Foreign Cadet Programs

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hey Mentors,

I was wondering what you guys think of “pay for your job” schemes run by European airlines, where they have a cadet program that requires you pay for your training (and type rating) in order to gain employment at XYZ airline? I know there are some programs where it is free, but I was wondering what you thought of the self-sponsored programs, and if you could see US airlines doing the same?

Thanks!

2

Moustafa,

Before the pilot shortage there were some small carriers who offered opportunities to pay for you hours. Most of those pilots did not fare well. They were highly scrutinized as pilots looking for short cuts or had some other reason to “buy their way in”. Not a good thing.

Adam