WMU aviation grads get to move to the head of the line

In what Western Michigan University’s aviation program see as a coup, an agreement with Pinnacle Airlines Corp. will make it easier for WMU grads to be hired by the company.

Pinnacle says the graduates of Western’s flight science degree program meet or exceed all standards with which the company measures pilot qualifications and professionalism and for that reason it has created a fast-track for WMU grads who want to work for them.

WMU grads will be among the first in line for pilot positions without having to go through traditional recruiting and interview process for the regional airline. They also are eligible to qualify as a first officer without flying more hours in a multi-engine aircraft.

To qualify, students must have earned their bachelor’s degree in aviation flight science from WMU with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They also must have graduated from WMU’s program with an FAA-issued Multiengine Land Commercial Pilot License or an FAA-issued Multiengine Land Airline Transport Pilot License and have completed 250 flight hours asrequired by the FAA.

Pinnacle Airlines with more  than 7,700 employees, operates Pinnacle, Colgan and Mesaba Airlines. The agreement is only the second direct-hire program in the nation the airline has entered into.

The WMU College of Aviation has an enrollment of 700 students in its three programs — Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aviation Science and Administration, and Aviation Flight Science.

Former military pilots once had a lock on becoming pilots for commercial airlines. But the number of  pilots coming out of the military and moving into civilian flight positions has declined, creating a need for programs like Western’s and opportunities for its graduates, says Steve Jones executive director of flight operations for the College of Aviation.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Steve Jones, WMU College of Aviation