Apply while building hours
For those pursuing an ATP or R-ATP, enroll in the Aviate® program before you apply to a United Express® regional partner and you’ll be on a defined path to United
Your process — Details and requirements below
Step 1Meet minimum eligibility requirements
- Employed or have accepted an offer of employment with one of Aviate’s universities, commercial flight schools or Part 135 operator partners
- Must have a 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 destinations United serves
- Hold a valid FAA medical certificate that was originally issued as a first- or second-class medical certificate
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
Are you on the right Aviate career path? Or have you:
Graduated with a bachelor’s degree that grants R-ATP eligibility, from a participating university?
Check out the university path ➔
Obtained a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating from a participating flight school?
Looking to complete your ATP-CTP course?
Aviate has collaborated with CAE to offer Aviate participants an exclusive price on this training.
Learn moreabout CAE exclusive pricing for Aviate participantsStep 2Apply to Aviate
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
Complete the selection process, which includes:
- Employment record and history review
- A panel interview
- A technical skill interview
- Personality and cultural fit inventory
Step 3Build toward your ATP/R-ATP certification
Build flight hours toward your R-ATP/ATP and gain valuable experience teaching as a CFI at one of Aviate’s universities, professional flight schools or Part 135 operator partners
Step 4Fly with an Aviate United Express carrier or Part 135 operator
Flying with our Aviate-participating United Express (UAX) carriers or Part 135 operators provides invaluable flying experience.
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
For full details, see Chapter 5 of the APG
Step 5Transition to United as a First Officer
Once minimum transition requirements are complete and are met, 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.