Cebu Pacific (CEB) is once again opening its doors to aspiring pilots through its Cadet Pilot Program. This comprehensive 96-week program is designed to provide individuals with no prior flight experience with the necessary skills and knowledge to become licensed commercial pilots. The program equips participants with the theoretical foundation and practical flight training required to confidently take on the challenges of domestic and international passenger flights.
This scheme offers aspiring pilots valuable training experience, mentorship, and assured employment with the airline. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed today between Cebu Pacific and Airworks Aviation, formalizing their partnership. The signing event, held at NUSTAR in Cebu City, was attended by Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Joseph Pangatungan and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo.
“We’re thrilled to offer aspiring pilots the opportunity to become commercially licensed through
our Cadet Pilot Program. Currently, we are the only airline in the Philippines with a cadet pilot
program. This initiative will allow us to produce highly skilled pilots ready to provide safe,
convenient, and reliable flights for every Juan,” according to Capt. Samuel Avila II, CEB Vice President for Flight Operations.
The first phase of the application period will be open from 07 to 13 June 2024, through CEB’s official communication platforms (a link to the application form will be made available to all interested applicants). This initiative underscores CEB’s commitment to developing local aviation talent and providing career opportunities within the airline industry.
“For thirty years, Airworks Aviation has grown steadily to enable aspiring pilots to pursue a
career in aviation. This cadet pilot program, which we launched together with Cebu Pacific, will
allow us to further provide aspiring pilots with the means to fulfill their dreams at the most
competitive cost and incentives. Together, we are forging the future of aviation in the country,” said Airworks Aviation President Vincent Charles Ong.
Cadet Pilot Program Highlights
- Guaranteed Employment: Upon successful completion of the Cadet Pilot Program, graduates are guaranteed a position as a commercial pilot with Cebu Pacific. This means a rewarding career flying domestic and international routes, and transporting passengers to exciting destinations. Cebu Pacific is a major player in the Philippines’ aviation industry, and becoming a pilot with the airline opens doors to a promising future in the world of aviation.
- Training Location: Training will take place at Airworks Aviation Academy, a renowned institution with a proven track record of excellence in pilot training. Located at Mactan Cebu International Airport, the academy boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including flight simulators, classrooms, and on-site accommodation for cadets. Airworks Aviation Academy is equipped to provide a comprehensive and immersive training experience that prepares graduates for the demands of a commercial pilot career.
- Qualifications Upon Completion: Graduates of the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program will be well-equipped to excel in their careers as commercial pilots. They will possess a Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating, which is the minimum qualification required to fly as a pilot-in-command on multi-engine airplanes. In addition, they will have logged a minimum of 200 hours of flight time experience, exceeding the Philippine Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAAP) requirement of 160 hours for the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) theoretical knowledge course. This extra flight time provides valuable hands-on experience and strengthens a graduate’s piloting skills. Finally, the program grants a type rating qualification on either the Airbus 320 or ATR 72-600 aircraft. Type ratings are specific qualifications for operating particular aircraft models, and having one is essential for employment with Cebu Pacific, which utilizes these Airbus and ATR aircraft in its fleet.
Who Can Apply?
- Filipino citizens (including dual citizens)
- College or University degree holders
- Proficient in English, Math, and Physics
Training Phases & Financing
The Aviation Foundation Course in Pasay, Manila, spans four (04) weeks and offers comprehensive training in essential areas. This includes English Language Training, which emphasizes aviation communication, air traffic control (ATC) instructions, and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) pilot readbacks. The course covers Aviation Theory, encompassing aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, meteorology, flight rules, and more. Cadets’ understanding and readiness for further training are assessed through various evaluations.
The Basic Flight Training phase lasts 68 weeks and takes place in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. This phase begins with Ground School, an in-depth study of aircraft systems, procedures, and regulations. Cadets then engage in Flight Simulator Training, where they practice various maneuvers and instrument flying techniques. The training culminates in Actual Flight Training, where cadets build flying experience in single-engine aircraft.
The Airline Integration Training phase extends over 24 weeks in Pasay, Manila. This phase includes Type Rating, which provides specialized training on either the Airbus 320 or ATR 72-600. Cadets also learn Airline Procedures, familiarizing themselves with Cebu Pacific’s specific operating procedures and standards.
Financing Options are available for the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program, which is self-funded. The airline has partnered with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to offer exclusive loan options for cadets and their sponsors, helping cover the training costs, which are approximately PHP5,000,000.
The Cadet Pilot Program includes a Bond Agreement that participants must sign upon acceptance into the program. This agreement commits them to a minimum of ten (10) years of service with Cebu Pacific after completing their training. During the Basic Flight Training phase, cadets are required to reside on the Airworks campus in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on a full-board basis. Cebu Pacific will provide cadets with a full uniform, except for shoes.
A full FAQ about the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program is available here.
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