Agreement Helps Ohio State Aviation Grads Find Pilot Jobs
A new pilot training bridge program agreement between The Ohio State University and PSA Airlines will allow select Ohio State flight education students and staff to begin ground training in the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) 200, with the possibility of entering PSA’s pilot training program. It will go into effect following an agreement signing on September 24, 2012.
“This agreement between the university and Ohio-based PSA Airlines provides our students with a direct link to employment opportunities once they complete their education through the aviation program,” says Doug Hammon, director of the Ohio State Airport and the Flight Education Program. “I’m not aware of any other collegiate aviation program in Ohio that has such a well-defined pathway from school to the industry.”
After being accepted into the program, students who complete Ohio State’s Canadair Regional Jet systems class with an overall passing grade of 80 percent or better, graduate with a 3.0 or higher GPA, and have a minimum of two semesters of flight instruction at Ohio State are guaranteed a preferential interview with PSA Airlines. In addition, the airline will make internships available to Ohio State students whenever possible.
“The agreement lays out a rigorous action plan, including required courses, for students whose career goal is to become an airline pilot and shows them the exact steps needed to reach their goal,” says Hammon.
The agreement comes at a time when airlines are in a major hiring mode. It will supply PSA Airlines with a steady stream of qualified pilot applicants to meet hiring needs and will result in reduced training costs for PSA. The program is also designed to increase the reliability and predictability of applicants’ success in PSA’s Pilot Training Program.
The university will provide the necessary classroom and flight instruction to students to prepare them for employment with PSA Airlines through the Ohio State Flight Education Program, one of the nation’s leading professional pilot training programs. PSA Airlines will assist with course development and will provide materials to aid in instruction.
The Ohio State University Flight Education Program is one of the nation’s leading professional pilot training programs. Each quarter, nearly 100 students are enrolled in the program, pursuing certificates or ratings ranging from a private pilot’s license to a Certificated Flight Instructor rating.
PSA Airlines, Inc. (PSA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Airways, is one of the only Ohio-based airlines. This Dayton-based regional airline employs roughly 510 pilots and operates 49 aircraft.
