Because regional airlines have been hardest by the pilot shortage, it makes sense those airlines would be some of the first to create their own pipeline to the cockpit. Republic Airways recently created Indianapolis International Airport-based Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy to train future pilots. Republic opened LIFT Academy, “to make a career as a commercial pilot more accessible to all by reducing the high cost of flight training, encouraging greater pilot diversity and raising awareness of the need for a greater supply of pilots.” Republic says it’s the only regional airline to operate its own training academy, specifically designed to create a classroom-to-cockpit path for its students. Republic is hiring nearly 600 commercial pilots annually, a number expected to grow by 50 percent over the next decade.
Student recruitment has already begun with monthly enrollment opportunities and the first class beginning in September. LIFT Academy features a structured education environment and curriculum that combines flight, flight simulator, online and in-classroom training. Starting on day one, students will be trained using the latest aviation technology and evaluated using real-time data inputs designed to create highly skilled, professionally developed commercial airline pilots. LIFT Academy students will operate a fleet of advanced Diamond aircraft and Diamond Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTD). The aircraft include the single-engine DA40 and the twin-engine DA42, both of which include a sophisticated avionics suite.
Additionally, Republic and Vincennes University announced the formation of a long-term training partnership slated to begin next year. Vincennes University flight students will complete their flight training at LIFT Academy and earn the opportunity to become part of the Republic Airline career pathway program. Additionally, LIFT Academy students will have the option to pursue an associate degree from VU online.
Total tuition for the flight academy is approximately $65,000. Applying to join LIFT is free. To further assist with tuition expenses, Republic will offer sponsorships and loan programs to those who qualify.
