Source: Kurt Barnhart, 785-826-2972, kurtb@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Natalie Blair, 785-826-2642, nblair@k-state.edu
Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012
Clear pathway to landing a job: K-State Salina aviation inks hiring agreement with ExpressJet airlines
SALINA -- An agreement between Kansas State University Salina and ExpressJet Airlines, the largest Delta Airlines regional partner, provides an opportunity for aviation students at the university to receive a conditional offer of employment as a first officer with the regional airline.
"The K-State/ExpressJet Airline Pilot Pathway Program is a rigorous but rewarding program," said Kurt Barnhart, head of K-State Salina's aviation department. "It is a great way for our students to reach their professional goals and it provides a clear pathway to a career as an airline pilot."
The program is open to professional pilot students who complete their sophomore year with a minimum of 67 academic credit hours applicable to their aviation degree and have a first-class medical certificate.
ExpressJet will work with participating students, making regular visits to Salina and administering pre-employment screening testing and interviews. Students in the program will have to pass cognitive screening and tabular speed tests as well as complete the NEO Personality Inventory during their junior year. During their senior year, they must complete a job knowledge test and participate in a human resource interview and a pilot interview.
To remain in the program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 with a minimum 3.0 GPA in their aviation course work, complete their certified flight instructor certificate -- instrument and multi-engine instructor ratings encouraged, instruct as a certified flight instructor at an approved location for a minimum of six months or 200 flight hours, and complete an internship with an approved airline.
"We look to hire the best, brightest and most qualified aviation professionals to join our team and look forward to this partnership with Kansas State University," said Darrin Greubel, pilot recruiting coordinator and manager of line operations at ExpressJet.
Students who successfully complete the program requirements will be given a conditional offer of employment with ExpressJet. If the airline is not hiring at the time a student becomes eligible for the program, he or she is placed in the prescreened candidate pool to be offered employment at the next opportunity.
