Do you dream of a career of boundless horizons where the sky is literally the limit? Are you driven for a life of adventure and a strong financial future? If your goal is to fly for United but don't have flight experience, this is the place to start.
Getting admitted to United Aviate Academy
Minimum admissions requirements for United Aviate Academy:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (we do not sponsor foreign visas)
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
What's next:
- Assessments
- Virtual behavioral interview
- Conditional acceptance
- Submit your request for information – Complete a brief online form with basic information about yourself
- Upon eligibility verification and application window opening – Selected candidates will be expected to familiarize themselves with the Student Catalog and program expectations as well as meet all document submission deadlines.
- Provide physical proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of 1) a valid U.S. passport OR 2) an original or certified copy of your birth certificate along with a government-issued photo ID.
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Hold a valid FAA medical certificate that was originally issued as a first-class medical certificate
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A valid, unrestricted first-class medical certificate is required for admission into the academy
- To get an unrestricted FAA first-class medical certificate, an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) must examine you. You must contact an AME of your choosing, schedule an appointment, complete an official FAA application form via MedXPress, and undergo a physical examination by an AME. The AME will issue you a medical certificate if you meet the appropriate medical standards. This Q&A page on the FAA website has more information and resources.
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A valid, unrestricted first-class medical certificate is required for admission into the academy
- Assessments – Take a series of online assessments so we can learn about you — your strengths, your thinking style and how you prefer to work. We do not share specific information about the assessments.
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Virtual behavioral interview
- We are conducting virtual interviews via MS Teams before your conditional admissions.
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Conditional acceptance – Celebrate the first milestone in your pilot career—conditional acceptance into United Aviate Academy. The conditions are:
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Achieve a score of at least 80% on the FAA knowledge test — we’ll provide a free test prep kit for you to study once you have been accepted into United Aviate Academy.
- You must register with the FAA before you can take any FAA exams. You can find detailed instructions for registration here. After registering with the FAA and obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), you will be able to schedule your FAA exam through PSI.
- Provide Proof of Funding - Applicants must show proof that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of training, including check rides and exam fees. The minimum amount is $85,000. Documents submitted must be in English. The financial services team will review all submissions for approval
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Achieve a score of at least 80% on the FAA knowledge test — we’ll provide a free test prep kit for you to study once you have been accepted into United Aviate Academy.
- Background and Drug Screening - All applicants will complete a thorough background check, including additional TSA screening protocols (if applicable) and a drug screening. Applicants will be notified via email 45 to 60 days before their assigned class date to complete both screening requirements.
- Enrollment Agreement - Accepted Applicants must agree to and sign the United Aviate Academy Enrollment Agreement before enrollment and upon confirmation of start date availability.
Once you're accepted:
Your path through United Aviate Academy into the Aviate program with United
Step 1 Fund your training
Program costs and financial assistanceProgram costs
- Private Pilot License (PPL) (tuition waiver, if eligible) – $17,750*
- Instrument Rating (IR) – $23,500
- Commercial SE Initial (COM-SE) – $33,000
- Commercial ME add-on (COM-ME) – $9,500
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – $7,000
- Certified Flight Instructor (instrument) (CFII) – $9,500
- Total: $100,250 (With PPL or PPL tuition waiver $82,500)*
- Optional certificate: Multi Engine Instructor (MEI) – $7,250
*Applicants without a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) will be eligible for a tuition waiver of $17,750 during the conditional admission step. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants with a PPL do not receive a waiver for tuition but are encouraged to apply for scholarships if eligible. Tuition and waiver eligibility requirements may be subject to change. Applicants and students will be notified 30 days in advance.
Costs shouldn’t be a barrier
We want to ensure a career as a pilot is possible for the best candidates, regardless of financial background. As a commitment to removing barriers, United and Chase will provide $2.4 million in scholarships to eligible candidates. If you don’t yet have a Private Pilot License (PPL), a tuition waiver of $17,750 will also be offered as part of your conditional acceptance. *
*Terms and conditions apply to receiving the tuition waiver.
Applying for scholarships and loans
- You must first be accepted to United Aviate Academy to apply for a scholarship. Instructions will be provided to you then.
