Kansas State University and American Eagle Airlines and have formed a bridge program through which K-State’s pilot program graduates are guaranteed interviews with the airline.

The graduates must meet the same standards for American Eagle Airlines employment as other potential candidates, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their aviation courses and a minimum of 500 hours of flight time in aircraft, which must include 50 hours of flight time in multi-engine aircraft and 250 hours as pilot in command. They also must complete all phases of the interview process.

“The bridge program is an excellent opportunity for our students wanting to pursue a career in commercial aviation,” said Kurt Barnhart, head of K-State’s aviation department. “Instead of spending years at smaller regional airlines before being considered for employment by larger airlines, they now have a chance to go directly into the largest regional air carrier in the world with opportunities to transfer into the largest airline in the the world.”

“American Eagle recognizes the quality of training Kansas State University provides and the airline-ready pilots the program produces. We are very pleased with this alliance and look forward to a long and successful relationship with K-State,” said Capt. Jim Winkley, vice president of flight operations at American Eagle Airlines.

Release from Natalie Blair