Industry Career Pathway Programs

Aviation students at Ohio State may apply to participate in one of eight industry career development programs. These dynamic opportunities are intended to allow students a clear pathway to transition from student to flying in a commercial cockpit after graduation.

Flight Education student checks gasoline on airplane wing

United Aviate: Students participating in United Airlines Aviate complete minimum eligibility requirements at Ohio State in advance of their application to the program. Those who apply and are successful in the Aviate selection process receive conditional job offer as a United First Officer, opportunities to connect with members of the United team, mentoring from a United pilot and access to unlimited travel privileges. https://unitedaviate.com/

Cape Air: Cape Air and JetBlue’s Gateway Program enables students to transition to a pilot position with Cape Air’s operation after completing their commercial, instrument, and certified flight instructor certificates and instructing for 500 hours through Ohio State’s Flight Education program. https://www.jetbluegateways.com/

Endeavor Air: From flight school to flying the line, Endeavor’s STEP gives students special access to the Endeavor Air team. From informational sessions to personal encouragement, Endeavor Pilots and operations professionals help students navigate the steps required to join their team. https://www.endeavorair.com/content/endeavor-air/en_us/careers/pilots/STEP.html

Envoy: Envoy’s Cadet Program is designed to help the most promising university and commercial flight school student pilots make a smooth transition from the classroom to the regional cockpit. It creates a pathway for Buckeyes to be able to eventually work for American Airlines. https://www.envoyair.com/pilots/cadet-program/

Flight Education student next to an Ohio State aircraft

Piedmont: Piedmont, an American Airlines Regional Carrier, has a flexible Cadet Program. Pilots receive guidance and financial assistance while working from cadet to first officer to American Airlines. https://piedmont-airlines.com/pilots/cadet-program/

PSA: PSA’s Cadet Program takes students from classroom to cockpit, helping students go from private pilot to airline pilot. Careers as a mainline pilot for the largest airline in the world, American Airlines, can start here, through Ohio State’s partnership with PSA. https://www.psaairlines.com/cadets

Republic Airways: Republic is America’s leading regional carrier. By partaking in their RJet Cadet or Pilot Programs, students have the opportunity to work for Republic Airways. This leads to a career pathway to Delta Air Lines, American Airlines or United Airlines. https://rjet.com/careers/pathways/

Skywest Airlines: The SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program prepares a clear path for pilots at Pathway Partner schools to launch their pilot careers at SkyWest Airlines. This program enables students to work towards getting hired by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. https://www.skywest.com/skywest-airline-jobs/career-guides/pilot-pathway-program

Category: Students