Piedmont Airlines has teamed with ATP Flight School to begin reimbursing pilots at least $11,000 for flight training costs through participation in ATP’s Tuition Reimbursement Program.
This innovative program promotes the airline pilot career to the next generation of pilots by helping ease the financial burden associated with flight training. It also provides ATP graduates with a direct path to American Airlines by way of Piedmont’s unique flow agreement with the legacy carrier.
Through participation in the Tuition Reimbursement Program, Piedmont Airlines is one of the few airlines now investing in a pilot’s career early, while the pilot is still building experience. Offered to ATP graduates in exchange for a commitment to fly for the airline, this partnership helps provide a new generation of pilots with an accessible and rewarding career path as an airline pilot.
“Flying for Piedmont is the next step for pilots who want to pursue a job at a major airline,” said Lyle Hogg, Piedmont president. “We are excited to identify talented ATP pilots, give them financial assistance and help them chart a course to our parent company, American Airlines.”
The Piedmont to American flow agreement guarantees pilots a spot in an American training class based on their seniority. ATP graduate flight instructors starting their career at Piedmont will gain valuable flying experience while preparing for a career at the world’s largest airline. Further investing in their pilots, Piedmont also pays for a pilot’s required Airline Transport Pilot Certificate Training Program (ATP CTP), bringing the effective value of tuition reimbursement up to $16,000.
“ATP Flight School has proven that Tuition Reimbursement builds a predictable supply of pilots, which is a competitive advantage for progressive airlines like Piedmont. With Piedmont’s entry into the program, pilots gain access to a premier career path with flow through to American and highly sought-after pilot crew bases,” said ATP Vice President Justin Dennis.
Piedmont’s fleet will grow by 40% in 2016, with the addition of Embraer regional jets. New pilots will train at the American Airlines Training Center in Charlotte and join a growing group of exceptional aviators. New hire pilots are projected to upgrade to captain in 12-18 months, and flow to American in approximately five years. Learn more at piedmont-airlines.com.