We get asked a lot how to become a pilot with Skywest. One possible route especially for aspiring pilots is through the Skywest Cadet Program and we have put together the information that we could find on this through this guide entitled, “How can I join the Skywest Cadet Program”.
Please note to always check with Skywest directly on the latest information on the Skywest Cadet Program including entry requirements and if the program is active and accepting applications.
As of June 2021, the official website for the Skywest Cadet Program lists 14 pathway partners which provide pilot training for the cadet program known as the Skywest Pilot Pathway Program. This includes well-known pilot training organizations such as AeroGuard Flight Training Center, ATP Flight School, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and L3Harris, among others.
Skywest is the largest regional airline in the US which has an aircraft fleet of around 500 aircraft (ERJ and CRJ) and currently has more than 5,000 airline pilots. An interesting fact that most individuals do not know is that SkyWest Airlines also flies under the brands of Delta, American, United, and Alaska Airlines.
Skywest has started the Skywest Cadet Program to provide a direct path for student pilots which included enhanced seniority when joining the airline, guaranteed final interview after meeting Skywest requirements, and access to pilot mentors.
How long does the Skywest Cadet Program take?
2 years is the duration stated by Skywest Pilot Pathway partner AeroGuard Flight Training Center
Skywest states on their Skywest Pilot Pathway website that it depends on the individual’s training pace as the Skywest Pilot Pathway Program allows enrollees to stay at their flight school campus to complete their flight training until they are able to meet SkyWest’s Airline Transport Pilot standards.
Skywest Cadet Program training course overview
The below information has been sourced from AeroGuard Flight Training Center which has a specific Skywest Pilot Pathway Program which can be broken down into 3 phases:
- Stage 1 – Getting the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR) (Single Engine and Multi-Engine) as well as the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating allowing them to teach other student pilots.
- Stage 2 – Building experience and flight hours as a Certified Flight Instructor: When graduating Stage 1, Skywest Pilot Pathway Program students are given an interview with AeroGuard Flight Training Center to become CFI which allows an individual not only to build flight hours but also earn and receive other benefits.
- Stage 3 – Start of training with Skywest: Once an individual has achieved the required number of flight training hours to meet the ATP requirement the Skywest Pilot Pathway Program graduate has a guaranteed final First Officer position interview with Skywest. If passed, the Skywest-specific airline training begins.
Entry requirements for the Skywest Cadet Program
Kindly check the entry requirements by both Skywest and the Skywest Pilot Pathway Program partner (such as AeroGuard Flight Training Center).
On the Skywest website it has some of the following requirements:
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Organizational skills and advanced ability to multitask
- Communication skills, both orally and in writing
How old do I need to be to join the Skywest Cadet Program?
While this is not mentioned on the official websites, we estimate the minimum application age to be 18 years old. Kindly check the entry requirements by both Skywest and the Skywest Pilot Pathway Program partner (such as AeroGuard Flight Training Center).
What is the cost of the Skywest Cadet Program?
While the price is not listed publicly on the Skywest or Skywest Pilot Pathway Program Partner websites, AeroGuard Flight Training Center states that there is a $17,500 tuition reimbursement being offered after the completion of Skywest’s I.O.E. (Initial Operating Experience).
Are there Skywest Cadet Program Scholarships?
We could not find any information on potential scholarships but AeroGuard Flight Training Center, a Skywest Pilot Pathway Program partner, states that there is a $17,500 tuition reimbursement being offered after the completion of Skywest’s I.O.E. (initial operating experience).
What will be the Skywest Pilot Salary following the completion of the Skywest Cadet Program?
For accurate information kindly contact Skywest directly. Estimate information found when doing an online search is a Skywest First Officer pilot salary on average being around US$62,000 per year (source: Glassdoor).
Skywest Cadet Program Website
Skywest Pilot Pathway Program Partner Website