First Officer, College Bridge Program — Sun Country Airlines (MSU Mankato)

✈️ About the role

Sun Country Airlines is recruiting MSU Mankato aviation students for our College Bridge Program First Officer track. This structured, five-step pathway carries you from Commercial-certificate holder to line First Officer on the Boeing 737NG—flying scheduled, charter (military, sports, event-based), cargo and seasonal leisure service across the U.S. (including Hawaii and Alaska), the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

🧭 Your path at a glance

• Enroll as a Junior/Senior in the designated MSU Mankato flight-training major qualifying for an R-ATP under FAR 61.160.
• Apply via airlineapps.com once you hold a Commercial certificate (Instrument & Multi-Engine) and complete an in-person recruiting event plus a one-on-one interview for program entry.
• Secure a Flight Instructor role with North Star Aviation (CFI and CFII required; MEI optional).
• Build experience by completing 300 hours of dual instruction given in aircraft.
• Interview with Sun Country for a Contingent Job Offer (CJO) conditional on graduating with the qualifying major and R-ATP eligibility, then complete our in-house Certified Training Program and start the line as a First Officer.

🧰 What you’ll do

• Progress through the College Bridge Program from student to Boeing 737NG First Officer.
• Instruct with North Star Aviation to build required time (300 hours dual given).
• Complete Sun Country’s in-house Certified Training Program taught by company instructors.
• Operate scheduled, charter, cargo and seasonal leisure flights throughout our domestic and international network.

🧾 Minimum qualifications

• Enrollment as a Junior or Senior in the designated MSU Mankato flight-training major qualifying for R-ATP (FAR 61.160).
• To apply: Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings; attendance at one in-person recruiting event; completion of the required one-on-one interview.
• Flight Instructor position with North Star Aviation: CFI and CFII required (MEI optional) and 300 hours of dual given in aircraft prior to requesting a First Officer interview.
• To start class (hiring minimums): legal authorization to work in the U.S.; fluent in reading, writing, speaking and understanding English; current FAA First Class Medical; FCC Radio License; valid U.S. passport or valid passport with U.S. Green Card, with ability to travel to all Sun Country destinations; valid U.S. driver’s license; R-ATP eligibility (aviation college background) and at least 21 years of age. Recent flight experience preferred.

🧮 Flight time minimums

• Total time: 1,000 hours (up to 100 hours simulator)
• PIC (airplane): 250 hours
• Cross-country: 200 hours total, including 100 hours PIC (airplane)
• Night: 100 hours total, including 25 hours PIC (airplane)
• Instrument: 75 hours
• Multi-engine: 25 hours

Hiring is conditioned on receiving a CJO after a successful interview and graduating with the qualifying major (including flight training) to meet R-ATP under FAR 61.160.

🌟 Pay & benefits

• Company-provided iPad for flight manuals and navigational data.
• In-house Certified Training Program with contractual pay, benefits and single-occupancy hotel accommodations.
• Generous health insurance, including vision and dental.
• 100% company-paid life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Starting pay: $83.28/hour with a 75-hour monthly guarantee (Year 1).
• Premium pay at 150% once off Reserve; 100% cancellation and deadhead pay.
• Accelerated upgrade to Captain expected in 18–24 months due to rapid growth.
• All benefits begin on Day 1 of class as a Sun Country First Officer.

📨 How to apply

• Enroll in the designated MSU Mankato aviation major and build to Commercial (Instrument & Multi-Engine).
• Apply via airlineapps.com, attend an in-person recruiting event and complete the one-on-one interview for Bridge Program entry.
• Secure a CFI/CFII position with North Star Aviation and complete 300 hours of dual given.
• Request a First Officer interview; upon selection, receive a CJO contingent on graduation and R-ATP eligibility, then begin Sun Country training.