Aviate Participant Spotlights – March 2025

Introduction

In the spirit of celebrating and sharing stories of current Aviate participants, this month we’re spotlighting those who have trained and graduated from United’s wholly owned flight school and Aviate program partner, United Aviate Academy (UAA).

As a reminder, United Aviate Academy’s application for their next class of aviators will be open through early April, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you dream of becoming a pilot at United, UAA’s comprehensive flight training program will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to reach one of our flight decks.

Visit their website for updated information about UAA, including tuition costs and eligibility requirements. Or, if you have a question about the application process, check out their frequently asked questions.

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Jordan D. – First Officer at GoJet Airlines

Jordan D. is the first pilot in his family and a former collegiate football player at the University of Georgia. When he would fly back and forth to football games, he became interested in a career in aviation. He started his path as a fixed-based operator at the Augusta Regional Airport (AGS), where he realized he was infatuated with aircraft and the thought of flying them.

“I chose UAA because of its safe, modern and well-maintained Cirrus aircraft,” Jordan shared. Jordan also knew that he wanted to train in an area with an abundance of clear skies and sunshine. He is now working on his flight training with GoJet Airlines, one of Aviate’s United Express carrier partners, as a First Officer.

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DeAnna E. – First Officer at JSX

Hailing from Las Vegas, NV, DeAnna E. comes from generations of pilots. As the granddaughter of a KC-135 pilot and daughter of a United Captain, DeAnna found herself wanting to perfect her skills in aviation through rigorous training, while also staying in the United family.

“Through UAA, I learned and practiced safety as well as the importance of standard operating procedures,” DeAnna said.

Simultaneously, she was able to establish friendships with talented and supportive aviators. DeAnna is now flight training with JSX, one of Aviate’s Part 135 operating partners, as a First Officer.

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Alana A. – First Officer at CommuteAir

Alana A. went from a career as a college women’s basketball coach to a current First Officer at CommuteAir, one of Aviate’s United Express carrier partners.

Alana didn’t have any ties to the aviation industry but was fascinated by aviation through internet research about aircraft, which later led her to a discovery flight. From there, she was hooked!

“Aviate and UAA was the perfect choice for me because of their clear pathway to a career with United Airlines, offering coaching and secure career progression,” Alana said.

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