World Pilots’ Day: Coaching the next generation of pilots
April 24, 2026
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In celebration of World Pilots’ Day on Sunday, April 26, we’re spotlighting current United pilots who volunteer to support Aviate participants on their path to a United flight deck.
Hear from Erica, Sean, Hunter and Malorie in the video and quotes below. These current Aviate Coaches share how the Coaching program not only makes a difference in participants’ future careers but also inspires them to support the next generation of United pilots.
SFO B777 First Officer Erica S.
“I have had many mentors through my aviation career. They all gave me direction that made me the pilot I am today.
Coaching is important at all stages of an aviation career, and the Aviate program gives participants someone to ask questions to, bounce ideas off of and share their experience. As an Aviate Coach, I love being able to pay forward what my mentors did for me. From answering questions on check ride prep to helping them make a choice on their next career step, forming the next generation of pilots is important because it’s shaping the future pilots of United.”
Back to topLAX B787 First Officer Sean B.
“What makes United unique is that so many of us are close colleagues. The best part of embedding the coaching program into Aviate is that your Coach is one of the first colleagues at United to guide you on your path.
As a former Aviate participant who successfully transitioned to United, I can pay it forward as a Coach to my participants. I’ve learned that we’re a company that opens doors for people and provides opportunities to grow and succeed. I bring that mentality to my participants and everyone I meet.”
Back to topEWR B737 Captain Hunter F.
“As an Aviate Coach, I can give back in ways others gave to me. I think it is vital to the success of United Airlines that we protect our culture by teaching our culture.
Coaching participants early in their careers can make a huge impact on their direction at United. Providing experience in the field, whether it be about building experience, hiring or day-to-day operations as a pilot, can change lives. As a Coach, participants never let me forget where I started, and those who helped me become a professional pilot.”
Back to topDEN A320 Captain Malorie E.
“Being an Aviate Coach has been such an amazing and important experience for me. I love coaching young adults and being a part of their path to a United flight deck. Being a pilot is such an incredible career, and being someone that others feel they can come to is such an honor. My career at United contributes to the impact and development of our future pilots, and I'm grateful to be a resource and an inspiration!”
Back to topHappy World Pilots’ Day and thank you to all our Aviate Coaches for supporting the next generation of United pilots!