As aviation continues to evolve, so do the ways people obtain the certificates, ratings and FAA-required flight hours necessary to become an airline pilot. There are options across the country, so how do you decide which one is right for you?
Many flight schools do not have airline partners. They offer ground and flight instruction, have a fleet of training aircraft and can help you achieve your dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, but do not specifically train you for a career at a particular airline.
At Republic Airways, we believed there was a better way to train pilots — that’s why we developed LIFT Academy. Through LIFT, aspiring pilots receive premier instruction in state-of-the-art Diamond Aircraft and simulators that prepares them for a career with Republic upon graduation. With multiple paths, tuition incentives and chances to earn money while building flight hours, LIFT Academy gives students a singular focus starting on day one.
Joining LIFT Academy does not require any previous experience in aviation. Many new students even begin their flight training within 10 days! We offer students three different paths during their time at LIFT — the Republic Airways Career Pathway Program, our Cape Air Partnership and our Collegiate Partnership Program.
Through the Republic Airways Career Pathway Program, you can earn your ratings, build flight hours and earn money working as a Certificated Flight Instructor at LIFT. As a CFI, you have daily access to our Diamond Aircraft and flight simulators, accelerating your timeline on your way to your opportunity to become a First Officer at Republic.
If you want to start flying commercially sooner, our Cape Air Partnership gives you the paid opportunity to operate passenger flights throughout the Midwest, Montana, the Northeast and the Caribbean as a First Officer at Cape Air. Once you fly the required length of time as a First Officer and Captain there, you join Republic to continue your aviation journey!
Lastly, our Collegiate Partnership Program might be the best choice for you if you want to earn a college degree while training. We’ve teamed up with colleges and universities including Purdue Global, Ivy Tech Columbus and Indiana Wesleyan University to offer two- and four-year degrees in flight and aviation fields!
When you’re looking to start your aviation career, LIFT Academy is one of the nation’s most innovative flight training programs and one of the only ones to offer a defined pathway to a career as a pilot at Republic. LIFT offers numerous financial incentives that can award you up to $99,000 upon graduation, potentially covering your training costs. In addition to being affordable and accelerated, LIFT is accessible with three campuses in Indianapolis, IN, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Galveston, TX!
Flying as a pilot at Republic is a rewarding, exciting and dynamic career path. Republic pilots enjoy perks you won’t find at many other regional airlines, including travel benefits with our partner airlines for you and your family, generous time off and ten base locations to make your home.
If you’re looking for a place to start, look no further than LIFT Academy. Take LIFT’s Flight Training Readiness Quiz to see if it’s a good start for you or visit flywithlift.com to learn more and apply today.