Question 1

What's the current cost of the program?

Accepted Answer

Participants can reach Southwest Airlines in approximately four years while gaining competitive compensation from our flight partners, exceptional training, dedicated mentorship, quality flight time, and the skills needed to take flight as a Southwest Airlines First Officer. CAE: Up to $125K (additional loans of $17K available for housing and a stipend) SkyWarrior: Up to $120K (additional loans of $30K available for courseware, housing, and a stipend) US Aviation: Up to $115K (additional loans of $15K available for housing and a stipend) *Prices are estimates of tuition and training fees and may not include additional costs.

Question 2

What are the minimum requirements to apply?

Accepted Answer

Cadet pathway applicants may have little to no experience, with no higher than a private pilot rating when applying to or starting the program. To participate in the Destination 225° program, you must:  Possess an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate. Have or be able to 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 full-time in the U.S. without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. Be able to pass the pre-screening 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 program. Demonstrate the ability to pay out of pocket or secure financing for the total amount of the program.

Question 3

What documents are needed for the application?

Accepted Answer

The following documents will be required and uploaded as part of your program application:

Resume (submitted in Word or PDF format)

Your resume should include any applicable flight time, flight certificates, work history in chronological order, and education you are pursuing or have pursued.

Two Professional Letters of Recommendation

You're required to upload two professional letters of recommendation. These letters may be written by professors or staff from your high school or university; someone you have flown with; current or former supervisors from your employment or volunteer experience; mentors; or community leaders. Please do not submit letters of recommendation from friends or family members in this section; those can be uploaded in the optional “Other Letters of Recommendation” section.
- Current Southwest Airlines Employees only: If you're currently employed at Southwest, we require one letter of recommendation from your direct Leader.

Optional: Other Letters of Recommendation

Up to two additional letters of recommendation may be uploaded in the optional “Other Letters of Recommendation” section; however, they are not required. If you're submitting a recommendation from a personal connection (such as a friend or relative), please upload it to the “Other Letters of Recommendation” section. Additionally, if you've connected with a Southwest Pilot who is willing to provide a recommendation but has not worked directly with you, please upload that letter in the “Other Letters of Recommendation” section.

Proof of Education

University Pathway applicants: You must upload an academic transcript as proof of education with your application. You don’t need to order an official transcript; unofficial transcripts may be submitted.
Cadet Pathway applicants: If you've taken any college coursework, please upload a transcript (either official or unofficial) with your application. If you haven’t taken college coursework, please upload your high school diploma or equivalent.

Logbook

Applicants who report logged flight time will be required to upload a logbook of all flight hours. Accepted formats:
- Digital logbook download (e.g., ForeFlight, LogTen, MyFlightbook)
- Scanned PDF of physical logbook pages

Question 4

What sets Destination 225° apart from other programs?

Accepted Answer

As a cadet, you're assigned a Southwest First Officer mentor from day one. Your mentors guide you throughout the program, celebrate your highs, and provide support in the lows. We look forward to officially welcoming you into the Southwest Family as you approach your dreams of becoming a First Officer.

Question 5

What's the current cost of the program?

Accepted Answer

Participants can reach Southwest Airlines in approximately four years while gaining competitive compensation from our flight partners, exceptional training, dedicated mentorship, quality flight time, and the skills needed to take flight as a Southwest Airlines First Officer. CAE: Up to $125K (additional loans of $17K available for housing and a stipend) SkyWarrior: Up to $120K (additional loans of $30K available for courseware, housing, and a stipend) US Aviation: Up to $115K (additional loans of $15K available for housing and a stipend) *Prices are estimates of tuition and training fees and may not include additional costs.

Question 6

What are the minimum requirements to apply?

Accepted Answer

Cadet pathway applicants may have little to no experience, with no higher than a private pilot rating when applying to or starting the program. To participate in the Destination 225° program, you must:  Possess an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate. Have or be able to 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 full-time in the U.S. without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. Be able to pass the pre-screening 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 program. Demonstrate the ability to pay out of pocket or secure financing for the total amount of the program.

