MANILA — Local carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced Thursday that application for the second batch of its cadet pilot training program is now open.
The program uses the “study now, pay later” scheme, where pilot-wannabes could apply, and if they would be chosen, CEB would finance their training course.
Successful trainees would be employed by CEB, and they can pay for the training cost through salary deduction within a maximum of 10 years.
Launched last October, the program welcomes all college graduate Filipinos holding a passport valid for at least two years prior to the start of the program.
Applicants need to undergo a rigorous screening process. Successful applicants would undergo a 52-week integrated flying program, flight theory, and education course at the Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) in Australia.
FTA provides customized aviation training solutions for the fixed wing and rotary wing industry. FTA’s goal is not just to train cadets for them to obtain a license, but to produce future airline and helicopter captains.
After 52 weeks in FTA, trainees would return to Manila for another four-week training to get a pilot’s license from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
According to CEB, the first batch of CEB Cadet Pilots has been selected and they are currently completing their requirements and pre-departure training. The first batch of trainees is set to depart for FTA by April, the airline added.
As CEB opens the application for the second batch Thursday, CEB Corporate Communications Director Charo Logarta told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the airline is yet to determine the deadline for this.
Meanwhile, CEB president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei earlier mentioned that this program is one of the company’s initiatives to highlight the importance of education and help the country in producing more highly skilled aviators.
During the program’s launch last year, the airline announced it would invest USD25 million for this for five years.
Capt. Samuel Avila, vice president for CEB Flight Operations, previously told PNA that to become a pilot, one needs to prepare PHP2 million to PHP3.8 million for a 12-month training program.
He added pilot training is a high-risk investment, since the training fees are high, yet there’s no guarantee of employment.
CEB invites interested applicants to inquire or visit its website to know more about the pre-screening process. Applicants would then be notified via email regarding the status of their application. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)
