Cadet Program Takes Away 'Unknowns' Of Airline Pilot Career For Selected Candidates

By Maxine Scheer

Officials representing the Aviation and Aeronautical Science Program at LeTourneau University (LETU) and PSA Airlines signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at AirVenture 2016. Brooks Butler, PSA Chief Pilot and lead pilot recruiter (left) and Fred Ritchie (right), Dean of the College of Aeronautical Science; Professor at LeTourneau officiated at the signing.

LETU is partnering with PSA Airlines, described by LETU as “the fastest-growing regional airline in the country”, as it launches a cadet program to help future pilots make a smooth transition from classrooms to cockpit.

With this program, students will have their entire career mapped out by the time they are a sophomore or junior,” said LETU Dean Ritchie.

PSA’s Butler noted the selection of LETU was made after vetting crews made site visits to multiple academic flight programs across the country. Butler attributed LETU’s high rankings in numerous areas on PSA’s checklist, and in particular, LETU’s approach to safety.

LETU notes the new program announced at AirVenture offers various levels of support as the Cadet’s certifications, training and experience evolves, including up to $16,000 in tuition reimbursement.

According to LeTourneau’s website, students meeting the program requirements can be accepted into the Pilot Cadet Program as soon as they receive their private pilot certificate. As graduates, program participants work for PSA as LETU flight instructors. This allows the participant to enjoy employee benefits, including travel privileges, at PSA while gaining the flight time and experience needed to work as an airline pilot

Mentorships and internships with airline industry experts can begin as early as a Cadet’s freshman year. Pledging mentorship helps ensure the Cadets are successful along the way, including when they go through the PSA training program.

Successful cadets will have one interview with PSA that will get them from the regionals directly into the right seat at American Airlines,” said Butler. “This program takes out the unknowns.”

According to Butler, PSA anticipates hiring over 500 pilots to meet anticipated growth in fleet and operations over the next 12 to 18 months. Anticipated hiring levels of 200 pilots per year are anticipated after that, based on anticipated attrition levels.

“Butler estimates PSA will have a crew size of approximately 2,000 to 2,200 pilots to maintain operations after accepting additional aircraft. PSA notes plans for adding 35 Bombardier CRJ 700 aircraft and 18 Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft to its fleet in the next two years. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, PSA also has flight crew bases located in Dayton, Cincinnati, Ohio, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

LETU describes itself as the only comprehensive, university-level aviation program in the state of Texas. LETU offers seventeen aviation-related degree and concentration options (Bachelors and Associates).

FMI: http://www.letu.edu/opencms/opencms/_Academics/Aero-Science/index.html, www.psaairlines.com/careers/cadet-program/