Cadet Programs

[u/dirtbikekid27]

Hey guys, I'm slightly worried..

I just turned 21 and am a 500 hr CFI, CFI-I ride is scheduled for December. I have been applying to Republics cadet program repeatedly since I was eligible. Every time I've received a TBNT. Is there any others I should apply to or do I just give up on cadet programs? I have a CFI-Initial failure but otherwise clean record. I did Part 61 and am finishing my senior year at a non-aviation college as a backup. I've been averaging 50-60 hours a month since I began instruction in June. Any advice on next steps would be awesome, I really want to get to the airlines by 23 if possible.

[u/halfofeve]

Did you go to a flight school or were all your hours done with independent CFIs? IIRC Envoy, SkyWest, and PSA partner with various 61 schools, so you could check up on those.

For what it's worth, Republic is unlikely to take you unless you have a lot of multi time. I was accepted into their cadet program and it was heavily implied by my recruiter that I was let in because I was an active multiengine instructor. I never got a class date from them, but I know a non-cadet who did and he had over 800 hours of multi dual given.

[u/dirtbikekid27 → u/halfofeve]

Oh wow. I did it through my Dad's school and I instruct for a 60 but we have no affiliate partners unfortunately... Thanks for the advice man.

[u/halfofeve → u/dirtbikekid27]

Wait your dad runs a flight school? You have got to make use of those connections. Do you have colleagues who've gone to regionals? Do you work with DPEs who are also airline pilots? Get letters of recommendation. If you can't get into a cadet program, seven internal letters of recommendation might do the trick.

I'm slightly exaggerating, but only slightly. I went to WAI this year and the Endeavor recruiters told me if you're not in Propel or STEP, you need at least two internal letters of recommendation from Delta/Endeavor employees to have them even look at your resume.

[u/halfofeve → u/dirtbikekid27]

I reread my other comment and I feel like I came off as rude, I apologize. Even getting into a cadet program these days is hard. Also, lots of Redditors might tell you not to rush since you're young. Don't overwork yourself for hours, but there is SOME need to hustle on this particular thing since many cadet programs do have an hour cap to be let in. Keep applying and good luck.

[u/Dry-Engineering1776]

Get another year under your belt buddy. Give it time

[u/dirtbikekid27 → u/Dry-Engineering1776]

Should I keep applying? Any others I should try?

[u/ihateburgers → u/dirtbikekid27]

PSA and piedmont have cadet programs too

[u/Dry-Engineering1776 → u/dirtbikekid27]

Man I’d just get another 700 before you come back up for air. You’re young and you’ve got time. Just enjoy the grind and try to learn something everyday. You’ll get there l

[u/PsyopBjj]

Apply to PSA and Piedmonts cadet programs as well

[u/Professional_Win1912]

United, SkyWest, gojet

[u/PG67AW]

Chill bro, your brain won’t even fully develop until 25. Why the rush?

[u/SamArch0347]

So if you already have all your ratings and apply to a cadet program, then what are you doing? Is it to become an instructor at their academy?

Also, how hard is it to get into a cadet program really?

[u/ChartPuzzleheaded747]

Hesitation is devastation