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
Mentorship from airline industry experts and career-boosting opportunities
Receive an additional $11,520 during First Officer training
Minimal reserve time and a quick upgrade to captain
Guaranteed flow through to American Airlines in 6-7 years

“The program gives cadets the opportunity to excel and be completely prepared to enter 121 flight operations.” – Krystal McCoy, Supervisor of Pilot Recruiting Programs

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 of $55,000, access to generous referral bonuses, a commuter allowance and a $20,000 bonus on your one-year anniversary.

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.

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

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

“Having a designated mentor to talk to and other staff at the cadet program really helped relieve some of the stress that goes into preparing for the CTP and First Officer class.” - Shayne Zurn, Cadet Graduate, First Officer

Our Partner Schools

Aerosim Flight Academy
Averett University
Central Washington University
Cochise College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona
Florida Institute of Technology
Letourneau University
Liberty University
Middle Georgia State University
The Ohio State University
Purdue University
Skywarrior
Sinclair Community College
Triad Aviation Academy
University of Dubuque
University of North Dakota
Utah Valley University
Westminster College

Ask a Pilot

Get your questions answered by our cadet pilot recruiting team.

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