LeTourneau University pilot pipeline to American Eagle

LONGVIEW – LeTourneau University and American Eagle Airlines announced a partnership that will give flight school students the opportunity to work with the airline after graduation.

Fred Ritchey, dean of the School of Aeronautical Science, said the partnership, called the Pilot Pipeline Program, is one of eight like it in the United States.

To enter the Pilot Pipeline Program, American Eagle Airlines will interview recommended students. Once accepted, students in the program must complete four phases in order to guarantee an interview with American Eagle Airlines upon graduation.

LeTourneau University’s School of Aeronautical Science offers training for pilots, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control and mission aviation. It features 17 degree and concentration programs.

The university’s Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center, located at the East Texas Regional Airport, is a 55,000-sf college aviation facility that features classrooms and labs. With its 10,000-foot runway and FAA control tower, the Abbott Aviation Center provides a flight training for students.