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Destination 225° Emerging Aviator Pathway
Designed for Airline Transport Pilots (ATP) and Restricted Airline Transport Pilots (R-ATP), the Destination 225° Emerging Aviator pathway (EAP) is an efficient, innovative, and accelerated route to becoming a Southwest Airlines® First Officer.

Our goal is to create a clear runway for aviators looking to join the Southwest® Family. With the Emerging Aviator pathway, pilots with their ATP/R-ATP gain relevant flight experience with a Southwest Airlines partner, and put themselves in position to join the ranks as a Southwest Airlines Pilot in approximately two years.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a career at 35,000 feet, set your course for 225°.

The program:


Are you interested in learning more about our Emerging Aviator pathway? Below is an overview of the different milestones of the program as each of the various stages are successfully completed.
The Emerging Aviator pathway: from application and selection (1 month) to training and working as a professional pilot (24-3 months) to transitioning and applying to Southwest Airlines (3 months)The Cadet pathway has three main stages: Application & Selection, Initial Training, and Flight Experience.

Thinking of joining?
Take a look, take control, and take off!
To participate in the Emerging Aviator pathway, you must:

  • Possess a USA DOT/FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
  • Have or obtain a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the U.S.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency 
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future
  • Be at least 21 years of age at the time of application 
  • Possess an ATP or R-ATP rating at the time of application
  • Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English
  • Be able to pass the prescreening requirements needed for employment at Southwest Airlines (e.g. drug testing and background check)
  • Be able to relocate for the duration of the program and future job opportunities
  • Maintain any physical requirements necessary to complete new and ongoing Pilot training throughout the duration of the Destination 225° program

Application & selection process:
Once you’ve applied, we’ll carefully review your application, and you’ll receive follow up communication from Southwest Airlines including information related to the ADAPT assessment. Once your ADAPT assessment is complete, you’ll receive additional communication from Southwest Airlines to schedule your interview for the program. 

Note: all costs related to the ADAPT assessment are the responsibility of the applicant.   

Here’s a checklist to complete as you’re awaiting communication from Southwest:
  • Obtain a current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
  • Verify that your logbook is complete and accurate
  • Prepare to answer the question, “Why do you want to work at Southwest Airlines?”
  • Gather two professional letters of recommendation in PDF format

After your interview, you’ll typically hear back from us within 10 business days—we’ll contact you no matter the outcome. We’ll then schedule Candidates selected to advance in the program for a flight partner interview. Once all interviews are complete, selected aviators receive a class date so they can begin building their experience. 

Ready to set your course for 225°?
I'm interested!

Learn more about our partners:

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iAero Group's logo
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