Spartan College of
Aeronautics and Technology has become American Airlines Cadet
Academy’s first collegiate partner to offer an Associate of
Applied Science degree in Aviation Flight.
“The American Airlines Cadet Academy is designed
to address all of the obstacles associated with a traditional
flight training path,” said Christina Flores, Managing Director of
Aviation Recruiting and Programs at American Airlines. “We are
thrilled to offer a new pathway which includes building flight
time while working towards a college degree with the support of
mentorship and financial aid.”
Through this new partnership with Spartan College,
American Airlines cadets have an opportunity to earn their FAA
certificates and ratings, as well as their Associate of Applied
Science degree.
The Aviation Flight program at Spartan College can
be completed in just 17 months with reduced ATP hours,
housing options, and financial aid for those who qualify.
Certified Flight Instructors can also continue their education to
earn a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management degree from
Spartan.
“Spartan is well known for providing broad access
to aspiring pilots from all backgrounds and for the high standards
of our flight training,” said Rob Polston, Chief Executive Officer
at Spartan College. “We are committed to working with American
Airlines to train a pipeline of new pilots to meet their needs for
years to come. We are honored to partner with one of the world’s
leading airlines and train the next generation of pilots in their
innovative Cadet Academy.”
Since its launch in 2018, nearly 700 cadets have
entered the Cadet Academy, and more than 100 have already
graduated with the program.
Students enrolled in the Cadet Academy will be
paired with an American Airlines pilot mentor to guide them
through the journey. Qualifying cadets also have access to
American Airlines Federal Credit Union’s Cadet Loan Program for
financial assistance in covering the cost of training.
Upon completion of the required flight hours,
American’s three wholly owned regional carriers (Envoy, Piedmont,
and PSA) will offer graduates an interview. If hired by one of
those airlines, cadets are well on their way to working at American
Airlines.
