Photo of Destination 225° Cadet and Flight Instructor in the flight deck

Destination 225°®
Cadet Pathway

Where's your navigation leading you?

The Destination 225°^® Cadet Pathway trains new or private pilots with the skills needed to become a Southwest Airlines^® First Officer in as little as four years. There's no typical Candidate or background for the pathway and all are welcome to apply.

Candidates for the cadet pathway may:

Be out in the workforce and ready to make a change in your profession
Have graduated and are interested in pursuing a rewarding career
Be transitioning out of a non-pilot role in the military
Be a current private pilot
Work in aviation and want to make your dream of flying a reality

Apply to the cadet pathway

From the office to the skies

Hear directly from Bailey G., a cadet from our inaugural class, about how she's turned her office daydreams of the flight deck into a reality.

Bailey G., Destination 225° Cadet on flight line

What can I expect as a cadet?

Southwest Airlines and CAE, a worldwide leader in training, collaborated to create the cadet pathway. Located in Mesa, Ariz., this pathway teaches participants how to fly The Southwest Way. It's a direct path to become a First Officer at Southwest Airlines through competency-based training.

As a participant, you can expect:

A 13-month, 40-hour week training program, earning all ratings necessary to become a Certified Flight Instructor at CAE in Mesa, Ariz.
Personal engagement and mentorship from Southwest^® First Officers throughout your four years in the cadet pathway.
Educational touchpoints facilitated by First Officer mentors in Mesa, Ariz., and at Southwest Airlines state-of-the-art training facility in Dallas, Texas.
Experience working as a Certified Flight Instructor inspiring, coaching, and training future aviators at CAE.
A preferential interview with a program partner, type ratings, and experience-building opportunities during your two-year commitment (note: time commitments are partner-dependent and may vary).
Completion of the program in approximately four years as an experienced, well-trained pilot and ready to begin a career as a Southwest First Officer.

Pre-flight checklist

Dive into the basics of our Destination 225° program and prepare your application for takeoff!

Ready for your new career to take flight?

Apply now for Destination 225°

Mentorship that matters

Along with an engaging training program, cadets receive personal mentorship from active Southwest Airlines First Officers who guide their course throughout the program, from single-engines to Boeing 737s.

Destination 225° Lead Mentor Jennifer M.

"It's rewarding to see the change and the knowledge that our cadets build in such a short amount of time. Mentorship from Southwest First Officers sets Destination 225° apart."

- First Officer Jennifer M.
Destination 225° Lead Mentor

I've applied! What's next?

While you wait

Once you’ve applied, we carefully review your application, and you'll receive follow-up communication from CAE. We appreciate your patience while we select aspiring aviators are selected for the program!

Here’s a checklist to complete as you’re awaiting communication from Southwest and CAE:

Obtain an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.
Explore financing options and prequalify for any financial aid you may need.
Complete a discovery flight, if you haven't already, at your local airport.

Getting to know you

If you're selected to move forward in the process, you'll be expected to complete an aptitude assessment, and potentially, a virtual interview. (Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with the selection process.)

You’ll hear from us post-interview. If you’re selected for the program, you can expect to receive a class date, Southwest Airlines letter of intent, and more information regarding the financial aid process for the cadet pathway.

Photo of Destination 225° aircraft on the runway

Cadet pathway FAQs

Learn more about our partners

We're thrilled about our partnerships with the following organizations who commit to going and beyond to train and employ Destination 225° cadets. Click each logo to learn more.

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Destination 225°® Cadet Pathway