First Officer, College Bridge Program – South Dakota State University

✈️ The opportunity

Sun Country Airlines and South Dakota State University have partnered to create a clear runway from campus to the right seat of a Boeing 737NG. Through the College Bridge Program, you’ll instruct at SDSU, build time efficiently, and transition into Sun Country’s flight deck with pay, benefits, and world‑class training—then accelerate toward Captain in as little as 18–24 months as the airline grows.

🧭 Your pathway at a glance

• Enroll in the designated SDSU major whose flight training qualifies for R‑ATP under FAR 61.160.
• As a junior or senior, apply for the College Bridge First Officer position (must hold Commercial certificate with Instrument and Multi‑Engine ratings).
• Attend an in‑person recruiting event and complete a one‑on‑one interview to confirm program entry.
• Secure a flight instructor role at SDSU (CFI and CFII required; MEI optional) and log 300 hours of dual given with SDSU aircraft.
• Request and complete your First Officer interview; upon success, receive a Contingent Job Offer.
• Graduate in the approved SDSU major qualifying for R‑ATP, then start class as a Sun Country First Officer.

Note: Recent flight experience is preferred.

🎯 What you’ll do

• Instruct SDSU students as a certified flight instructor to build 300 hours of dual given.
• Upon hire, operate as a Sun Country First Officer on Boeing 737NG aircraft across scheduled service, military/sports/event charters, cargo, and seasonal leisure routes throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe.
• Complete Sun Country’s in‑house, FAA‑approved training before line flying.

🧰 What you’ll bring

Program pathway requirements

• Enrollment in the designated SDSU major qualifying for R‑ATP under FAR 61.160
• Junior or senior class standing
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument and Multi‑Engine ratings
• Attend one in‑person recruiting event and complete the one‑on‑one program interview
• Obtain SDSU CFI and CFII positions (MEI optional)
• Complete 300 hours of dual flight instruction with SDSU
• Graduate in the approved major and secure a Contingent Job Offer after a successful First Officer interview

Minimums to start First Officer class

• Legal authorization to work in the United States; fluent in English (read/write/speak)
• Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
• FCC Radio License
• Valid U.S. passport, or passport with U.S. Green Card, with ability to travel to all Sun Country destinations
• Valid U.S. driver’s license
• Restricted ATP eligibility via aviation college background and minimum age 21

Flight time minimums (R‑ATP track)

• 1,000 total hours (up to 100 may be simulator time)
• 250 hours Pilot‑in‑Command (airplane)
• 200 hours cross‑country (including 100 hours PIC cross‑country in an airplane)
• 100 hours night (including 25 hours PIC night in an airplane)
• 75 hours instrument
• 25 hours multi‑engine

🌟 Training, tools, and support

• In‑house, certified training program taught by Sun Country instructors
• iPad provided for flight manuals and navigational data
• Contractual pay, full benefits, and single‑occupancy hotel accommodations during training

💳 Pay and benefits

• Starting pay: $83.28/hour with a 75‑hour monthly guarantee
• Premium pay: starting at 150% once off reserve
• 100% cancellation and deadhead pay
• Benefits commence on Day 1 of First Officer class
• Health: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision
• Life insurance: 100% company‑paid
• Retirement: 401(k) with company match
• Career progression: rapid growth driving an estimated 18–24 month upgrade to Captain

📨 Ready to line up and wait?

Apply as a junior or senior in the designated SDSU major. Attend an in‑person recruiting event, complete your interview, instruct to 300 hours of dual given, and let Sun Country’s College Bridge do the rest—right seat today, left seat on the horizon.