- Anyone can apply, regardless of race or gender identity. The scholarship funds are distributed through our partner organizations: Latino Pilots Association, National Gay Pilots Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Professional Asian Pilots Association , Sisters of the Skies and Women in Aviation International. Each organization may have their own requirements.
- United Aviate Academy is offering two loan providers, ZuntaFi and Sallie Mae, to make loans available to cover expenses during your time at the academy
Step 2 Start your training — 3 months
Go from zero flight hours to getting your private pilot license in three monthsAt United Aviate Academy, we will provide the best flight training to prepare you for a safe and successful career as a pilot. It is designed solely for applicants with little to no piloting experience, and the full course takes about a year to complete. You will be expected to commit to a full-time intensive course of study and flight activity a minimum of 5 days a week. Our innovative training program integrates:
- Computer-based instruction
- Ground training
- Aircraft flight training
Our 340,000 square-foot facility at Phoenix Goodyear Airport provides aspiring pilots with industry-leading resources, equipment and accommodations. The facility is one of only three aviation training campuses in the U.S.
Once you get your Private Pilot License, you're ready for a final review to ensure you have maintained certain standards in order to be accepted into Aviate, United's industry-leading pilot development program.
Step 3 Aviate acceptance
Gain more visibility and direction over your career toward UnitedNow you're ready for a final review to ensure you have maintained certain standards in order to be accepted into Aviate, the most innovative pilot career development program in the industry.
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 4 Finish your pilot training — 9 months
Gain your ratings and certificatesCongratulations! At this step, you have now been accepted into the Aviate program. To meet program eligibility requirements, you’ll need to complete your flight training and earn your ratings and certificates. While timing may vary, general time timelines are:
- Instrument rating (IR) – 3 months
- Commercial SE rating (CPLSE) – 2 months
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – 2 months
- Certified Flight Instructor (instrument) (CFII) – < 1 month
- Commercial Multi-Engine (ME) – 1 month
- Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI) – < 1 month
Step 5 Build toward your ATP certification — 18 months
Gain experience by building hoursGreat news — you've officially completed your flight training at United Aviate Academy. What’s next? You’ll need to work toward your ATP hour requirement where you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable experience instructing as a CFI at United Aviate Academy or at one of Aviate’s partner schools and Part 135 operators.
Partner universities
Partner flight schools
Part 135 operators
While we have many quality partners where you can work toward building your ATP, 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.
Step 6 Congrats, pilot! Start flying for an Aviate United Express carrier or a Part 135 operator
Get excited — it’s a lot of flying!Gain invaluable experience flying with one of our Aviate-participating United Express carriers or Part 135 operators, which include
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.
Step 7 And finally, transition to a pilot career for United Airlines
You've made it to your dream careerOnce you complete your minimum transition requirements, you’ll 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.
Frequently asked questions
Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment. There is no maximum age to enroll in the Academy; however, the Federal Aviation Administration does mandate that United pilots retire at age 65.
To be eligible for United Aviate Academy, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. We do not sponsor foreign visas for United Aviate Academy.
The United Aviate Academy is designed for applicants with little to no piloting experience. Any applicants with more than a Private Pilot License (PPL) will receive credit for their PPL but will be required to complete the curriculum at United Aviate Academy for any ratings beyond a PPL. Another check ride for ratings already earned would not be required. Explore other entry points into the Aviate career pathway program.
The United Aviate Academy is designed for applicants with little to no piloting experience. Any applicants with more than a Private Pilot License (PPL) will receive credit for their PPL but will be required to complete the curriculum at United Aviate Academy for any ratings beyond a PPL. Another check ride for ratings already earned would not be required. Explore other entry points into the Aviate career pathway program.
Application process/assessments
Full details about eligibility, assessments, admissions, tuition, scholarships and more are outlined in the admissions and program details. Clicking the "Apply now" button on the page will start your application process.
For applicants without a PPL, we will be conducting a virtual behavioral interview with one of our team members via MS Teams before class placement.
To determine an applicant’s likelihood of success in training and as a pilot at United, the United Aviate Academy uses a series of assessments to better understand personalities, skills and fit with the United culture. We are not sharing specific information about the assessments at this time.
