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United Aviate Academy

Do you dream of a career of boundless horizons where the sky is literally the limit? Are you driven for a life of adventure and a strong financial future? If your goal is to fly for United but don't have flight experience, this is the place to start.

Getting admitted to United Aviate Academy

Minimum admissions requirements for United Aviate Academy:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (we do not sponsor foreign visas)
  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent

What's next:

  • Assessments
  • Virtual behavioral interview
  • Conditional acceptance
  • Submit your request for information – Complete a brief online form with basic information about yourself
  • Upon eligibility verification and application window opening – Selected candidates will be expected to familiarize themselves with the Student Catalog and program expectations as well as meet all document submission deadlines.
  • Provide physical proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of 1) a valid U.S. passport OR 2) an original or certified copy of your birth certificate along with a government-issued photo ID.
  • Hold a valid FAA medical certificate that was originally issued as a first-class medical certificate
    • A valid, unrestricted first-class medical certificate is required for admission into the academy
      • To get an unrestricted FAA first-class medical certificate, an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) must examine you. You must contact an AME of your choosing, schedule an appointment, complete an official FAA application form via MedXPress and undergo a physical examination by an AME. The AME will issue you a medical certificate if you meet the appropriate medical standards. This Q&A page on the FAA website has more information and resources.
  • Assessments – Take a series of online assessments so we can learn about you – your strengths, your thinking style and how you prefer to work. We do not share specific information about the assessments.
  • Virtual behavioral interview
    • We are conducting virtual interviews via MS Teams before your conditional admissions.
  • Conditional acceptance – Celebrate the first milestone in your pilot career–conditional acceptance into United Aviate Academy. The conditions are:
    • Achieve a score of at least 80% on the FAA knowledge test – we’ll provide a free test prep kit for you to study once you have been accepted into United Aviate Academy.
    • Provide Proof of Funding - Applicants must show proof that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of training, including check rides and exam fees. The minimum amount is $85,000. Documents submitted must be in English. The financial services team will review all submissions for approval
  • Background and Drug Screening - All applicants will complete a thorough background check, including additional TSA screening protocols (if applicable) and a drug screening. Applicants will be notified via email 45 to 60 days before their assigned class date to complete both screening requirements.
  • Enrollment Agreement - Accepted Applicants must agree to and sign the United Aviate Academy Enrollment Agreement before enrollment and upon confirmation of start date availability.

Once you’re conditionally admitted:

Your path through United Aviate Academy into the Aviate program with United

Step 1 Fund your training

Program costs and financial assistance

2024 program costs

  • Private Pilot License (PPL) (tuition waiver, if eligible) – $17,750*
    • Note: Tuition waiver will not apply to 2025 program costs (see below).
  • Instrument Rating (IR) – $23,500
  • Commercial Single Engine (COM-SE) – $33,000
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – $7,000
  • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) – $9,500
  • Commercial Multi Engine (COM-ME) – $9,500
  • Total: $100,250 (with PPL or PPL tuition waiver $82,500)*
    • Tuition waiver will not apply to 2025 program costs.
  • Optional certificate: Multi Engine Instructor (MEI) – $7,250
  • Required Fee: FAA Knowledge Exams $875
  • Required Fee: Check rides with Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) $6,100
  • Additional Fee: Written Exam Retakes (if applicable) $175
  • Additional Fee: Check ride retakes (if applicable) $450 each, $800 for CFI

*Applicants without a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) in 2024 will be eligible for a tuition waiver of $17,750 during the conditional admission step. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants with a PPL do not receive a waiver for tuition but are encouraged to apply for scholarships if eligible. Tuition and waiver eligibility requirements may be subject to change. Applicants and students will be notified 30 days in advance.

2025 program costs

  • Private Pilot License (PPL) – $22,750*
  • Instrument Rating (IR) – $17,000
  • Commercial Single Engine (COM-SE) – $25,500
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – $10,250
  • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) – $5,500
  • Commercial Multi Engine (COM-ME) – $8,000
  • 6 Certificate Total – $89,000
  • Optional Certificate: Multi Engine Instructor (MEI) – $9,250
  • Required Fee: Check rides with Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) $9,700
  • Required Fee: Funding for supplemental training plans $13,000 (refunded upon graduation if not used)
  • Required Fee: FAA Knowledge Exams $875 – paid directly to testing center
  • Additional Fee: Written Exam Retakes (if applicable)
  • Additional Fee: Check ride retakes (if applicable)

*Applicants who enter the program in 2025 with a Private Pilot License will not be required to pay for the PPL course. However, there may be a charge for a PPL refresher course.