Question 7

What documents are needed for the application?

Accepted Answer

The following documents will be required and uploaded as part of your program application:

Resume (submitted in Word or PDF format)

Your resume should include any applicable flight time, flight certificates, work history in chronological order, and education you are pursuing or have pursued.

Two Professional Letters of Recommendation

You're required to upload two professional letters of recommendation. These letters may be written by professors or staff from your high school or university; someone you have flown with; current or former supervisors from your employment or volunteer experience; mentors; or community leaders. Please do not submit letters of recommendation from friends or family members in this section; those can be uploaded in the optional “Other Letters of Recommendation” section.
- Current Southwest Airlines Employees only: If you're currently employed at Southwest, we require one letter of recommendation from your direct Leader.

Optional: Other Letters of Recommendation

Up to two additional letters of recommendation may be uploaded in the optional “Other Letters of Recommendation” section; however, they are not required. If you're submitting a recommendation from a personal connection (such as a friend or relative), please upload it to the “Other Letters of Recommendation” section. Additionally, if you've connected with a Southwest Pilot who is willing to provide a recommendation but has not worked directly with you, please upload that letter in the “Other Letters of Recommendation” section.

Proof of Education

University Pathway applicants: You must upload an academic transcript as proof of education with your application. You don’t need to order an official transcript; unofficial transcripts may be submitted.
Cadet Pathway applicants: If you've taken any college coursework, please upload a transcript (either official or unofficial) with your application. If you haven’t taken college coursework, please upload your high school diploma or equivalent.

Logbook

Applicants who report logged flight time will be required to upload a logbook of all flight hours. Accepted formats:
- Digital logbook download (e.g., ForeFlight, LogTen, MyFlightbook)
- Scanned PDF of physical logbook pages

Question 8

What sets Destination 225° apart from other programs?

Accepted Answer

As a cadet, you're assigned a Southwest First Officer mentor from day one. Your mentors guide you throughout the program, celebrate your highs, and provide support in the lows. We look forward to officially welcoming you into the Southwest Family as you approach your dreams of becoming a First Officer.

Question 9

How long is the application timeline, and how soon can I start after being accepted into the pathway?

Accepted Answer

The timeline from application to beginning the program is about three months. Candidates should only apply if they can start within six months of their application date. All applicants receive an invite for the ADAPT assessment and need to complete it within two weeks. Once accepted: We request a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of class to process your paperwork and complete onboarding. The loan process requires a minimum of 30 days to complete. This timeline also may depend on each cadet’s situation and how quickly they can secure funding.

Question 10

How do I build the time and experience needed to become a Southwest First Officer?

Accepted Answer

Everyone, no matter prior experience, starts at the beginning and earns about 250 hours of flight time while completing all their required ratings from Private Pilot License to Certified Flight Instructor.   Participants then start their professional flight careers earning compensation by working as Flight Instructors teaching new pilots how to fly. During this stage, participants continue to accrue additional flight time and experience for eligibility to interview and start with a Destination 225° flight partner.  After achieving approximately 750 hours total time in the cadet pathway, you'll interview with a program partner and become a First Officer. Most of our flight partners require a two-year commitment where you'll complete your initial training, earn a type rating, and ultimately build the quality experience needed to start your career as a Southwest Airlines First Officer.

Question 11

What's the time commitment once I start the cadet pathway?

Accepted Answer

It's a full-time commitment that often requires more than 40-hour weeks of studying, classroom, and flight time. This pathway is demanding, and we recommend that cadets avoid planning vacations or holidays during the initial training period to progress on track.   Once the initial training stages are complete (approximately 13 months for the cadet pathway), participants gain more control over their calendars; however, flexibility is key to success in this program.

Question 12

Can I work while in training?

Accepted Answer

It's not recommended as training is a full-time job. The average cadet will spend 40+ hours on all program-related activities. A stipend is available to provide you with the means of paying for living expenses during the first 13 months.