To get an FAA first class medical certificate, an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) must examine you. You must contact an AME of your choosing, schedule an appointment, complete an official FAA application form via MedXPress, and undergo a physical examination by an AME. If you meet the appropriate medical standards, the AME will issue you a medical certificate.
This Q&A page on the FAA website has more information and resources.
You must register with the FAA before you can take any FAA exams. You can find detailed instructions for registration here. After registering with the FAA and obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), you will be able to schedule your FAA exam through PSI.
Due to the volume of applications we have received, we are unable to provide specific updates on application status. Please continue to look for updates from us via the email you provided in your application.
You will be notified via email if your application isn’t accepted, but we are unable to provide specific feedback on why certain applicants were not successful. However, your Aviate journey doesn’t have to end here. If you are still interested in joining Aviate, please visit the Aviate career selector to learn more about other places to pursue your training that would provide entry points into the program. If you would like to explore other opportunities within United, please visit the United careers page.
Scholarships and loans
Acceptance into United Aviate Academy is a prerequisite for scholarship applicants, so the first step is applying for admission. After you're accepted into United Aviate Academy, you will have the option of applying for scholarships through our scholarship partners:the Latino Pilots Association, National Gay Pilots Association, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Professional Asian Pilots Association, Sisters of the Skies and Women in Aviation International.
The program will include both full and partial scholarships.
Anyone accepted into United Aviate Academy has the option of applying for scholarships, regardless of race or gender identity. The scholarship funds are distributed through our partner organizations ( the Latino Pilots Association, National Gay Pilots Association, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Professional Asian Pilots Association, Sisters of the Skies and Women in Aviation International) and anyone can apply, though each organization may have certain requirements that applicants need to meet in order to be eligible (such as membership in the organization).
United Aviate Academy has partnered with ZuntaFi and Sallie Mae to offer loans to students to cover the cost of tuition and fees. After you're accepted into United Aviate Academy, you will have the option of applying for the loan.
- Private Pilot License (PPL) (tuition waiver, if eligible) – $17,750*
- Instrument Rating (IR) – $23,500
- Commercial SE Initial (COM-SE) – $33,000
- Commercial ME add-on (COM-ME) – $9,500
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – $7,000
- Certified Flight Instructor (instrument) (CFII) – $9,500
- Total: $100,250 (With PPL or PPL tuition waiver $82,500)*
- Optional certificate: Multi Engine Instructor (MEI) – $7,250
*Applicants without a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) will be eligible for a tuition waiver of $17,750 during the conditional admission step. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants with a PPL do not receive a waiver for tuition but are encouraged to apply for scholarships if eligible. Tuition and waiver eligibility requirements may be subject to change. Applicants and students will be notified 30 days in advance.
Scheduling a class
We are filling classes on a rolling basis.
Your conditional acceptance into the United Aviate Academy is good for 4 months. You will have that long to complete the conditions (e.g., pass the FAA knowledge test) and secure a class date.
Location
United Aviate Academy is located in Goodyear, Arizona.
Full details about our facilities, housing, transportation, and the area can be found on our locations page.
Training program/curriculum
The full course takes about a year to complete. While timing may vary, general timelines are:
- Private pilot training – 2 months
- Instrument rating – 2 months
- Commercial SE initial – 3 months
- Commercial ME add-on – 1 month
- Certified flight instructor – 2 months
- Certified flight instructor (instrument) – 1 month
- Multi-engine flight instructor – 1 month
To get you acclimated to the professional pilot lifestyle, we will run UAA on the same schedule as the United Airlines Flight Training Center, which means training could happen any day of the week and there are no extended holiday breaks. Our goal is to provide you world class training as quickly as we can, so you can begin your path to United without delay.
However, at United Aviate Academy we do observe the following federal holidays: News Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving (optional) and Christmas Day.
United Aviate Academy will operate a fleet of single engine Cirrus SR20 aircraft and a twin-engine fleet of Piper Seminoles. The Cirrus aircraft are air conditioned; the Piper aircraft are not.
Where to find us
United Aviate Academy is located in Goodyear, AZ.
We're not currently offering in-person tours, but you can learn more about our location or take a virtual campus tour below: