Military Helicopter Pilots Offered a Quick Path to the Airlines

San Diego-based Coast Flight Training has responded to the increasing demand for professional pilots by expanding its airline flight training program, opening up a new facility in San Marcos, Texas. The training program is focused on transition training for military helicopter pilots who have a desire to enter into an airline career.

“We are very pleased to be opening a Coast location in San Marcos, where we have been welcomed with open arms by the city, Greater San Marcos Partnership and, in particular, Texas Aviation Partners,” said Bryan Simmons, president of Coast Flight Training. “They created a very positive business environment for us to invest here, create jobs and help veterans achieve great success for themselves and their families.”

The Rotary Transition Program in San Marcos is specifically designed to train experienced helicopter pilots to meet the FAA requirements for fixed-wing pilots going into an airline career. Pilots are expected to complete the program in approximately 90 days. The training is conducted in the single-engine Piper Archer and twin-engine Piper Seminole, as well as full-motion Red Bird simulators.

As a partner with Envoy and American Airlines Group, Coast Flight Training offers pilot candidates a direct connection to transition directly into the cockpit with a conditional job offer once the program is completed. Tuition assistance and hiring bonuses are also available through the partnering airlines.

Coast Flight Training also offers full career programs, including an associate degree through Indian Hills Community College, and recreational pilot training at its Montgomery Field Airport-based headquarters. The San Diego-based program also partners with SkyWest Airlines.