Being a SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program Cadet
Take Control of Your Career with the Pilot Pathway Program
Through SkyWest’s Pilot Pathway Program, Cadets have a clear path to their airline pilot careers from their first day on AeroGuard’s campus to their first day at SkyWest Airlines and beyond.
The SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program allows students to remain at AeroGuard to complete their flight training while integrating themselves into the SkyWest culture, building Company Seniority while in training, networking with pilot mentors, and building the framework for success in their career when they finish training and building flight time.

Benefits of the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program
SkyWest Cadets can take advantage of several benefits by being a part of the SkyWest Cadet Program. This program and these benefits have been designed to set Cadets up for success in their careers, and ensure they are fully prepared for the airlines.
- Company Seniority starts building day on AeroGuard’s campus.
- Mentorship from SkyWest Pilots during training, including workshops, campus visits, interview preparation, and more networking opportunities.
- Guaranteed Final Interview for a First Officer Position at SkyWest.
- Increased Seniority within SkyWest’s Ground School class.
- $17,500 Tuition Reimbursement from SkyWest after successful I.O.E. (Initial Operating Experience)
- Guaranteed Pilot Interviews for eligible SkyWest Captains with United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines.
Pilot Seniority & Mentorship
As an aspiring pilot, why are these benefits within SkyWest’s Pilot Pathway Program so important as you build your future career?
Within the airline industry, Pilot Seniority plays a big part in the benefits you receive and the direction you take within your career. Pilot Seniority refers to the amount of time a pilot has been employed by one specific airline. This seniority impacts your choice in Domiciles and where you’re based, what aircraft you fly, your schedule and the routes you fly, and advancing in your career. Building seniority as soon as you can will benefit your career for years to come – with SkyWest, you can get started as soon as you sign up as a Cadet!
As you go through training, it’s important to have the support and guidance you need while you work towards your pilot career. Within the Pilot Pathway Program at AeroGuard, you’ll receive mentorship from SkyWest representatives and pilots during the flight training and time building stages of the program. This includes workshops, networking events, campus visits, interview preparation, and more.
With this support, you’re able to learn more about the industry and make valuable connections with SkyWest representatives so that when you’ve completed your training, you’re fully prepared and confident to transition to your career at the airlines.
Guaranteed Pilot Interviews & Tuition Reimbursement
To further enhance your pilot career, SkyWest offers Guaranteed Interviews through the Pilot Pathway Program. Upon reaching eligibility requirements, SkyWest Cadets will receive a Guaranteed First Officer Interview with SkyWest to kickstart their professional careers. After completing a successful I.O.E., SkyWest also offers Cadets a $17,500 Tuition Reimbursement.
That’s not all – SkyWest Captains can also participate in SkyWest’s Guaranteed Interview Program upon eligibility, with Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines, as well as their Pilot Path to United Airlines.
At each step of your training and well into your professional career, the Pilot Pathway Program offers a clear path to a long and successful career as a commercial airline pilot.
How AeroGuard Provides a Direct Path to Your Pilot Career
In partnership with SkyWest, AeroGuard offers the Pilot Pathway Program to provide a complete, direct path from zero flight experience to airline ready.
As The Commercial Pilot School, students will not only benefit from AeroGuard’s career-focused and high-quality flight training curriculum but also earn the ratings and certifications needed to prepare and pursue a professional pilot career. From day one on campus, AeroGuard introduces students to the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program during orientation, where they can sign up as a Cadet and start earning seniority right from the start.
AeroGuard provides our cadets with every opportunity to meet SkyWest’s eligibility requirements by hiring 98% of our Pathway Program graduates to become Certified Flight Instructors with us. This allows graduates to train pilots for the world’s leading airlines and build their 1,500 flight hours to meet the hiring requirements for U.S. airlines. Throughout their time building phase, AeroGuard’s instructors continue to receive mentorship and networking opportunities with SkyWest pilots and representatives.
From student pilot, to instructor pilot, to a SkyWest First Officer, AeroGuard prepares and supports our cadets throughout the entire journey. Take Control of Your Career and enroll with AeroGuard and the Pilot Pathway Program today!