Costs shouldn’t be a barrier

We want to ensure a career as a pilot is possible for the best candidates, regardless of financial background. As a commitment to removing barriers, United and Chase will provide $2.4 million in scholarships to eligible candidates.

Applying for scholarships and loans

Step 2 Start your training – in as little as 4 months*

Go from zero flight hours to getting your private pilot license in four months*

At United Aviate Academy, we will provide the best flight training to prepare you for a safe and successful career as a pilot. It is designed solely for applicants with little to no piloting experience, and the full course takes about a year to complete. You will be expected to commit to a full-time intensive course of study and flight activity a minimum of 5 days a week. Our innovative training program integrates:

  • Computer-based instruction
  • Ground training
  • Aircraft flight training

Our 340,000 square-foot facility at Phoenix Goodyear Airport provides aspiring pilots with industry-leading resources, equipment and accommodations.

Once you get your Private Pilot License, you're ready for a final review to ensure you have maintained certain standards in order to be accepted into Aviate, United's industry-leading pilot development program.

*All timelines are subject to change depending on aircraft availability, Designated Pilot Exam (DPE) availability, weather, students’ commitment to flight training, individual circumstances, and various other factors.

Step 3 Aviate acceptance

Now you're ready for a final review to ensure you have maintained certain standards in order to be accepted into Aviate, the most innovative pilot career development program in the industry.

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 4 Finish your pilot training – in as little as 10 months*

Congratulations! At this step, you have now been accepted into the Aviate program. To meet program eligibility requirements, you’ll need to complete your flight training and earn your ratings and certificates. While timing may vary, general time timelines are:

  • Instrument rating (IR) – in as little as 3 months*
  • Commercial SE rating (CPLSE) – in as little as 3 months*
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – in as little as 2 months*
  • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) – in as little as 1 month*
  • Commercial Multi Engine (ME) – in as little as 1 month*
  • Multi Engine Flight Instructor (MEI) – in as little as 1 month*

*All timelines are subject to change depending on aircraft availability, Designated Pilot Exam (DPE) availability, weather, students’ commitment to flight training, individual circumstances, and various other factors.

Step 5 Build toward your ATP certification

Great news – you've officially completed your flight training at United Aviate Academy. What’s next? You’ll need to work toward your ATP hour requirement. Graduates can apply and may have the opportunity to gain valuable experience instructing as a CFI at United Aviate Academy or at one of Aviate’s partner schools and Part 135 operators. While we have many quality partners, you can also work as a commercial pilot at another operator, instruct at your local airport, or build hours in any other manner that you would like.

Partner universities

Auburn Aviation 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver Middle Georgia State University The Ohio State University Oklahoma University Purdue University Southern Illinois University Texas Southern University University of Maryland Eastern Shore University of Nebraska Omaha University of North Dakota Western Michigan University

Partner flight schools

ATP Cornerstone Aviation Epic Flight Academy Phoenix East Aviation US Aviation Academy

Part 135 operators

Ameriflight JSX Tradewind

Step 6 Congrats, pilot! Start flying for an Aviate United Express carrier or a Part 135 operator

Now that you have reached ATP minimums, you are eligible to apply for a First Officer position at an Aviate United Express Carrier or an Aviate partner Part 135 operator.

CommuteAir GoJet Airlines Mesa Airlines Ameriflight JSX Tradewind

Step 7 And finally, transition to a pilot career for United Airlines

Once you attain all Aviate program experience requirements you may be eligible to transition to United as a First Officer.

For more information regarding transition requirements, please visit United Aviate.

Frequently asked questions

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment. There is no maximum age to enroll in the Academy; however, the Federal Aviation Administration does mandate that pilots retire at age 65.

To be eligible for United Aviate Academy, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. We do not sponsor foreign visas for United Aviate Academy.

If you are a legal permanent resident, additional steps and TSA requirements will be needed in addition to the UAA application.

Any applicant with certificates or ratings beyond a Private Pilot License will be unable to attend the Academy. Students who have accumulated hours towards their Instrument rating will be required to start from the beginning of the United Aviate Academy Instrument Rating course. Explore other entry points into the Aviate career pathway program.

The United Aviate Academy is designed for applicants with little to no piloting experience. Any applicants with more than a Private Pilot License (PPL) will receive credit for their PPL but will be required to complete the curriculum at United Aviate Academy for any ratings beyond a PPL. Another check ride for ratings already earned would not be required. Explore other entry points into the Aviate career pathway program.

Application process/assessments

Submission of High School Transcripts, diploma or GED will meet this requirement.

You will need to pass a first-class medical exam, drug screen and background check.

Our current aircraft will comfortably accommodate pilots under 6' 3" and 250 pounds.