Question 13

How long is training?

Accepted Answer

Training is approximately 13 months from the Private Pilot License to the Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII). The timeline can vary depending on the cadet and general conditions such as weather and aircraft maintenance.

Question 14

Is there a structured ground training course?

Accepted Answer

Our partners offer optional classroom training, but most ground training takes place with you and your instructor, including a self-study emphasis.

Skywarrior and US Aviation offer a structured ground school led by staff instructors, in addition to self-study.

Question 15

Will I need to relocate for Destination 225°?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and maybe more than once. CAE is in Mesa, Ariz., SkyWarrior in Pensacola, Fla., and US Aviation in Denton, Texas. You may need to relocate to a different city when hired by one of our flight partners while you build flight hours. ​​​​​​​ Each flight partner has different locations/bases, and we suggest that our cadets remain flexible as they gain quality flight hours. As you progress through the program, you should expect to relocate.

Question 16

Where will I live as a cadet and do I need a car?

Accepted Answer

Each flight school works closely with local housing complexes to provide affordable housing options.

Additionally, CAE and US Aviation offer a ground transportation option; however, we strongly recommend you provide your transportation at SkyWarrior.

Question 17

Can I visit the training facility before joining Destination 225°?  ​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you'd like to visit a training location, you're welcome to contact CAE, SkyWarrior, or US Aviation and schedule a visit next time you are in town.

Question 18

Does the Destination 225° cadet pathway guarantee a job at Southwest Airlines?  ​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

While a job at Southwest Airlines isn’t guaranteed, Destination 225° is created to equip participants with the skills needed to start their career as a Southwest First Officer and is designed to build a program of talented Pilots for Southwest. Neither acceptance into nor completing the program successfully guarantees employment or re-employment at Southwest Airlines.

Question 19

When do I start to earn an income?

Accepted Answer

Once you complete your training and begin employment as a Flight Instructor, you'll receive income as a pilot.

Question 20

Can I fail out of Destination 225°?  ​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

The pathways set you up for a successful flying career through a rigorous and challenging training program. Failure to complete any of the requirements, training areas, or meet the expectations of Southwest Airlines or its partners may lead to removal from the program.

Question 21

I’m a Southwest Employee, but not a Pilot. Can I apply to the Destination 225° program?   ​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

Yes! At Southwest Airlines, we encourage Employees to pursue the career of their dreams, whether in the air or on the ground. Employee-specific information about Destination 225° is available on SWALife.

Question 22

Can I use the GI Bill to pay for the cadet pathway?

Accepted Answer

We’re excited that Destination 225° provides avenues for veterans wanting to pursue a career as a Southwest Airlines Pilot. Both SkyWarrior and US Aviation are setup to use VA Benefits.

Question 23

How long is the application timeline, and how soon can I start after being accepted into the pathway?

Accepted Answer

The timeline from application to beginning the program is about three months. Candidates should only apply if they can start within six months of their application date. All applicants receive an invite for the ADAPT assessment and need to complete it within two weeks. Once accepted: We request a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of class to process your paperwork and complete onboarding. The loan process requires a minimum of 30 days to complete. This timeline also may depend on each cadet’s situation and how quickly they can secure funding.

Question 24

How do I build the time and experience needed to become a Southwest First Officer?

Accepted Answer

Everyone, no matter prior experience, starts at the beginning and earns about 250 hours of flight time while completing all their required ratings from Private Pilot License to Certified Flight Instructor.   Participants then start their professional flight careers earning compensation by working as Flight Instructors teaching new pilots how to fly. During this stage, participants continue to accrue additional flight time and experience for eligibility to interview and start with a Destination 225° flight partner.  After achieving approximately 750 hours total time in the cadet pathway, you'll interview with a program partner and become a First Officer. Most of our flight partners require a two-year commitment where you'll complete your initial training, earn a type rating, and ultimately build the quality experience needed to start your career as a Southwest Airlines First Officer.

