How to become a Pilot with Spirit Airlines 2025

Assuming that you already hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), to become First Officer with Spirit Airlines, you would need to meet the following

Minimum Requirements:

• 3,000 hours total time in fixed-wing aircraft.
• 1,000 hours in multi-engine aircraft.
• Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
• Current Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot License.
• FCC Radio Telephone Operator Permit. 
• Valid passport/documents with the ability to travel in and out of the USA and all cities/countries served by Spirit Airlines now and in the future.
• Legal right to work in the United States.

Preferred Requirements:

• 4,000 hours total time in fixed-wing aircraft.
• 1,500 hours in multi-engine, turboprop, or jet aircraft.
• A320 Type Rating.
• Undergraduate degree from an Accredited Four-Year College or University.
• Experience in 121 airlines or turbojet aircraft.
• Experience in aircraft equipped with EFIS and/or FMS.
• Instructor/Check Airman experience.

You can find the latest Spirit Airlines First Officer Hiring Requirements here.

Cape Air and Spirit Airlines launched a new pilot pathway program known as “Cape Air-Spirit Jetway Program” which is open to all current and future Cape Air pilots. 

This program allows all current and future Cape Air Captains to qualify for a single interview transition to become a new hire First Officer at Spirit Airlines.   

Candidates in this program will have only one joint interview with both Cape Air and Spirit. Once the pilot is accepted into the program, a Spirit mentor will be assigned. Unlike most pilot pathways, candidates are not required to have a higher education degree. A two-year or four-year degree is preferred, but not required. 

To give you an overview of how it works (source):

1. Pilots are eligible to join the Cape Air team with as little as 500 flight hours, and fly as a First Officer for the nation’s largest independent regional carrier. 
2. Once ATP minimums are reached, the pilot will then upgrade to Captain for Cape Air and fly for a minimum of two years. 
3. Once the candidate has reached 3,000 hours, they will complete a jet transition course at Spirit Airlines Training Center and then be assigned a class date at Spirit Airlines.

How does a Captain qualify for a transition to Spirit? 

• A Captain must be in good standing and pass an initial interview with the Spirit hiring committee.
• Although a 2- or 4-year college degree is preferred, it is not required.
• Once accepted into the program, you will be assigned a Spirit mentor who will be invested in your success at Cape Air.
• After a minimum of 2 years as a Captain, the successful completion of a Spirit-developed “Jet Transition Course”, and with 3000 hours total time, you will be offered a class date at Spirit with no further interview!

Data was obtained thru Cape Air Pilot Recruiting Page. Please always check this page to get the latest updates.

Spirit Airlines Pilots earn between $60,493 – $125,331 per year. 

The Annual salary figure varies in the above range starting from a new first officer to a senior captain. Information was sourced from Glassdoor.

Last Update: August 2021

The information provided above is based on the official website of Spirit Airlines, Cape Air, and other credible resources. We have provided you with the information as accurately as possible. However, we highly encourage you to always check the Spirit Airlines careers website directly to keep updated on their hiring statutes, the opening of pathway or cadet pilot programs, and additional requirements, if any.

Check out how to become a Pilot in the USA to know more about the minimum requirements, pilot training options, and airline programs.