is this really necessary? free labor!
 

Requisition Number13-0792Post Date11/20/2013Closing Date11/27/2013TitleFlight Operations Cadet - Western Michigan UniversityCityOpenMinimum Hiring Range0.00DepartmentFlight OperationsDescriptionFlight Operations Cadet - Western Michigan University

Hours: As requested by SkyWest and PAC

Length of Program: Until prerequisites are met

Duties: Work closely with SkyWest Mentor and PAC
Comply with PAC's code of conduct
Comply with the Pilot Cadet Performance Agreement

A SkyWest Pilot Cadet position will provide you with benefits that include: A close association with SkyWest pilots through our pilot mentorship program mock interviews. Opportunities when available to participate in SkyWest recruiting events and outreach programs with associated institutions and within their own community. 90-days of travel benefits prior to attending initial pilot ground training. SkyWest Airlines operated flights only. An annual fee is required for personal use travel. No fee is required for travel associated with company business.

Please note that this is an unpaid position. Lodging will be provided if required to travel for company business.RequirementsQualifications:
Currently an Instructor for Western Michigan University aviation program
Receive a Letter of Recommendation form PAC
Must possess a valid driver's license
GPA acceptable to the PAC and BPC
Hold a commercial multi-engine and instrument pilot certificate
Hold a current First Class Medical
100 hours of Airplane Multiengine
No more than three failed check rides (stage checks do not apply)
Organizational skills and advanced ability to multi task
Communication skills, both orally and in writing


Interested applicants are required to upload a PAC Letter of Recommendation, First Class Medical, Pilot Certificate, CFI Certificate, and a current resume to their in order to be considered for this position. To upload documents to your profile, please following the instructions below.

If you have previously created an application profile, click "Edit Your Profile" link in the upper right corner of this page. Enter your email address and password. Verify all personal information is still correct. Follow the prompts carefully, and upload all required documentation as requested. You may also delete any old resumes using "Edit Your Profile" link.

If you have not created an application profile, click "Apply On-Line" link at the top of this page, and click the appropriate link to create a new account. Follow the prompts carefully, and upload all required documentation as requested.

Many flight ops internships are unpaid and pilots still line up and work for free. I assume their hopes are for a future interview at the company, free travel benefits, and maybe some ground school/sim time. I had two offers, one Comair and one Evergreen. Comair was unpaid but they guaranteed an interview at 1000/100. Evergreen paid plus provided intern housing so that became a no brainer.

Pilots love doing stuff for free, preflight, checking wx, etc...It's good to get a head start ;)

Jesus Christ.

It was not too long ago that I was in that position and would've jumped all over the opportunity. I can't blame these guys for wanting jobs. I just now know what the reality of the job means. Still better than my college friends in software or insurance. Despite the Grand Canyon difference in pay.

Your software and insurance friends make better money but hate their jobs?

Regional pilots don't hate their jobs?

For Regional pilots, its more of just hating life in general.

Looks like they are looking for "gullible, wide-eyed fools" to pay fees too. Boy, the airlines sure are pulling out all the stops now. They must be getting desperate. Seems they'll do everything "EXCEPT PAY PILOTS."

I don't think there is a "Pilot Shortage," I just think there is a shortage of pilots "WILLING" to work for $19,000 a year. Make starting pay $49,000 - $59,000 per year and I bet pilots will come out of the woodwork.

What woodwork? Do you think there are a bunch of pilots with 1500 hours who are 'on the fence' about becoming an airline pilot? I highly doubt it.

50-60k/yr may entice more people to get into the profession, but with the barrier to entry (1500hrs) being much higher now - it will be a long while before you see any effect from such a raise.

Look, I agree that starting pay should be much higher, but it isn't going to solve the pending problems anytime soon.