ATP Flight School has started training its inaugural class of four American Airlines cadets at its Charlotte-Concord training center as part of its American Airlines Cadet Academy pathway program.
The cadets join 30 other students in ATP’s Airline Career Pilot Program in Charlotte, North Carolina—and over 2,700 ATP pilots nationwide—training to become commercial pilots and certified flight instructors.
According to a news release from the flight school, cadets are offered a clear and streamlined pathway to a career as an American pilot combined with the knowledge and curriculum from ATP’s fleet and training resources.
“There’s a real sense of momentum as we welcome our first cadets to ATP’s Charlotte training center,” said George Stahle, managing director of regional planning at American. “This moment reflects both their ambition and our commitment to investing in future aviators. Launching this partnership in Charlotte is especially meaningful, and we’re excited to see how it opens doors for aspiring pilots in a region that’s so important to our company.”
Graduating cadets will have additional experience flying as flight instructors and advance to one of American’s subsidiary regional carriers before transitioning to its mainline operations.
ATP stated that these graduates will receive support from its training and career services teams, as well as mentorship and professional development from American along the way.
“ATP’s official launch as an American Airlines Cadet Academy partner school is the next evolution of ATP’s proven track record of placing more than 1,500 graduates with American’s regional carriers,” said Michael Arnold, vice president of marketing at ATP Flight School. “We are proud to work with American Airlines to develop and foster their next generation of professional pilots, while continuing to provide our students with pathways and partnerships that lead to successful and rewarding airline pilot careers.”
To celebrate the launch of ATP’s partnership with American, the companies are hosting an open house and information session at ATP’s Charlotte training center on September 24 at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (KJQF).
Aspiring pilots are invited to join starting at 10 a.m. EDT. More information on the event can be found here.
