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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.


We’re looking for talented candidates who:

  • Reflect our leadership qualities, including the ability to model character, think creatively, deliver results and foster teamwork
  • Share our commitment to the principles of core4 service behaviors: Safe, Caring, Dependable and Efficient
  • Demonstrate a passion for the industry and a lifelong dedication to excellence and achievement

Your process

Details and requirements

Step 1 Meet minimum eligibility requirements

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?

Check out the flight school path ➔

  • Be employed or have accepted an offer of employment with one of Aviate’s universities, commercial flight schools or Part 135 operator partners

    Partner universities

    Auburn University California Aeronautical University Delaware State University Elizabeth City State University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Florida Tech Hampton University Kent State University Lewis University Louisiana Tech University Metropolitan State University of Denver Middle Georgia State University The Ohio State University Purdue University Southern Illinois University University of Nebraska Omaha University of North Dakota Western Michigan University

    Partner flight schools

    ATP Cornerstone Aviation Epic Flight Academy Phoenix East Aviation University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation US Aviation Academy

    Part 135 operators

    Ameriflight JSX Tradewind
  • 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

Step 2 Apply to Aviate

  • Submit an application Apply now
  • Complete your evaluation, which includes:
    • Employment record and history review
    • A panel interview
    • A technical skill interview
    • Personality and cultural fit inventory

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

Step 3 Build 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 4 Fly 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.

United Express carriers

CommuteAir GoJet Airlines Mesa Airlines

Part 135 operators

Ameriflight JSX Tradewind
  • 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 5 Transition to United as a First Officer

Once you complete your minimum transition requirements, you will 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.

Any questions?

Full details regarding Aviate eligibility and transition requirements can be found in the Aviate Program Guide (APG). For questions not covered in the APG, please provide your information and question in the space provided, and we’ll get back to you soon.

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