Learn to fly at one of our Aviate partner flight schools
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 flight school process
Details and requirements
Step 1 Meet minimum eligibility requirements
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You’re currently pursuing, or already received, a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating from a participating partner flight school
- Hold a minimum of a Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)*
- Hold a valid FAA medical certificate that was originally issued as a first or second-class medical certificate
- Have no more than four primary training failures
- Be in good standing with your participating Aviate professional flight school
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
* United Aviate Academy pilots with zero hours of flight experience will be eligible for the Aviate program upon completing their PPL.
Step 2 Apply to Aviate
- Submit an application Apply now
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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 from a participating professional flight training organization
Step 4 Build toward your ATP/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
- Work toward your ATP or R-ATP hour requirement
Step 5 Fly with an Aviate United Express carrier or Part 135 operator
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.
You must also meet the following to be eligible for transition:
- Current passport with at least six-months of validity remaining at time of employment
- Legal right to work in the United States without sponsorship
- Must be able to travel freely within the United States and without restriction to all countries United serves
- Meet all additional First Officer hiring requirements
You 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.
