Pathways to United

There are multiple ways of becoming a United Airlines pilot. Experienced pilots, who meet mainline hiring requirements, are hired as First Officers prior to their upgrade training to Captain. Their transition to the left seat is “subject to the contractual and company policies around upgrades,” according to information provided by the Center.

Path II is through United’s civilian pilot career development program, Aviate. Pilots holding a Private Pilot Certificate and are alumni or affiliated with an Aviate partner can be hired by United. United has 33 Aviate partners, including flight schools, universities, Part 135 and United Express carriers. In October 2019, United launched Aviate, the company’s pilot recruiting and ab initio training program.

Path III to becoming a United First Officer is offered through the United Aviate Academy, a group of United’s wholly owned flight school located in Goodyear, Arizona. Aviate develops pilots from zero time to 3,000 or more hours of flight time before transitioning to an affiliated regional carrier, then on to United after a minimum term of service, two years or more typically.

Part IV pathway to hire is through the United Military Pilot Program. Active-duty US military pilots, who are more than six months from leaving the military, may be considered for hire. The program provides these pilots the chance to obtain a conditional job offer (CJO) as a United First Officer. This program is not affiliated with Aviate.

Catch up on Robert Moorman's latest report of United here.