Sinclair and PSA Airlines Partner for Pilot Cadet Program

PSA Airlines (PSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, along with Sinclair Community College and Aviation Sales, Inc. (ASI), signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday, September 27 that will provide an unprecedented opportunity for aspiring pilots in the Miami Valley region to further their flight training on a pathway to become a PSA pilot.

The Pilot Cadet Program is a mutually-beneficial pilot recruitment, retention and employment program for colleges such as Sinclair and area aviation industry partners. 

“Sinclair’s aviation program provides a strong foundation for students entering this profession, but meeting the requirements to become an airline pilot is extremely challenging,” said Steve Johnson, president of Sinclair College. “This partnership establishes a strong connection with PSA, an important regional carrier dedicated to recruiting and retaining a local workforce. We are proud to help this great local company in building their future workforce.”

With the Pilot Cadet Program, graduates of Sinclair’s Aviation Program will be eligible to be hired as Certified Flight Instructors (CFI) through ASI to teach at Sinclair and obtain the 1,500 total flight hours required by the FAA to become a commercial pilot. While a cadet in the program, PSA will provide the CFI tuition reimbursement of $500 at designated intervals of completed flight hours up to $5,000. Upon completion of flight hours, PSA will offer cadets conditional employment as a First Officer.

“We are excited to be able to strengthen this relationship with Sinclair and ASI to grow a local workforce for an industry that needs more qualified professional pilots,” said Dion Flannery, President – PSA Airlines. “This program offers a solid pathway to a stable and growing career that starts with PSA and ends with a predictable path to the largest airline in the world.”