Pilot Cadet Program

Overview

A Career Path from Private Pilot to Airline Pilot

Let your career take off with PSA Airlines

About PSA

PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and professional development. We value teamwork, diversity, and inclusivity and strive to create a safe, respectful, and happy work environment for our more than 4,000 employees. Our company culture, known as The PSA Way, is our foundation for operation and fosters stability, growth and a focus on the future while always placing safety at the forefront of everything we do. We are driven in our goals and achievements, eager to be better. We are reliable to one another and accountable for our actions. And we are caring in our daily interactions, with teammates, colleagues, and customers. Join our team to enjoy comprehensive benefits, including travel privileges on the American Airlines global network, so you can explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

 

Benefits

PSA offers the benefits you expect from a company focused on excellence. All eligible team members enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Travel privileges on the American Airlines global network
• A generous vacation plan designed to let you enjoy your travel perks
• 401(k) with company match
• American Airlines Group (AAG) profit-sharing and bonus opportunities
• A choice of three health plan options, all with nationwide coverage with the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network
• Premium dental coverage
• Vision plan options provided, including a plan that covers both glasses and contacts every year    
• Benefits navigation services, including finding a doctor, scheduling an appointment, understanding your medical bills, and free second opinion services
• Access to 24-hour virtual urgent care services
• Family planning and fertility treatment
• LGBTQ+ friendly services including gender affirming care, assistance finding knowledgeable providers, and family planning
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Short-term and Long-term Disability, and supplemental life insurance options for spouses and dependent children
• Flexible Spending Accounts for both Health Care and Dependent Care services
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program providing a range of services, including 5 free in-person sessions with a health care professional

Responsibilities

Program Overview

PSA is one of the first regional airlines to launch its Cadet Program to help the most promising future pilots make a smooth transition from the classroom to the cockpit. The Cadet Program initiative is just one other way PSA Airlines offers the most comprehensive benefits to its pilots. PSA Airlines is the fastest-growing regional airline in the country and with the fastest upgrade time in the industry and a true pilot-flow-through agreement to American, your career as a mainline pilot can start here.

• Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate.

• Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program.

  • Cadets are offered numerous opportunities, including mentorship with airline industry experts and internships.

• Upon completion of your Senior Cadet Interview, you are eligible for tuition reimbursement paid to you as follows:

  • $7,500 after the Senior Cadet Interview

  • $7,500 at time building (when they are within 500 hours of ATP minimums)

    • Total: $15,000

• ATP-CTP Course paid upon reaching ATP/R-ATP minimum flight experience requirements.
  • PSA will pay for the ATP-CTP course (valued at $5,000) for qualified candidates needing to complete the ATP written exam prior to new hire training.
  • Hotel accommodations and ground transportation during the ATP-CTP course will be provided.
• Get placed into the next available class at PSA upon reaching minimums, no additional interviewrequired.
• Flow-through to American Airlines with no additional interview, once completing requirements at PSA.

Interview ProcessInterview process is broken down into 3 sections:

• Section 1 – HR Interview – Cadet
• Section 2 – Technical Evaluation – Senior Cadet
• Section 3 – Cadet Instructor Check-in and Logbook review – Cadet Instructor

Qualifications

• Must have at least a private pilot certificate
• Must be a current flight student OR CFI, actively instructing
• No more than three check ride failures
• No accident