Multiple Pathways, One Destination: Reaching the Flight Deck at Republic Airways

Multiple Pathways, One Destination: Reaching the Flight Deck at Republic Airways

One of the greatest advantages of training at LIFT Academy is that earning your pilot certificates is only the beginning of the journey. LIFT is committed to helping graduates continue building flight experience all the way to the 1,500 flight hours required for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and a future career as a First Officer at Republic Airways.

Recognizing that every pilot’s goals, schedule and preferred flying experience are different, LIFT Academy offers multiple pathways for graduates to build time, gain valuable operational experience and prepare for a successful airline career.

Become a LIFT Academy Certified Flight Instructor

For many aspiring airline pilots, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a proven way to build both flight hours and aviation knowledge.

Graduates can earn their CFI and CFII ratings at LIFT Academy, with the option to pursue a Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) rating as well. As a paid instructor, pilots continue building flight time while helping the next generation of LIFT students achieve their aviation goals.

Once instructors reach 1,500 flight hours, they can transition into an available First Officer class at Republic Airways.

Accelerate Hour Building with Bridge Air

For graduates seeking the fastest path to 1,500 hours, Bridge Air offers an accelerated time-building solution. Logging 200+ hours per month can get you from your training to the first officer seat in a matter of months.

Pilots fly daily in a fleet of modern Pipistrel Alpha Trainer aircraft and can purchase flight hours through a flexible pay-as-you-go model. This allows graduates to focus on accumulating experience quickly while maintaining control over their training pace.

Upon reaching 1,500 hours, participants are eligible to transition to an available Republic Airways First Officer class date.

Build Professional Experience Through Part 135 Operations

LIFT Academy has developed partnerships that allow graduates to gain real-world commercial flying experience while building time in professional flight operations.

Cape Air

Through the Cape Air pathway, graduates can build up to 500 flight hours at LIFT before joining Cape Air as a First Officer.

Pilots earn a salary while flying scheduled passenger operations, gaining valuable experience before upgrading to Captain. After serving 12 months as a Captain, pilots can transition to Republic Airways.

Brickyard Connection

Brickyard Connection provides another unique Part 135 opportunity for LIFT graduates.

Pilots earn while building flight hours through specialty flight operations, primarily flying Diamond aircraft similar to those used throughout LIFT Academy training. Participants may also gain exposure to aircraft models being evaluated for future operations.

After reaching 1,500 hours, pilots can transition to an available Republic Airways First Officer class.

GenJets

LIFT Academy is proud to introduce its newest career pathway through a partnership with Generation Jets (GenJets). This partnership creates an additional Part 135 option for graduates looking to build valuable flight experience while advancing toward a career with Republic Airways. The GenJets Air Ambulance Medevac Operator program provides a path that builds hours and lets graduates know they are helping others in need, all at the same time.

• Fly air ambulance missions in Beechcraft King Air and Cessna Citation aircraft
• Gain experience in complex, real-world flight operations across multiple environments
• Two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off schedule with housing and transportation provided during rotations
• Operate from bases in New Mexico and Texas while building time toward a career at Republic Airways

A Clear Path to Republic Airways

The addition of GenJets strengthens an already robust collection of time-building opportunities available to LIFT Academy graduates. Whether serving as a flight instructor, accelerating flight time through Bridge Air or gaining professional Part 135 experience through Cape Air, Brickyard Connection or GenJets, graduates have multiple ways to continue their development after earning their certificates.