How LIFT Academy Sets Students Up For Success
Careers aren’t built overnight. That’s why our mission at LIFT Academy is to set the next generation of commercial airline pilots up for long-term success. It’s a goal that extends far beyond our program, which is why we provide students with opportunities to further their careers throughout their aviation journey. We spoke with Ed Reinhart, Captain at Republic Airways and LIFT Academy graduate, to see how LIFT helped set him up for success.
About LIFT
“I didn’t know where to start when it came time to choose a flight school,” said Ed. “But the more I learned about LIFT, the more it felt like the right fit for me.”
The first thing that caught Ed’s eye was LIFT’s direct pathway to Republic Airways. LIFT is owned by Republic Airways Holdings Inc., so naturally, our program is designed with a career at Republic in mind.
“My main goal was to find a school that could get me to the airlines as quickly as possible,” said Ed. “LIFT didn’t just make that possible, it made the path clear.”
LIFT starts students on that path with a three-stage approach: Training, Time Building and Career.
Training
LIFT’s training program is designed to give students everything they need to succeed from day one. Our all-Diamond fleet features advanced technology, our experienced staff and one-to-one instructor ratio give students a hands-on education and our state-of-the-art simulators help students hone their skills when they’re not in the air.
“Before coming to LIFT, I earned my Private Pilot License at a part 61 school,” said Ed. “Their planes were completely different, but with the help of my instructors, I got caught up in no time.”
Student safety is our top priority, which is why we have a dedicated, in-house maintenance team. They keep our fleet in top shape by performing routine inspections and repairs as needed. Their work ensures that jets are safe to fly and that there’s always one available, helping students stay on track.
“Knowing that planes are available makes a huge difference,” said Ed. “That wasn’t the case at the part 61 I went to, which meant I didn’t get to fly as often as I had hoped.”
LIFT’s timeline also supports students’ goals. With students completing our program in 18 months on average, they’re able to start focusing on ways to progress their careers after graduation — like building time.
Building Time
Building time is just what it sounds like. It’s when pilots accumulate flight hours in order to earn their Commercial Pilot License. Finding ways to do so, however, can be expensive and inconsistent. That’s why LIFT gives students different opportunities to earn money while building time after graduation:
- Working as a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) at LIFT, where they’ll teach LIFT students.
- Flying as a First Officer with Cape Air, which operates flights out of the Northeast, Montana and the Caribbean.
“Ultimately, I decided to teach at LIFT as a CFI, and I absolutely loved it,” said Ed. “Getting paid to build time was an absolute game changer for me.”
This is a fantastic opportunity because it means graduates aren’t responsible for building time on their own, and it gives them a way to build time reliably.
“Working as a CFI fast-tracked my career,” said Ed. “People I knew from the Part 61 school struggled to get flight hours, meanwhile, I was averaging 80 hours a month.”
Career
LIFT’s dedicated career pathway to Republic Airways has unique benefits for students wanting to transition there. Specifically, LIFT graduates are not required to interview and receive preferred entry over non-LIFT applicants.
“The application process couldn’t have been easier,” said Ed. “Your time at LIFT is basically your application and the first part of your onboarding training.”
Like any job, new Republic employees undergo training to get accustomed to their specific technology and aircraft, but LIFT graduates settle right in.
“Because LIFT trains its students with similar technology and the same standard operating procedures as Republic, I felt right at home,” said Ed. “The training staff joked that they love working with LIFT graduates, because they pick up on everything so quickly.”
Regardless of which airline students land at, though, LIFT Academy gives them the tools, knowledge and experience to build a successful career there.
“It’s hard to believe that I’m already a Captain at Republic Airways,” said Ed. “I wouldn’t be where I am today, or gotten here as fast as I did, if it weren’t for LIFT.”
Ready to take the first step in your commercial aviation career?
Learn more or apply at flywithlift.com.
