A group of 18 former student pilots is suing Fort Worth-based American Airlines, alleging racial discrimination and misleading practices in the company’s Cadet Academy flight training program.
The federal lawsuit was filed this week and names American Airlines and related entities connected to the pilot pipeline program.
The plaintiffs say they were recruited into the Cadet Academy with promises of equal training opportunities and a clear path to becoming commercial pilots, but allege minority students were steered into remedial tracks, received less support, and were held to different standards than white trainees. The suit also claims some participants were encouraged to take on significant debt for training they were ultimately unable to complete.
American Airlines launched the Cadet Academy to address a nationwide pilot shortage and to expand access to flight training, including outreach to women and people of color. The program partners with flight schools to prepare students for careers at regional airlines and, eventually, American Airlines.
In court filings, the airline has denied the allegations, saying it does not discriminate and that training outcomes vary based on performance and progression requirements. The lawsuit seeks damages and other relief, and the case remains in its early stages as it moves through federal court.
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