Aviate launched ORD B737 FO Owen P.'s United career, and a lasting friendship

Owen P.’s pilot journey

Joined Aviate viaUniversity entry point

Transitioned to United fromUniversity of North Dakota

Current roleB737 First Officer

BaseChicago

Owen always knew he wanted to be a pilot – the challenge was figuring out the right path that worked for him. Once he was accepted in the Aviate program, his path to the flight deck was laid out for him.

His journey began as a Certified Flight Instructor at the University of North Dakota (UND), an Aviate-participating university, when he applied to the program. To build experience and meet his requirements, he flew at a United Express carrier and then transitioned to United. Since then, Aviate hasn’t just given Owen pilot experience – it has built a strong community of those he can learn from and connect with.

“I joined Aviate because of the people. It was the bonds I made with the United recruiting team, pilots and my Aviate Coach who made me realize United was the airline I wanted to work for,” Owen emphasized.

A lifelong Coach and friend

Owen’s Aviate Coach was also an alum of UND, and they had a strong bond from the start.

Owen consistently engaged with his Coach throughout his time in the program, and today, they are both ORD-based B737 pilots.

“When I had a question that I couldn’t find an answer for, I knew there was someone I could always ask because my Coach had been in my shoes before, made similar decisions and experienced the ever-changing airline industry,” Owen shared.