Exciting Career Paths Are Ready for Takeoff
Flight school is only the beginning of your aviation career journey. Our structured training gives you a competitive advantage when launching or advancing your pilot career.
Pilot Career Development
Pilot Career Development Opportunities
Whether you’re new to aviation or a well-established pilot, Leading Edge provides career development support and services to help you reach your aviation goals. After nearly 20 years of launching professional pilot careers, we have the experience, industry partnerships, and resources to help our flight school students land their dream jobs.
Airplane
If becoming an Airline Pilot is your ultimate goal, then Leading Edge has these relationships to help you along the journey.
Skywest Pathway Program
Leading Edge is proud to be a school partner for the Skywest Pathway Program. The Pilot Pathway Program allows students to remain on campus to complete their flight training until they meet SkyWest’s Airline Transport Pilot standards.
Upon entering the pathway program, you are given a Skywest seniority number, flown to their main base for a tour and background on company information, provided with a pilot mentor, and guaranteed an interview for a first officer position when you meet their minimum flight requirements. Skywest has pathways with Alaska Airlines, Southwest, United, Delta, and American. It is a tremendous regional to launch your pilot career!
PlaneSense
Our strong partnership with PlaneSense, a world-leading operator of Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft, opens doors for our instructors. Leading Edge instructors who meet the required qualifications are provided an interview with PlaneSense, setting them ahead of hundreds of other applicants.
Horizon Air Pilot Development Program
A unique program from Horizon Air, the Horizon Pilot Development Program, creates an industry opportunity for those who have completed private pilot training in the Central Oregon Community College (COCC) Aviation Degree Program. Those accepted into the program complete training and build experience as a COCC flight instructor, leading to a position as a first officer with Horizon Air. The program offers a two-year contract with Horizon and a $12,500 training stipend.
Helicopter
Leading Edge has long standing reputation for developing skilled helicopter pilots and well-rounded employees. Those who work hard to complete the program and dedicate themselves as quality instructors will receive our endorsement for their next job.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is the world’s largest and most experienced Grand Canyon helicopter tours company. They’ve been flying guests on daily tours since 1965. With three exclusive landing sites on the canyon floor, their fleet of Papillon helicopters services immersive tour experiences from the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.
Temsco Helicopters Inc
TEMSCO Helicopters services tourism, hospital transport, firefighting, international, and other growing markets. TEMSCO pilots provide tours that feature spectacular views of Alaska from their bases in Juneau, Skagway, and Denali. Their award-winning glacier and dog sledding excursions and remote charter services create an exciting and rewarding career for helicopter pilots.
Pollux Aviation Alaska
Established in 1991, Pollux Aviation has been Alaska’s largest and longest running Robinson helicopter operator for over 24 years. Pollux is a 135/133 certified and OAS qualified helicopter company based in Wasilla, Alaska. They offer charter and marine services with a fleet of off-shore capable helicopters.
Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters are industry leading heavy-lift helicopter operators. Their team is adept in everything from logging and construction to disaster relief and defense, forestry to aerial firefighting. With its commitment to protecting the health and safety of its employees and contractors, Columbia Helicopters is proud to have some of the longest tenured employees in the business.
Pathfinder Aviation
Pathfinder Aviation is an industry leader in remote aviation operations and logistics, providing specialized solutions to unique challenges worldwide. Pathfinder delivers crews to remote locations and offers external load support for precision relocation of goods and supplies for the government and private sector. Their global experience includes Arctic, Pacific Ocean, Caribbean, and Alaska operations.
Ready to start your pilot career?
According to a Boeing Pilot Outlook published in October 2020, “Aspiring aviators who begin their training today will be well-positioned to take advantage of new job opportunities as the industry recovers.” It’s time to make the view from the pilot’s seat your new normal. Let the team at Leading Edge support your pilot career development, from your first flight to your next dream job.
