP) license.
Continued growth demands more pilots.
Senior Director of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot Ryan Rodosta commented on the partnership with the academy in Denton, noting that it was the perfect partner to expand the pilot pool:
“US Aviation Academy has all the attributes of a top-notch flight school, and that’s exactly the type of partner we are looking for as we expand our pilot pipeline,” said Ryan Rodosta, Senior Director of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot at Spirit Airlines. “We’re adding new planes and destinations, and our continued growth makes this the perfect opportunity to start working toward a career on the flight deck with us.”
While it won’t be a walk in the park for pilots, the process for applicants will include becoming a certified flight instructor and completing Spirit-approved ATP/CTP and Jet transition courses. The academy also offers an accelerated commercial pilot program, which can fast-forward the opportunity to become a first officer in as little as two years and attain your commercial and instructors certificate within nine months.
Partnerships across US airlines
Currently, the US Aviation Academy provides pilot and cadet programs with a range of United States carriers, with programs specially designed to benefit both the trainee pilot and potential airline employers. Scott Sykes, Chief Development Officer for US Aviation Academy, noted:
“US Aviation Academy is excited to present a new career pathway for professional pilots to support Spirit Airlines’ growth. Both companies have a history of innovation and a commitment to safety and high-quality training, which makes for a great partnership.”
Through its Aviate program, United Airlines is one of many airlines working with the academy to provide a direct pathway for future pilots, providing coaching, development, and a gateway into one of the ‘Big Three’ US airlines. Initially being funneled into United Express, once meeting transition requirements, pilots then have the opportunity to transition into United.
Currently, a selection of airlines and programs working with the US Aviation Academy include Sky West, GoJet, Mountain Air Cargo, Southwest, Envoy Air, Aviate, JSX, Avelo, Breeze, and Spirit Airlines.
Sources: PR News Wire
