American Airlines Cadet Academy
 

So, I’ve been looking into the AACA. I specifically, applied to them and not a regional because I have 0 flight time so I will be doing a "zero to hero". I haven’t found much information outside of their website, but I recently applied, and I was just wondering from anybody else that has applied, how long did it take for them to initially reach out. Also, if they never reached out. I have yet to graduate from college I will be entering my junior year as a business management major. So, I’m also, wondering if I should finish school and then enter the aviation field or enter it now through a cadetship academy. Including, southwest cadet program, JetBlue’s Gateway, etc.

I don't know much about the AACA, but you should absolutely finish your degree first. I am sure you are thinking 'seniority is everything' and that is true to an extent - but so is having a 4-year degree. These programs will still be there after you graduate. What you could do is start reaching out to the recruiters at JetBlue, SWA, and AA, and explain to them your situation. Maybe you could interview, and complete all the prerequisites while in college, and as soon as you graduate start the program.

In all of your research, make sure you model the future repayment schedule (a lot of these programs will have the interest accruing even while in a deferment period), and ask questions about refinancing the 'sponsored' loan.

Good Luck!

I went with my daughter to check out the American Airlines cadet academy program in Dallas back in Feb. We both liked the program and she wanted to go through it. The drawback I saw was she couldn't apply until she had her HS diploma and at the time the classes being filled were 6-9 months out. Ultimately we decided to go thru their other location at the same airport where she was able to start right away. One advantage of the academy is the financing. They can give loans to students with no credit history. You'll probably need a co-signer not going through the program.