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Learn to fly at one of our Aviate partner universities

Auburn University Delaware State University Elizabeth City State University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Florida Tech Hampton University The Ohio State University Purdue University University of North Dakota Western Michigan University

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

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

  • Growing pipeline of talent. United aims to hire up to 24% of the Aviate transition list each year at each participating United Express (UAX) carrier
  • A simple, 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 Graduate and complete training

  • Obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating
  • Graduate with a bachelor’s degree that grants R-ATP eligibility, from a participating university

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

    Auburn University Delaware State University Elizabeth City State University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Florida Tech Hampton University The Ohio State University Purdue University University of North Dakota Western Michigan University

    Partner flight schools

    ATP Epic Flight Academy Lufthansa Aviation Training Phoenix East Aviation Skyborne Airline Academy US Aviation Academy

    Part 135 operators

    Ameriflight Boutique Air JSX Wiggins Airways
  • Build toward R-ATP minimum of 1,000 hours

Step 5 Fly with a United Express® partner

Alternatively, you can:

Take on a leadership role at an Aviate-participating Part 135 operator ➔

Become a Fleet Technical Instructor at United ➔

Flying with our United Express Aviate partners provides invaluable flying experience.

Air Wisconsin - Airlines CommutAir GoJet Airlines Mesa Airlines

  • Secure your path to United with a minimum of 2,000 flight hours (1,500 flight hours if upgraded to Captain) and 24 months of service with a United Express Aviate partner
  • Candidates who are already flying with a United Express Aviate partner will be credited for months of service and flight hours already completed

Step 6 Transition to United as a First Officer

  • Once you complete your minimum transition requirements with United Express, you will 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 Aviate transition list, you’ll receive a United pilot class date
  • The sooner you join Aviate, the higher priority you’ll have — which means 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 flight deck as a United Captain

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.

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