Attending a partner university | United Aviate program

Learn to fly at one of our Aviate partner universities

We’re looking for talented candidates who:

Reflect our leadership qualities, including the ability to model character, think creatively, deliver results and foster teamwork
Share our commitment to the principles of core4 service behaviors: Safe, Caring, Dependable and Efficient
Demonstrate a passion for the industry and a lifelong dedication to excellence and achievement

The partner university process

Details and requirements

Step 1 Meet minimum eligibility requirements

Steps vary for each university depending on the programs available. Select a university to find out more:

Get notified as new universities are added

Step 2 Apply to Aviate

Submit an application Apply now
Complete the selection process, which includes:
- A panel interview
- Personality and cultural fit inventory
- A technical skill interview

When you join Aviate, you’ll gain access to:

A direct path. Aviate participants can transition to United as a First Officer upon successful completion of the Aviate program and hiring requirements
Travel privileges. Aviate participants enjoy travel privileges to United destinations around the world
Coaching. Aviate participants will have the opportunity to participate in a coaching program and receive mentorship from United pilots
Culture. You'll gain deeper connections with our United team, with access to senior leadership, site visits and tours, and an inside look at our inclusive culture

Step 3 Complete training

Obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating

Step 4 Build toward your R-ATP certification

While we have many quality partners where you can gain valuable experience, you can also work as a commercial pilot at another operator, instruct at your local airport or build hours in any other manner that you would like. Our partners include:

Partner universities

Partner flight schools

Part 135 operators
Build toward R-ATP minimum of 1,000 hours

Step 5 Fly with an Aviate United Express carrier or Part 135 operator

Alternatively, you can:

Become a Fleet Technical Instructor at United ➔

Flying with our Aviate-participating United Express (UAX) carriers or Part 135 operators provides invaluable flying experience.

United Express carriers

Part 135 operators

Secure your path to a United First Officer position by completing 1,200 PIC (Pilot in Command) hours with an Aviate-participating UAX carrier or Part 135 operator
For full details, see Chapter 5 of the APG

Step 6 Transition to United as a First Officer

Once you complete your minimum transition requirements, you will be eligible to transition to United as a First Officer
- Participants will be assigned a First Officer class date and start at United within four (4) months of meeting the PIC hours requirement

Any questions?

Full details regarding Aviate eligibility and transition requirements can be found in the Aviate Program Guide (APG). For questions not covered in the APG, please provide your information and question in the space provided, and we’ll get back to you soon.