Los Angeles B737 First Officer Russ F.’s dreams were possible with Aviate

Russ F..’s pilot journey

Joined Aviate viaUniversity entry point

Transitioned to United fromCommuteAir

Current roleB737 First Officer

BaseLos Angeles

It’s always possible!

LAX-based B737 First Officer Russ F. had always loved flying when he would travel to visit family and knew he wanted to be a pilot one day.

He took his first undergraduate elective class in Utah before transferring and then graduating from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), one of Aviate’s university partners. Focusing on his son with special needs, Russ put his dream of flying for United on pause and spent several years working as a pilot weather briefer for Flight Service.

Once feasible, Russ became a flight instructor for ERAU, where he learned about the Aviate program and his eligibility. Once in the program, Russ became a First Officer then Captain and pilot recruiter at CommuteAir, one of Aviate’s United Express partners.

“The unwavering support from my Aviate Coach, colleagues, friends, and fellow Aviators has made this journey possible and incredibly rewarding,” Russ shared.