Cadet programs
 

Has anyone gone through the cadet program and can share their experience ? What are the best cadet program out there and is the flow to an airline guaranteed?

The cadet programs came to prominence before and just after covid when the regionals were having trouble recruiting enough FO's. That problem has gone away and is unlikely to return this decade. The 172 til 1500 model is dead. I would put more effort into reaching 1500 hours with a broader skill base and ready to pursue other work if the regionals aren't calling that month.

When you say 172 to 1500 is dead, are you referring to flight instructing as well or something else?

The post you quoted is a little dated but the sentiment can be found through various threads on APC. Mentoring and prog checking in a larger 141 flight school, I can tell you regionals are hiring CFI's and their cadet programs offer the most sure path for most pilots with low time/experience to move into 121 flying. The reality is 1500 hrs probably won't be your entry point with qualified CFI's backing up, waiting class dates with (increasing) flight hours. If you can't/won't flight instruct then you will need to seek opportunities that will require either perseverance, luck or a strong connection to jobs that require only the comm/inst/multi. The best would be an SIC on a privately owned jet. Good luck

what i mean is that if you have flown 4 approaches at over 100kts ground speed… airlines are going to take someone else first. Do they take people like that? Yes? Is it a good plan for your career? No?

agree that the cadet programs are better than nothing but focus on making yourself an experienced pilot and not just hitting the absolute minimums for an ATP