fenix1

I’ve assessed all relevant matters to where I can say with conviction that I want to fly for OO, even with a lot of work to do (I’m just a 150+ hr TT P-SEL and I’ll be hung up medically for several months going forward). I’ll continue to monitor developments at OO & across the industry (especially at other regionals), but there’s some basic reasons that keep bringing me back to OO so I’ll be surprised if anything changes.

I’m trying to learn all details and possible options in the Pathway Program, since this will likely affect where & how I train going forward and my goal first flying job. I’d be grateful for help from anyone well-versed in OO’s program (current/recent pilot recruiter or otherwise). It seems there’s 3 basic options (from OO’s website):
1). Tuition Reimbursement Schools ($15K-$17.5K from OO on completion of IOE)
2). Tuition Reimbursement Pathway Partners (same reimbursement as above except time is built flying for Mokulele or Eagle Jet - rather than instructing - and I believe both Mokulele & Eagle Jet are pay-for-play, which I don’t aspire to support in any way, so - pending learning full details - I’m almost positive this option isn’t for me)
3). Pathway Partners (flight schools that don’t have reimbursement, but enable participation in OO’s cadet program)

Questions:
1). Several months back in a fortuitous meeting with an OO pilot recruiter, they were pretty sure that CFI’s at ANY flight school are eligible to participate in the Pathway Program, but I didn’t see this described on OO’s website (option #3 above required training & instructing at specific ‘Pathway Partner’ schools). I’m trying to determine accurate info about whether one has to train & instruct at a school that has a relationship with OO...or whether being a CFI at ANY school is all that’s required to be eligible for OO’s Pathway Program.
2). What’s the earliest I should reach out to OO recruiters without being perceived as unprofessional & wasting their time? On one hand, I’m a P-SEL who is hung up medically. On the other hand, I’m eager to get all details & options of the Pathway Program because it will affect my near-term plans (ie, where/how I train & build time).

Thanks in advance to anyone good enough to help.

nate5ks

You’re looking a little bit too far ahead in my opinion. Unless you qualify for R-ATP mins you are quite a ways out from the necessary TT and right now you should focus your efforts on building quality time. I’m military rotary and I just completed my CFI and CFII. I highly recommend that route if you’re up for it. It is very rewarding and it forces you to always be on your game. You will also build time quickly at the right schools. From my conversations with the recruiter, they don’t really care what school you attend/teach at but save your receipts. You will need to enroll in their program prior to paying for any flight training in order to be compensated in any way for it and you won’t receive compensation until you are ready for a class date. If anyone else has updated/corrected information to add please do.

Claxstarr

1. I didn't work for one of OO's 'official schools' and I didn't have any issues getting into the program.

2. Don't worry about reaching out to a recruiter... the second you get your CFI checkride done, apply on the website. That's all there is to it.

Right now you need to worry about getting your commercial/multi/cfi ratings done.

I know you're thinking forward and that's a good thing.. but if you try to plan too much at this point it will be a futile exercise as the industry changes so quickly.. (and so does your training)

fenix1

Thanks - good to know neither of you trained at an official OO school & we’re still about to go through Pathway Program (I really hope they haven’t changed it).

Do you if 135 pilots (non-CFI’s) are eligible for the Pathway Program as well?

savedbythevnav

I know several that were 135 and were hired as cadets. They just want people in the door.

That all said, classes are filled months in advance now so they might be more strict going forward.

fenix1

Outstanding and thank you. In a perfect time-building situation, I’d like to work as a CFI/II/MEI initially and then fly 135 after that.

RNAV2GRITZ

Current CFI not at an official “partner school” trying to get some info on the state of the program. Specifically interested about what the competitive qualifications are, what the process is like after application, and how beneficial the program is for someone set on Sky West (live in base).

Claxstarr

Do you have a CFI? Yep! Ok great, you’re in!
I wasn’t at a “partner school” either and neither were my other two CFI buddies and we all got calls within a couple days of applying.

Apply, and get a call to schedule the onboarding ‘welcome to SkyWest’ meeting. We’ll fly you to SLC for a day. Congrats, you’re now a cadet.

Being in the cadet program will get you an interview prep session, better seniority in your new hire class ( put me ~30 numbers up in my class), and starts your seniority for benefits (I.e. bonuses/medical/etc).

Definitely put your app in, there is literally nothing to lose! Zero commitment like the other programs have (envoy).

thompsonbr87

Sorry for a bit of a necropost, but are there any drawbacks to joining the Pilot Pathway program? Any fine print that I'm missing?

Claxstarr

NOPE!

Filler