Pilot Cadet

The Spirit Wings & Spirit Direct Pilot Pathway programs allows pilots enrolled at one of our select flight school or university program partnerships a direct pathway to the flight deck as a First Officer with Spirit Airlines.  

While in the program cadets will receive: 

• Mentorship, guidance and training opportunities from members of the Flight Operations team throughout a student/instructor’s time in the program.  
• Cadets are issued a full Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) with early access to training materials to prepare for new hire training on the Airbus A320 series aircraft. 
• Spirit will provide Foreflight & Jeppesen Pro subscriptions. 
• Cadets will be invited to a “Spirit Day” event at least once per year in which you will attend various presentations, be offered certain training opportunities, and will meet with Flight Operations leadership.  

Part 61 & 141 Flight School Requirements:  

• 500 hours total time.  
• Commercial Piot Certificate. 
• Recommendation from partner school faculty or chief instructor.  
• Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate. 
• FCC Radio Telephone Operator Permit.  
• Valid passport/documents with at least nine (9) months of validity that grants you the ability to travel in and out of the USA and all cities/countries served by Spirit Airlines now and in the future. 
• Legal right to work in the United States.  

University Requirements: 

• Completion of sophomore year in an accredited aviation degree program. 
• Recommendation from partner school faculty or chief instructor.  

• Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate or ability to obtain prior to ATP/CTP and Jet Transition courses.  
• FCC Radio Telephone Operator Permit.  
• Valid passport/documents with at least nine (9) months of validity that grants you the ability to travel in and out of the USA and all cities/countries served by Spirit Airlines now and in the future. 
• Legal right to work in the United States. 

Selected candidates will need to complete all program requirements and meet the FAA requirements for an Unrestricted ATP or Restricted ATP (if in the university program) and receive a final program review. All cadets will be required to attend ATP/ CTP and a Spirit Specific A320 Jet Transition course prior to being assigned a new hire class date. Once a new hire class date is available, cadets will go through pre-employment testing and background checks before being assigned a Spirit Airlines new hire pilot class date.  

Responsibilities when you become a First Officer 

• Guarantee a safe and pleasant Spirit experience for all.  
• Safely assist the captain in operating the aircraft in accordance with all Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and company policies and procedures. 
• Display a passion for customer service and for bringing a refreshing perspective to the airline industry. 
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate (e.g., emergencies change in workload, rush jobs or technical developments). 

Spirit Airlines is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.