United Aviate

Apply as a student at a partner university

The earliest opportunity to gain admission to the Aviate^SM program is to apply while at university. If your dream is to become a United Captain, get started on this path.

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

Aviate’s partner universities announced soon

Be the first to know

Your process

Details and requirements

Step 1

Meet minimum eligibility requirements

Complete two semesters of full-time coursework at a partner university Get notified when they’re announced
Pursue approved aviation major, resulting in R-ATP eligibility
Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and uphold your university’s student code of conduct
Hold a minimum of a Private Pilot Certificate

Step 2

Apply

Submit an application along with a written letter of recommendation from a leader in your university flight program
- Applications opening early 2020
Complete the selection process, which includes:
- A panel interview
- Personality and cultural fit assessments
- A technical skill interview
Upon successful completion of the selection process, receive your conditional job offer and join Aviate What is a conditional job offer?

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

Travel privileges. Aviate participants enjoy travel privileges to hundreds of United destinations
Coaching. Aviate participants are paired with United pilots, creating a structured format for critical leadership and career development
Aviate pilot leadership program. Aviate participants are equipped to become future United Captains through leadership, business acumen and decision-making skills development
Development events and programs. Aviate participants are provided a breadth of resources to learn and grow throughout Aviate
United leadership interaction. Aviate participants are key to our future and have opportunities to meet senior leadership and United Captains
Site tours. Aviate participants have opportunities to visit and tour our advanced and complex operational facilities

Step 3

Build toward your R-ATP Certification

Gain valuable experience teaching as a CFI at an Aviate university partner
Build toward R-ATP minimum of 1,000 hours

Step 4

Fly with a United Express^® partner

Gain invaluable experience flying with one of our United Express Aviate partners, which include:

Enjoy expedited time in service with Aviate: minimum service requirements of 2,000 flight hours and 24 months with a United Express Aviate partner

Step 5

Transition to United as a First Officer

Once you complete your minimum transition requirements with United Express, you’ll be eligible to transition to United as a First Officer
When a First Officer position opens with United and you’re at the top of the priority list, you’ll receive a job offer
The sooner you apply to the Aviate program, the higher priority you’ll have for a quicker transition from United Express to United
Once you join United as a First Officer, begin your dream career toward the left seat in the cockpit as a United Captain

Any questions?

We’re here to address any questions you may have. Please provide your information and question in the space provided, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.