In a first for a Western Australian airline, regional carrier Skywest Airlines has launched a Cadet Pilot Training Program to support its expanding operations.
The CASA-accredited Skywest Cadet Pilot Training Program was developed in partnership with Melbourne-based Altara Training and Ansett Aviation Training and will allow students to be trained on large commercial aircraft from the outset.
The program will offer a limited number of successful applicants a direct career path into Perth-based Skywest Airlines as a Fokker 50 pilot, with the opportunity to progress within the company to other commercial aircraft types such as the Airbus A320.
“The Skywest program offers a training path in aviation which has traditionally only been offered by major commercial airlines elsewhere in Australia and internationally,” Skywest Airlines Executive Chairman Jeff Chatfield said. “Our aim is to promote careers in aviation and we’re excited about providing Western Australians with the opportunity to become pilots for their local airline.”
Each year the program will be offered to 20 candidates with little or no flying experience who meet the Skywest Airlines requirements for aptitude, attitude and motivation to enter the comprehensive training program. Once chosen, selected applicants will then complete a rigorous 15-month training program that includes extensive ground theory, training on sophisticated flight simulators and a minimum 155 hours of actual flight time before being endorsed and ready to undergo further pilot training at Skywest.
Altara Training founder and CEO Karon Hughes said the partnership is a forward-thinking move by Skywest in building for the future.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Skywest to support the growth of the airline and provide Western Australians with the skills and training they need to get a foothold in the aviation industry,” Hughes said.
Applications for the Skywest Cadet Training Program can be made online through Altara Training from September at www.altara.aero.
One of Skywest Airlines' Fokker 100 jets. (Skywest)
