Frontier Airlines and ERAU Cultivating the Next Generation of Pilots

Frontier Airlines and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have teamed up to help meet the challenge of the once-again-growing pilot shortage. In a news release, Frontier’s vice president of flight operations, Brad Lambert, said, “As many pilots across the aviation industry approach retirement age, Frontier expects to hire hundreds if not thousands of aviators during the next decade to staff its 500 and growing number of daily flights. The new Frontier/Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Pilot Hiring Program will tap top-performing flight students who consistently demonstrate the work ethic, flying skill, aviation knowledge, professional attitude and demeanor to eventually become successful crew members for Frontier Airlines.” The new hiring program also represents an important component of Frontier’s broader pilot recruiting and hiring strategy.

“Frontier’s agreement with Embry-Riddle will provide high-quality jobs for exceptional students while bolstering the aviation industry workforce in service to air travelers,” according to Dr. Alan Stolzer, dean of the College of Aviation on Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. As part of the new program representatives from Frontier Airlines will visit the Daytona Beach Campus twice annually to meet with students and faculty.

To be considered for the Frontier Airlines program, Embry-Riddle students must have a letter of recommendation from a flight department manager that supports a stellar history of flight performance, attendance and professional conduct throughout their aviation education. Candidates must be enrolled in the Aeronautical Science degree program, hold a minimum class status of senior, maintain a grade point average above 3.2, and have the ability to hold a first class medical certificate. Prior to employment with Frontier Airlines, participants must be employed by Embry-Riddle as a flight instructor and must also obtain the R-ATP required experience.