Question 25

What's the time commitment once I start the cadet pathway?

Accepted Answer

It's a full-time commitment that often requires more than 40-hour weeks of studying, classroom, and flight time. This pathway is demanding, and we recommend that cadets avoid planning vacations or holidays during the initial training period to progress on track.   Once the initial training stages are complete (approximately 13 months for the cadet pathway), participants gain more control over their calendars; however, flexibility is key to success in this program.

Question 26

Can I work while in training?

Accepted Answer

It's not recommended as training is a full-time job. The average cadet will spend 40+ hours on all program-related activities. A stipend is available to provide you with the means of paying for living expenses during the first 13 months.

Question 27

How long is training?

Accepted Answer

Training is approximately 13 months from the Private Pilot License to the Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII). The timeline can vary depending on the cadet and general conditions such as weather and aircraft maintenance.

Question 28

Is there a structured ground training course?

Accepted Answer

Our partners offer optional classroom training, but most ground training takes place with you and your instructor, including a self-study emphasis.

Skywarrior and US Aviation offer a structured ground school led by staff instructors, in addition to self-study.

Question 29

Will I need to relocate for Destination 225°?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and maybe more than once. CAE is in Mesa, Ariz., SkyWarrior in Pensacola, Fla., and US Aviation in Denton, Texas. You may need to relocate to a different city when hired by one of our flight partners while you build flight hours. ​​​​​​​ Each flight partner has different locations/bases, and we suggest that our cadets remain flexible as they gain quality flight hours. As you progress through the program, you should expect to relocate.

Question 30

Where will I live as a cadet and do I need a car?

Accepted Answer

Each flight school works closely with local housing complexes to provide affordable housing options.

Additionally, CAE and US Aviation offer a ground transportation option; however, we strongly recommend you provide your transportation at SkyWarrior.

Question 31

Can I visit the training facility before joining Destination 225°?  ​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you'd like to visit a training location, you're welcome to contact CAE, SkyWarrior, or US Aviation and schedule a visit next time you are in town.

Question 32

Does the Destination 225° cadet pathway guarantee a job at Southwest Airlines?  ​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

While a job at Southwest Airlines isn’t guaranteed, Destination 225° is created to equip participants with the skills needed to start their career as a Southwest First Officer and is designed to build a program of talented Pilots for Southwest. Neither acceptance into nor completing the program successfully guarantees employment or re-employment at Southwest Airlines.

Question 33

When do I start to earn an income?

Accepted Answer

Once you complete your training and begin employment as a Flight Instructor, you'll receive income as a pilot.

Question 34

Can I fail out of Destination 225°?  ​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

The pathways set you up for a successful flying career through a rigorous and challenging training program. Failure to complete any of the requirements, training areas, or meet the expectations of Southwest Airlines or its partners may lead to removal from the program.

Question 35

I’m a Southwest Employee, but not a Pilot. Can I apply to the Destination 225° program?   ​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

Yes! At Southwest Airlines, we encourage Employees to pursue the career of their dreams, whether in the air or on the ground. Employee-specific information about Destination 225° is available on SWALife.

Question 36

Can I use the GI Bill to pay for the cadet pathway?

Accepted Answer

We’re excited that Destination 225° provides avenues for veterans wanting to pursue a career as a Southwest Airlines Pilot. Both SkyWarrior and US Aviation are setup to use VA Benefits.

Destination 225°®
Cadet Pathway

Where's your navigation leading you?

Ready to start your journey with Destination 225°?

From the office to the skies

Pre-flight checklist

Mentorship that matters

I've applied! What's next?

Cadet pathway FAQs

Learn more about our partners

Destination 225°® Cadet Pathway

Where's your navigation leading you?

Ready to start your journey with Destination 225°?

From the office to the skies

Pre-flight checklist

Mentorship that matters

I've applied! What's next?

Cadet pathway FAQs

Learn more about our partners

Destination 225°®
Cadet Pathway