To support the long-term career success of pilot candidates and to help address the shortage, Leading Edge Flight Academy (LEFA) in Bend, Oregon, and Ravn Alaska, based in Anchorage, have entered a strategic partnership.

Through the partnership, LEFA pilots become eligible for Ravn’s Flow Program at the conclusion of their commercial flight training. Upon selection, candidates receive a Ravn Connect seniority number. After 6-18 months as a LEFA flight instructor, they are immediately qualified to begin flying for Ravn’s Part 135 operations, with guaranteed flow-through to Part 121 airlines. To further reduce the financial burden and ensure the success of candidates, Ravn agrees to assume monthly payments of any student debt accrued during flight training at LEFA for the entirety of their employment with the company.

“At Ravn, a new pilot could work their entire career, first flying turboprops in Alaska and ultimately flying long-haul international flights. And if remaining in good-employment standing with Ravn, that pilot could have their entire student debt from flight training paid off. That’s a huge opportunity for anyone wanting to become a professional pilot,” said Jack Walker, Leading Edge Flight Academy.