Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway Launches in Romeoville, Illinois, Offering a Fast Track to the Flight Deck
Aspiring pilots in the Chicago area can soon soar from a college classroom to the flight deck at Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE). The carrier and Lewis University today announced a new partnership to launch the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at the university's College of Aviation, Science and Technology in Romeoville, Illinois. The program provides graduates with a direct path to a rewarding career flying for Spirit. Lewis University students can gain valuable experience and complete the steps needed to become a Spirit First Officer while attending a leading aviation university and finishing their college degree.
“We're on a mission to expand our pilot pipeline with more top-notch talent as we continue to grow, and the Chicago area is a great fit to launch the first university-based Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program in the Midwest,” said Ryan Rodosta, Senior Director of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot at Spirit Airlines. “We can't wait to welcome the next generation of pilots from Lewis University, which has exceptional resources and is highly regarded as a leader in aviation training.”
Lewis University students pursuing an aviation technology degree can apply for the program after obtaining a recommendation from a faculty member in the College of Aviation, Science and Technology and completing their sophomore year. If successful in Spirit's interview process, they will receive a conditional offer of employment, a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and mentorship as they complete their degree and all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate. Graduates who meet all program requirements will join the team as a Spirit First Officer.
“Lewis University is proud to partner with Spirit Airlines and the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program,” said Dr. Ryan Phillips, Chair and Professor of Aviation and Transportation at Lewis University. “This agreement allows our high-achieving flight students to earn positions at Spirit. The agreement provides mentorship, resources, and training to Lewis University students and gives them the opportunity to secure a position flying for a mainline carrier after graduation.”
Spirit's signature yellow planes include some of the newest, most fuel-efficient aircraft in the industry that fly across a network of 90+ destinations. More than two dozen brand-new planes are planned for delivery in 2023, creating opportunities for First Officers to quickly upgrade to Captain. Spirit's Pilots recently approved a contract that provides a significant pay increase and other enhanced benefits. Spirit also offers its Pilots industry-leading training and great quality of life.
Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway expands the carrier's presence in Illinois. Spirit currently offers about two dozen daily departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), which is also home to one of the airline's ten pilot crew bases.
To learn more about the program and application process, visit www.lewisu.edu/spirit-airlines/
