By Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA
MANILA — Cebu Pacific (CEB) has announced that the application process for its Cadet Pilot Program will open from February 15 to 24.
“This is already the sixth batch. We had 58 cadets from the first four batches. We have another 15 from fifth batch set to leave (for training abroad) in April,” CEB spokesperson Charo Lagamon told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday.
Launched in October 2017, CEB’s Cadet Pilot Program uses the “study now, pay later” scheme, where aspiring pilots are welcome to apply, and if they pass, CEB would finance their training course.
Successful applicants undergo a rigorous screening process — a 52-week integrated flying program, flight theory, and education course at the Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) in Australia.
After 52 weeks at the 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.
Trainees who would pass and qualify would be guaranteed an employment at CEB.
The carrier has allotted USD25 million for this program, which it plans to run for at least five years.