Airline Pipeline – Spirit Pilot Pathway

Candidates for Spirit Pilot Pathway will be US Aviation Academy Part 141 Flight Training alumni that have become Flight Instructors. At 500 total hours, Flight Instructors will be selected for recommendation into the program to interview with Spirit Airlines.

Once you reach 1,500 you’ll be required to complete a jet transition program and complete your ATP/CTP. You’ll then transition to Spirit as a First Officer!

Spirit Pilot Pathway Steps and Benefits

How To Participate

  • Apply for our Accelerated Flight Training
  • Become a Certified Flight Instructor
  • Reach 500 Total Hours
  • Receive a Recommendation for an Interview
  • Reach 1,500 and Complete ATP/CTP

Minimum Requirements

  • 1,500 Hours
  • Unrestricted ATP with MEL
  • First Class Medical
  • Valid Passport
  • Legal Right to Work in the US

Spirit Pilot Pathway Additional Details

  • First Year, First Officer $93.00 per hour
  • First Year, Captain $251.00 per hour
  • Max Seniority Captain $306.00 per hour
  • Crew Bases Dallas, TX (DFW) Chicago, IL (ORD) Miami, FL (MIA) Atlanta, GA (ATL)
  • Airline Pilot Central For Details

Crew Base Locations For Current Students and Instructors

  • Dallas, TX (DFW) ideal for our Denton, Texas (DTO) and Fort Worth, Texas (AFW) Campus
  • Chicago, IL (ORD) ideal for our Cape Girardeau, Missouri (CGI) Campus
  • Houston, TX (IAH) ideal for our Conroe, Texas (CXO) and Kerrville, Texas (ERV) Campus
  • Atlantic City, NJ (ACY) ideal for our Hudson Valley, New York (POU) Campus
  • Other Available Crew Bases

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Accelerated Flight Training?

The ability to fly as quickly as possible to achieve the highest flight training certificate needed to start your time building. 9-months can get you from a private pilot to a certified flight instructor! Learn more about our Accelerated Flight Training Program

Do I Have To Train Part 141 to Participate in Spirit Pilot Pathway?

Our Part 141 Professional Pilot Training is revered for the quality of experience, professionalism, and safety-conscious pilots that it produces. It is a requirement that you attend our training through Part 141 for this program.

Can I Really Apply For Spirit Pilot Pathway at Just 500 Hours?

Absolutely! Our partnership with Spirit Airlines has allowed us to provide our students with exceptional options for their future careers.

How Long Do You Have to Train Before I Am a First Officer?

While our programs are built to work directly with you and your schedule, we recommend enrolling in our Accelerated Training Program in order to earn your Commercial and Flight Instructor Certificate in 9 months.

After completing the 9-month training program, our Flight Instructors average out at about 900 flight hours a year.

Can Flight Training Schools utilize GI Bill®?

US Aviation Academy is a VA Approved Pilot School that can help fully utilize your Veteran and GI Bill® benefits. Learn more about how to maximize our VA Approved Flight Training GI Bill® benefits.