How I’d Get to a MAJOR Fastest in 2026: Airline Pathways vs Independent Route

Video Description

Subscribe for more videos ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@trent_dyrsmid?sub_confirmation=1 FREE DOWNLOAD: Get my Fast Track Pilot Training Blueprint today: https://flywithtrent.com/blueprint Is joining a branded airline pathway like United Aviate, Delta Propel, or the American Airlines Cadet Academy actually the fastest way to a major airline? Or does the independent route (Part 61) get you a seniority number sooner? If you are a career changer in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, the marketing behind these programs can be misleading. While they offer structure and "career insurance," they often come with hidden time traps, like mandatory waiting periods and flow restrictions—that can cost you years of seniority and millions in lifetime earnings. In this video, I break down the real math behind pilot training timelines in 2026. I’ll show you exactly how these programs work, expose the bottlenecks they don’t tell you about, and reveal why I chose the independent route to earn 7 ratings in just 91 days. What you’ll learn: -The truth about "Flow" vs. "Qualified Job Offers." -Why Part 61 vs. Part 141 is the biggest speed factor. -Deep dives into AA Cadet Academy, Delta Propel, and United Aviate. -How seniority numbers actually work (and when the clock really starts). -The exact strategy I used to fast-track my training at age 53. Get my Free Fast Track Training Blueprint: 👉 https://flywithtrent.com/blueprint Find Your Ideal CFI at: https­://flywithtrent.com/directory ⏱ TIMESTAMPS ⏱ 00:00 Introduction: The $300,000 Question 00:41 Understanding Airline Pathways 02:19 The Reality of Pathway Programs 04:05 Training Speed: Part 61 vs Part 141 05:53 American Airlines Cadet Academy 07:57 Delta Propel Program 09:53 United Aviate Program 12:21 The Importance of Seniority 15:39 Choosing the Best Path for You 17:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 👋 FROM BOARDROOM TO COCKPIT 👋 After building and selling multiple companies, I made the leap to aviation at 53. I went from successful entrepreneur to airline pilot in just 23 months. I earned 7 pilot ratings in 91 days for under $50,000 and then spent a year as an independent CFI to build my hours to 1,500 (plus I earned $100K that years as a CFI)...and then I was hired as a First Officer by the largest regional airline in the US. If you're successful but unfulfilled, wondering if it's too late to chase your aviation dreams—it's not. I'll show you exactly how to do it without breaking the bank or dragging out your training. My Social Accounts: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fly_with_trent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentdyrsmid