Pilot Cadet Program

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

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 or incident determined by the NTSB to be negligent on behalf of the pilot/aviator
• Ability to obtain a First-Class Medical
• Ability to obtain a Valid Passport
• Ability to obtain FCC Restricted Radio Operator’s Permit
• Must be able to meet the necessary hours and qualification under the ATP requirements or the restricted ATP requirements
• Cadets eligible for a R-ATP (1000 or 1250 hours), must have no more than 700 hours
• Cadets requiring ATP (1500 hours), must have no more than 1200 hours
• If hired, must be able to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the US
• Must be able to speak, read and write in English

Competencies

To be successful at PSA, you should be:

• Driven
• Reliable
• Caring
• Engaging Communicator
• Decisive
• Results Driven

Additional Information

Work Environment: This job operates inside a climate-controlled building. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, facsimile machines and filing cabinets.Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb up and down stairs; lift weight up to 25 lbs; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.Security Clearance: All employees are required to pass the fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) per 49CFR1542.209. AAP/EEO Statement: PSA Airlines is an equal opportunity employer; qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.