Skip to main content

Ohio State, SkyWest Airlines partner on pilot career development

Posted: 

The Ohio State University’s Center for Aviation Studies and SkyWest Airlines are teaming up to help selected Ohio State flight students launch a career with SkyWest Airlines after graduation.

Ohio State aviation students
Once accepted into the recently signed SkyWest Pilot Cadet Program, students will be mentored by both the school and the airline. Cadets will also receive a retained hire date and may have opportunities to participate in SkyWest recruiting events and outreach programs.

Center for Aviation Studies Director Seth Young said the Pilot Cadet Program reflects Ohio State’s mission to not only educate students, but also provide the tools to succeed after graduation. 

“Our goal is to be among the world’s leading institutions of higher education to produce quality professional pilots for the global aviation industry.” Young said. “This SkyWest-Ohio State partnership matches our highest quality students with one of the most highly respected regional carriers in the industry. It’s truly a win-win relationship.”

Young added that the Ohio State-SkyWest partnership also should benefit the center’s student recruitment efforts.

“Considering that global demand for pilots is on the rise, this partnership also will encourage the next generation of professional aviators to pursue this lofty career through our collegiate education programs.”

The SkyWest Pilot Cadet Program enables flight students, upon meeting and completing program requirements, the opportunity to be part of the next generation of exceptional pilots at SkyWest Airlines. Students in the Pilot Cadet Program must maintain a minimum grade point average, complete advanced aviation courses, and attain the FAA ratings of Commercial Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Multi-Engine add-on, and Certified Flight Instructor through Ohio State’s Flight Education program at the The Ohio State University Airport.

SkyWest logo

Successful completion of the program does not automatically qualify a student for a first officer position; however, cadets are provided with a conditional offer of employment and are guaranteed a final interview for a first officer position at SkyWest Airlines.

Current Ohio State students and alumni who are interested in the SkyWest Pilot Cadet Program should contact CAS Bridge Program Coordinator Martin Rottlerat rottler.1@osu.edu or (614) 292-7339.


About The Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies
Operating as a department within the College of Engineering, the Center for Aviation Studies is dedicated to advancing the aviation industry. CAS offers four academic degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Aviation; Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, Air Transportation; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Aviation Management; and an Aviation Minor. In addition, the partnerships that the CAS has established within the aviation industry enable students to network with aviation professionals, participate in internship programs, and conduct research with and for leading aviation companies. Visit aviation.osu.edu for more information.

About SkyWest Airlines
As a leading air service provider offering global access to millions of people each month, SkyWest partners with the world’s largest network carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, US Airways and Alaska Airlines. With a fleet of 334 aircraft, SkyWest’s more than 10,300 aviation professionals operate more than 1,700 flights each day to 193 destinations throughout North America. SkyWest is known for its industry-leading workforce, exceptional leadership team, and continued solid operational and economic performance. The airline is headquartered in St. George, Utah. Visit www.skywest.com for more information and follow @SkyWestAirlines on Twitter.

Categories: CollegeStudents