Southwest Airlines - Destination 225° Cadet Pathway

This program is for individuals with the unrestricted right to live and work in the United States.

Location

Description

CAE is proud to deliver the training of the Cadet pathway of the Destination 225° Program in partnership with Southwest Airlines.

Designed for both internal and external candidates, the Destination 225° Cadet pathway is an ab initio—“from the beginning”—program. If you don’t have previous experience as a pilot, this four- to five-year program is for you.

There’s no “typical candidate” for the Cadet pathway. You might be…

Out in the workforce and ready to make a change in your career
A high school or college graduate who is ready for a rewarding career
Transitioning out of a non-pilot role in the military

The Cadet pathway will provide the training you need as you work toward an opportunity to sit in the right seat of a Southwest^® aircraft.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a career at 35,000 feet, set your course for 225°.

Phase 1: Flight Training

Learn the fundamentals of flight and learn to fly under a Part 61 program
Single and multi-engine flight training, aircraft and simulator training, approximately 285 hours
Get your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course with instrument rating (IR) on multi engine (ME)

Phase 2: Instructor Training: CFI/CFII Training

Classroom and aircraft training
Approximately 100 hours classroom training and 20 hours aircraft training
Get your Certified Flight Instructor - FAA CFI(A) License and Certified Flight Instrument Instructor - FAA CFII(A) License

For financial aid information please see https://southwest.phenompro.com/D225Cadet

Possess a USA DOT/FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
Have or be able to obtain a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States
Have a high school diploma or equivalency
Possess a valid driver’s license
Be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future
Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English
Be able to pass the prescreening requirements needed for employment at Southwest Airlines^® (e.g. drug testing and background check)
Be able to relocate for the duration of the program and future job opportunities
Demonstrate the ability to pay out-of-pocket or secure financing for the total amount of the program (more details on financing the program are available here.

Please note: The Cadet pathway is designed for someone without previous flight experience, so prior flight time does not provide any advantages during the application process or reduce the cost of training

Please apply directly with Southwest here. This process may take a few months, and we appreciate your patience as the best aspiring aviators are selected for participation in the program!

We strongly recommend that you obtain your FAA First-Class Medical Certificate as soon as possible.

If you’re selected for the program, you can expect to receive a class date, Southwest Airlines letter of intent, and more information regarding the financial aid process.

Ready to set your course for 225°?

Apply Now