Averett University recently announced a cadet program partnership with Piedmont Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group Inc., to offer pilot prospects a guaranteed career path to American Airlines. Averett aeronautics majors will have the opportunity to interview for Piedmont’s cadet program after achieving their Private Pilot Certificate – something that usually happens within the freshmen year of college at Averett – and flow through the program to become a cadet instructor, then eventually a Piedmont pilot, and finally a pilot with American Airlines.

The cadet program provides Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) with tuition reimbursement and conditional employment. CFIs will join Piedmont as a first officer and seamlessly transition to American Airlines. Other benefits include a bonus for every 100 hours of flight time until they reach the required ATP minimums, as well as $15,000 when they transition to Piedmont.

“This is such an exciting opportunity for our aviation students,” said Travis Williams ’00, chief flight instructor. “To start at Averett as freshmen, and flow all the way through to eventually becoming American Airlines pilots, is a unique opportunity for our qualifying students, and one that provides stability and job security. Our students are excited for this sort of career trajectory, and we’ve already had one student to interview with Piedmont.”

To be eligible for the program, CFIs must have completed 500 hours of flight time and an interview with Piedmont’s recruiting team.

“We are honored to have Averett University partner with us in our cadet program,” said Lyle Hogg, Piedmont president/CEO. “This program is a great opportunity for prospective pilots because it provides selected CFIs with financial assistance, career stability and growth within the airline industry.”

Piedmont Airlines will be coming to Averett this fall for an official agreement signing and a student recruitment day.