Delta Air Lines opened a new flight training program earlier this week that maps out the course to a job as a pilot at the airline. In Vero Beach, Florida, Delta’s Propel Flight Academy offers simulator training and world-class instructors to prepare aspiring pilots for success.

The Academy is part of the carrier’s Propel Program, which allows people to accelerate their aviation career through one of four tailored career paths. Eligible students can also reportedly receive up to $20,000 in financial support.

Top-tier training

With city and country dignitaries, Delta pilots, students, and others in attendance, the Academy officially opened on Tuesday in partnership with Skyborne Aviation, an airline training academy. The airline said the launch ushers in a new era of workforce development and pilot career paths.

Photo: Delta Air Lines

Skyborne’s CEO, Lee Woodward, spoke about the new Academy being introduced to the world.

“I’m so proud to work with Delta. I think the future for this academy, clearly, will get better and better. This is going to be the flagship partner training academy in the world.”

With Skyborne as Delta’s exclusive training provider, the Academy features high-quality instruction, state-of-the-art aircraft, and training devices such as simulators, all being located just minutes away from pristine Atlantic beaches. Delta pilots also offer mentoring support while students have access to a newly refurbished 12,000-square-foot co-branded facility.

“No flying experience”

No prior flight experience is required to attend the Academy. Still, there are specific prerequisites, such as being at least 18 years old and obtaining an FAA 1st Class Medical certificate, among others. Melissa F., one of Delta’s Atlanta-based Airbus A350 First Officers, spoke to students about the program at the opening event.

“This is a set path and gives people a clear direction to go from no flying experience and end up at the best carrier in the world.”

Photo: Delta Air Lines

Once students complete their first certification or rating, student pilots will have the opportunity to apply for the Propel Program. According to the airline, pilots that graduate from the Academy will receive a conditional job offer and a defined career path to Delta’s flight deck.

“Successful students will also be offered employment with Skyborne as a CFI, receiving a full sponsorship from Skyborne for CFII and MEI, as well as a generous salary, and private health benefits, until they reach 1,500 hours of flight experience,” the airline said. “Upon completion, program participants have multiple options to build their professional flying experience before seamlessly transitioning to Delta.”

Other paths to pursuing aviation

The Academy is one of four tailored career paths Delta offers underneath its Propel Program. The other three pathways, Collegiate, Company, and Community, also cater to various aspiring pilots.

In the Collegiate path, the carrier partners with select universities, such as Arizona State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, to offer an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot. Current airline employees can transition toward becoming a new pilot through the Company pathway, which partners with ATP Flight School, Flyt Aviation, and Skyborne.

There are three main community pathways: The Partnership Organization path, the Intern path, and the Endeavor Ambassador path. All pathways provide multiple opportunities for students who aspire to pursue an aviation career to do so.

“Delta is not just a place where you fly airplanes. It’s a place where you can work with the best people on the planet,” said Captain Patrick Burns, Delta’s VP of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot

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