Aviate Participant Spotlights – August 2025

Introduction

We’re spotlighting current Aviate program participants who have trained and graduated from United’s wholly owned flight school and Aviate-participating flight school, United Aviate Academy (UAA).

UAA's application for their next class of aviators is now open, 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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Diana R. - Captain at Tradewind Aviation

During Diana’s role as a Newark (EWR)-based United Flight Attendant, she decided to switch career paths to become a pilot. She earned a full ride scholarship with one of our Aviation Professional Organizations, Latino Pilots Association (LPA), to attend UAA, and received all 6 ratings there. Diana was a part of the second graduating class in January 2022 and is a current Captain at Tradewind, an Aviate-participating Part 135 operator.

“I loved my time at UAA. I had an amazing experience that prepared me for my current job with Tradewind flying the PC12. I loved the culture at United when I was a Flight Attendant and I can’t wait to get back,” Diana said.

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Mitchell J. - First Officer at GoJet Airlines

Mitchell received his bachelor's degree in psychology while working as a medical scribe. After conversations with his father, a former United mechanic, his curiosity about careers in aviation was ignited.

Mitchell applied to UAA, began attending in January 2023, and earned 7 ratings. He then transitioned to becoming a line and stage check instructor, and is now a First Officer at GoJet Airlines, an Aviate-participating United Express carrier.

“In preparation for the airlines, I was able to take advantage of the countless opportunities UAA provided, including visits from UAX and Part 135 carriers, presentations from current United pilots, and various professionalism workshops,” Mitchell said.

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Nick C. - First Officer at CommuteAir

Nick began his career in corporate finance and later decided to switch to aviation after seeing aircraft fly as he would walk into work, which was across from a Part 61 school. One day, he was able to take a discovery flight during a lunch break.

“When I got on the ground, I didn’t know why my face was hurting. It was then that I realized that my I had been smiling the entire time,” Nick said. From there, he was hooked.

“The whole flight was an absolute blur, and I knew at that moment flying was what I was meant to do,” Nick said.

He applied to UAA in May 2022 and started training a few months later. Since enrolling, he’s been a student, instructor, and check instructor at UAA and is now flying for CommuteAir, an Aviate-participating United Express carrier.

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