Cadets
You Deserve the PSA Difference
Your path to the most valuable and stable career in commercial aviation.
Your career as a mainline pilot for the largest airline in the world, American Airlines, can start here. PSA cadets can expect the following.
- Industry-leading first-year pay
- Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement
- Additional $7,500 in flight training assistance
- Mentorship from airline industry experts and career-boosting opportunities
- Receive an additional $13,000 bonus
- $5,000 at end of training
- $8,000 at end of first year
- Minimal reserve time and a quick upgrade to captain
- Guaranteed flow through to American Airlines in 6-7 years
The Interview and Hiring Process
You’ll be on a direct career path from PSA to American Airlines beginning your first day. We’re here to help the most promising future pilots make a smooth transition into commercial aviation.
1. Check your qualifications & apply now
Private pilots attending one of our cadet partner schools can submit an application.
2. Complete the interview process
Join PSA as a cadet and continue to build your hours to become a senior cadet. Once you become a Certified Flight Instructor you’ll begin receiving tuition reimbursement.
3. Complete ATP-CTP course and become first officer
After your ATP-CTP course, you can now start 13 weeks of ground school. You’ll receive first-year pay up to $72,000, bonus of $13,000, access to generous referral bonuses and a commuter allowance.
4. Your pathway to American Airlines
Upgrade to captain in less than two years and guaranteed flow through to American within 6-7 years. “Joining the PSA team will give you the training and experience you’ll need to join American,” Robert Isom, President, American Airlines.
This is the start of a career you can be proud of from day one.
Robert Isom, President of American Airlines
Cadet Levels
Cadet
Qualifications: Private Pilot Certificate
Requirements: Successfully completed the HR interview
Benefits: Mentorship and promotional material
Senior Cadet
Qualifications: Single, Commercial, Multi-Engine Rating
Requirements: Successfully completed the entire interview process, including technical portion
Benefits: Mentorship and promotional material, $7,500 in flight training assistance when Senior Cadets commit to PSA
Cadet Instructor
Qualifications: Certified Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument Airplane Rating
Requirements: Pass the Captain Review Board and sign Letter of Commitment
Benefits: Mentorship, promotional material, tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000; Instructor Placement Program
Our Partner Schools
- Averett University
- Central Washington University
- Cochise College
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Inter-American University of Puerto Rico
- Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus
- L3Harris Flight Academy
- Letourneau University
- Liberty University
- Middle Georgia State University
- The Ohio State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Purdue University
- Skywarrior
- Sinclair Community College
- Triad Aviation Academy
- University of Dubuque
- University of North Dakota
- Utah Valley University
- Westminster College
- University of Oklahoma
- Embry Riddle Aeronautical University -Prescott
Still have questions?
Attend a Recruiting Event
Attend a recruiting event and have the opportunity to talk with our recruiters, learn about our culture and apply to join our team!