Pilot Programs

British Airways Cadet Pilot Programme

The British Cadet Pilot Programme known as the British Airways Future Pilot Programme, is yet another in the long list of major airlines extending a welcoming hand to both experienced and non-pilots alike.

Launched in 2011, the programme is designed to provide world class training to pilots for employment as a first officers starting a career on short haul aircraft like their B737 and A320. You apply online at bafuturepilot.com which triggers off the process of an application review for suitability.

Their requirements are simple as stated on the website:

This unique programme is open to any aspiring pilots who will be between the ages of 18 – 55 on 1st February 2012. Aspiring pilots from school leavers to those changing career are all very welcome to apply. You’ll need seven GCSEs at grade C or above (with Bs in English, Maths and a Science subject) plus three A-Levels, at grade BBC or above (General Studies excluded). If you don’t have the GCSE/A-Levels (or equivalents) that we’re looking for, but hold an Honours degree at 2:1 or above, we would be very happy to use that as evidence of your academic achievement. If you do meet the minimum GCSE/A-Level requirements, and you are a university graduate, there is no minimum degree class required. If you’ve got equivalent qualifications then you will be asked to provide a Letter of Comparability from UK NARIC before attending your first selection day. Read more…

South African Airways Cadet Program

South African Airways is the world class international carrier for South Africa operating an almost all Airbus fleet to include the A340-600 that connects South Africa to the world. Their Cadet Program scheme is similar to most major carriers that will work with low to no aviation experience granted that you have a passion for flight and the airline.

Some basic requirements must be met before the selection and training programme can commence. Acceptance into the programme will depend on the following 11 factors:

• Matric Certificate/Grade 12/N3 or relevant qualification (SAQA accredited)
• Compulsory Mathematics or Statistics 101 and English, coupled with one of the following: Physical Science or Computer Science (D symbol on higher grade or C symbol on standard grade)
• South African citizen
• Preferably up to 25 years of age
• At least 1.60 metres tall
• Medically fit
• Prepared to undergo vigorous training (free of charge) for up to two years
• Prepared to sign a training bond Read more…

ATP Flight School

ATP Flight School in the United States is a very unique program that allows pilots, and wannabes, to become a commercial rated pilot with numerous add ons.

When browsing through their website, we discovered that their programs are really fast paced. in as little as 90 days you can get instrument rated, multi-engine, commercial, and certified flight instructor. That seems a lot considering the information that is needed to be retained by the student.

For around $50,000 USD you can get all of these ratings done in just about any state in the U.S. Another cool thing about the program is that you are guaranteed an instructor job after graduation from the 90 day program. To top that off, you are entitled to an interview with American Airlines’ regional carrier American Express, after 600 hours of instruction.

Read more…

Virgin Australia Cadet Pilot Program

Virgin Australia is the newest brand to fall under the Virgin empire. Virgin Australia is a combination of Virgin Blue, V Australia and possibly Pacific Blue.

Virgin Australia operates a fleet of advanced 737s, 777s and other smaller regional airplanes. Their upcoming cadet pilot program shows very small similarities to the Cathay Pacific Cadet Program since you will be employed as a cruise first officer on the 777 fleet. Cathay Pacific employs you as a lower rated second officer. Our sources also mentioned that there is also an option to fly for the regional carrier before being upgraded to a regular first officer on their long haul fleet.

We were informed that April 2012 was the month applications would be taken but we still have not received the official word. We will keep you updated when more information becomes available via our Facebook page.

REX Cadet Pilot Program

Rex (Regional Express) is a small airline based in Australia and operated a wide range of small aircraft led by the Saab 340. Rex operate flights for Qantas and uses the Qantas livery on most of their airplanes.

To be eligible for the cadet pilot program, a candidate must have completed year 12. Other than that, it will cost you a whopping $98,000 but can be significantly be reduces with a grant from them that gets ‘forgiven’ if you stay with them for seven years. Training is only 32 weeks but is dependent on the individual cadet. Read more…

Dragonair Pilot Cadet Program

Go to the Dragonair Pilot Cadet Program Forum

The Dragonair Pilot Cadet Program, just like the Cathay Pacific Pilot Cadet Program, was designed to give the opportunity to the average person with a passion for aviation the chance to become a pilot for Dragonair. Unlike the Cathay Pacific Pilot Cadet Program, you will take on the rank of First Officer after the completion of training rather than Cathay’s Second Officer tier.

To be eligible for the Dragonair Pilot Cadet Program you must: Read more…

Qantas Link Trainee Program

Go to the Qantas Link Trainee Program Forum

Qantas Link is Australia’s premier regional airline operating a fleet of 43 aircraft including the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. Upon successful completion of the program, an applicant can expect to become a Qantas Link First Officer. Just like any other Pilot Cadet Program, this was designed for applicants that did not qualify for the competitive Direct Entry scheme. That being said, this program is by far one of the more competitive ones but it is very cheap compared to the others.

The minimum requirements for this program are:

Education

• Higher School Certificate (documentation required), with passes in Maths and English (approved bridging courses will be considered)
• Tertiary studies are highly desirable but not essential. Read more…

Qantas Airways Cadet Pilot Program

Go to the Qantas Pilot Program Forum

The Qantas Airways Cadet Pilot Program provides applicants with four different university and flying based programs depending on your level of experience.

Qantas has strict minimum requirements which includes: Read more…

Emirates Airlines National Cadet Pilot Programme

Go to the Emirates Pilot Cadet Program Forum

The Emirates Airlines National Cadet Programme is open to to United Arab Emirates Nationals only and provides a very attractive benefits package. It is no secret that money is not a problem to some Middle Eastern countries so imagine the benefits that comes with this program. Read more…

Jetstar Airways Pilot Cadet Program

Go to the Jetstar Cadet Program Forum

The Jetstar Airways Pilot Cadet Program is a great one for those wanting a First Officer position on an Airbus A320. Jetstar Airways is a subsidiary of Qantas and operates as Australia’s domestic low cost carrier. Jetstar also has international services using their Airbus A330 fleet and future Boeing 787 when their orders are fulfilled. Read more…