Louisiana Tech University’s Department of Professional Aviation and Envoy Air have partnered on a pilot mentoring and hiring program that will help students transition to a first officer position with Envoy Air and provide an opportunity for a $10,000 scholarship. The program selects Louisiana Tech professional aviation students as early as their sophomore year, from specific academic aviation majors. The $10,000 scholarship can be secured by students once the graduate is hired and commits to a two-year term as a first officer with Envoy Air. As the students progress through their respective academic programs, they will be mentored by Louisiana Tech professional aviation faculty and staff, and by Envoy Air pilots and members of the recruitment team. “Louisiana Tech is extremely excited to form this partnership with Envoy,” said Gary Odom, department head for professional aviation at Louisiana Tech. “The pilot pipeline program offers unique advancement opportunities to our aviation students at a premier regional airline. This agreement with Envoy will continue to keep Louisiana Tech placed at the forefront of professional aviation educational institutions.” When student candidates completes their bachelor’s degree at Louisiana Tech, they will begin their employment at Envoy Air as a certified flight instructor to build their flight experience to the level required by the FAA for a first officer position at a commercial carrier. While the program doesn’t automatically move the graduate into a first officer position, Envoy Air works closely with each graduate to succeed as a regional pilot. Once certain requirements are met at Envoy Air, they are also guaranteed an interview with American Airlines for an opportunity to continue their aviation career with the world’s largest mainline carrier. “Envoy is happy to partner with Louisiana Tech University on our pilot pipeline program,” said Christopher Davidson, manager of pilot recruitment for Envoy Air and a Louisiana Tech professional aviation graduate. “This program seeks to identify top aviators from the nation’s most well-respected aviation institutions. Louisiana Tech is a leader in the aviation education industry and produces outstanding professional aviators.” Louisiana Tech’s professional aviation program has distinguished itself as an international leader in collegiate aviation education with a reputation for outstanding graduates. A member of the University Aviation Association and accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International, the professional aviation program maintains the highest academic standards and keeps abreast of the latest in technologies and the needs of the aviation industry. For more information about Louisiana Tech’s professional aviation program or its partnership with Envoy Air, visit http://www.latech.edu/aviation or contact Gary Odom at (318) 257-2691 or godom@latech.edu.