Southwest Airlines – Destination 225°® Pilot Program

The US Aviation Academy is proud to partner with Southwest Airlines to offer the Southwest Destination 225°® Cadet Program. This program is designed for pilots of all skill and experience levels, supporting them in attaining their aviation dreams.
The Destination 225° Program offered by Southwest Airlines® is designed to train and guide individuals who aspire to fly the Boeing 737 for Southwest. This program welcomes candidates with varying experience levels in the piloting field, including those without prior experience or those seeking a career transition. With the help of the Southwest Destination 225°® Cadet Program, new or private pilots can acquire the necessary skills to become a Southwest Airlines® First Officer in just four years.

Eligibility Requirements for the Southwest Pilot Program

Enter the highly sought-after aviation field through the Southwest Destination 225°® Cadet Program. Open to anyone interested; no piloting experience level is required to apply for the Southwest Airlines Cadet program.
To be eligible, you must hold an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate, possess a valid driver's license, and have a high school diploma or equivalency. Additionally, you should have or be able to obtain a valid passport that allows you to travel in and out of the United States.
Below are the specified eligibility requirements for the Southwest Destination 225°® Cadet Program:
  • Have an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.
  • Have or be able to obtain a valid passport to travel in and out of the U.S.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future.
  • Are at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
  • Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
  • Must pass the pre-screening requirements needed for employment at Southwest Airlines (e.g., drug testing and background check).
  • Willingness to relocate for the duration of the program and future job opportunities.
  • Maintain any physical requirements to complete new and ongoing pilot training throughout the program.

Southwest Cadet Program Application Process

To apply for the Southwest Destination 225°® Cadet Program, candidates must apply and undergo an ADAPT assessment and interview. After applying online, a checklist will be provided to guide you through completing the ADAPT assessment and interview.
This involves acquiring an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate, researching financing options and expenses associated with the cadet pathway, and participating in a discovery flight at your local airport if you still need to do so.

Course Outline

What can aspiring pilots expect from the Southwest pilot program? As a Southwest Destination 225°® Cadet Program participant, you can expect to earn all ratings necessary to become a Certified Flight Instructor.
You’ll also receive personal engagement and mentorship from Southwest First Officers throughout your four years in the cadet pathway and educational touchpoints facilitated by First Officer mentors at your respective flight school and Southwest Airlines' state-of-the-art training facility in Dallas, Texas.
You will have the chance to receive a preferential interview with one of our program partners and opportunities to obtain type ratings and build your experience over a two-year commitment period. After completing the program, you will have approximately four years of experience as a well-trained pilot with the skillset, knowledge, and expertise to start your career as a Southwest First Officer.

Southwest Cadet Program Cost

The Southwest 225 Destination°® Cadet Pathway through US Aviation Academy has a total cost that includes the program fee, flight training expenses, a living stipend, and housing allowance. The overall cost will vary depending on the type of certificates earned from the different programs offered.
The Southwest Destination 225 cost covers top-notch flight training, personalized mentorship, excellent flight hours, and the necessary skills to become a First Officer for Southwest Airlines.

Financing and Financial Aid

Veterans interested in becoming a Southwest Airlines Pilot can take advantage of Destination 225°. US Aviation programs accept VA benefits like the GI Bill as payment options. Additionally, our top lending partner, Sallie Mae, offers rates as low as 4.50%. Learn more about loan options from Sallie Mae here.

Cadet Pathway Benefits

Learn to fly the Southwest way with the Southwest Destination 225°® Cadet Program. The endless Cadet Pathway benefits don’t end with experience working as a Certified Flight Instructor but propel you to become a well-trained pilot and Southwest First Officer.

Why US Aviation Academy?

The US Aviation Academy offers more than just a fulfilling career in flying. It provides valuable mentorship from Southwest First Officers. This mentorship will enable you to establish connections and cultivate meaningful relationships while progressing through the four-year cadet program.
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