Old 02-19-2018, 03:24 PM
  #2  
rickair7777
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There is only one true cadet program in the US (Jetblue). It is very selective and costs $100K. You can google that.

Some pipeline programs are developing, but those will all involve working as a CFI to get to 1500 hours, then a regional job, then flow to a major.

The US does not allow airline pilots with less than 1500 hours, so you either have to CFI, or work in the general aviation industry (traffic watch, charter, pipeline, etc). Actually there are a few small scheduled operators who use SIC's with less than 1500 hours. You would then need to go to a jet regional after that to build jet experience.

The most low-risk path would be to get the 1500 hours, then get hired by an AA wholly-owned regional... those have guaranteed flow to AA. Not risk-free, but once you finish training at the AA regional, you're pretty much set. That will take longer to get to a major (the flow program delays you for the convenience of AA), but at least it's guaranteed.

US aviation careers are not structured like the rest of the world, it's more like the wild west. And new-hire airline training is not six months like most other places, it's 6-8 weeks (veeery long study days, and high stress).
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