All students must relocate within a commutable distance to Goodyear, AZ to complete training. All flight and ground training will be completed in person and on campus. Online classes are not available.

Yes, the RFI is independent of the application process.

Full details about eligibility, assessments, admissions, tuition, scholarships and more are outlined in the admissions and program details.

The UAA application window is available twice yearly. If you are looking to apply during a closed window period, you can submit a Request for Information (RFI) or continue to check the website to stay informed.

For applicants without a Private Pilot License, we will be conducting a virtual behavioral interview via MS Teams prior to class placement.

If you do not hold a Private Pilot Certificate, and are selected for the interview process, a link will be emailed to you to schedule your virtual interview.

If you hold a Private Pilot Certificate, and are selected for the interview process, you will have an in-person interview with the United Pilot Hiring Team.

To determine an applicant’s likelihood of success in training, and as a pilot at United, the United Aviate Academy uses a series of assessments to better understand personalities, skills and fit with the United culture. We are not sharing specific information about the assessments at this time. AON which involves a series of skill, aptitude and personality assessments to help us get to know you better and evaluate your candidacy for the Academy.

To get an FAA first-class medical certificate, an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) must examine you. You must contact an AME of your choosing, schedule an appointment, complete an official FAA application form via MedXPress and undergo a physical examination by an AME. If you meet the appropriate medical standards, the AME will issue you a medical certificate.

All applicants are required to hold a valid FAA First-Class Medical certificate with first-class privileges throughout their training.

The FAA first-class medical must have your full legal name and must match your government-issued ID exactly. Abbreviations and initials are not acceptable. If your first-class medical does not match your Government Issued ID at this time, please do not upload until it is corrected.

  • The only acceptable restriction is “must wear corrective lenses for vision."
  • There are times that a “special issuance” will be provided. This is acceptable as far as a first-class medical is issued.

For more specific information see the FAA website: Medical Certification - Get a Medical Certificate | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov)

You must register with the FAA before you can take any FAA exams. Read the FAA’s instructions for registration for more information. After registering with the FAA and obtaining an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), you will be able to schedule your FAA exam through PSI.

If selected to move forward in the application process, you will be emailed more information.

UAA requires a minimum score of 80% on the FAA written exam (PAR Exam).

Communications will be sent throughout the application process to the email provided in your application.

You will be notified via email if your application is not accepted, but we are unable to provide specific feedback on why certain applicants were not successful.

Scholarships and loans

Acceptance into United Aviate Academy is a prerequisite for scholarship applicants, so the first step is applying for admission.

Once you are conditionally accepted into United Aviate Academy, you will have the option of applying for scholarships, if you are a member, through the following Professional Pilot Groups:

Anyone can apply, regardless of race or gender identity. Each organization may have their own requirements.

As part of our commitment to removing barriers, we partner with a variety of organizations to provide scholarship opportunities.

Full and partial scholarships are available through the Professional Pilot Groups.

UAA is not part of the scholarship awarding process.

Applicants are encouraged to seek scholarship opportunities from any source.

United Aviate Academy has partnered with ZuntaFi, Sallie Mae and Liberty Bank to offer loans to students to cover the cost of attendance.

After you are conditionally accepted into United Aviate Academy, you will have the option of applying for a loan.

Currently the Academy does not accept VA benefits.

Scheduling a class

Classes are available on a monthly cadence.

Location

United Aviate Academy is located in Goodyear, Arizona.

Full details about our facilities, housing, transportation and the area can be found on the website location page.

Training program/curriculum

While timing may vary, general timelines are:

  • Private pilot training – in as little as 4 months*
  • Instrument rating (IR) – in as little as 3 months*
  • Commercial SE rating (CPLSE) – in as little as 3 months*
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – in as little as 2 months*
  • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) – in as little as 1 month*
  • Commercial Multi Engine (ME) – in as little as 1 month*
  • Multi Engine Flight Instructor (MEI) – in as little as 1 month*

*All timelines are subject to change depending on aircraft availability, Designated Pilot Exam (DPE) availability, weather, students’ commitment to flight training, individual circumstances, and various other factors.

To get you acclimated to the professional pilot lifestyle, training can be scheduled any day of the week and there are no extended holiday breaks.

At United Aviate Academy we currently observe the following federal holidays:

  • News Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

Students are expected to be available the days prior to and after holidays.

UAA operates a fleet of Cirrus single-engine, SR20 and Diamond Multi engine DA-42.

We also have simulators for the SR20 and DA42 as part of our curriculum.

Where to find us


United Aviate Academy is located in Goodyear, AZ.

We're not currently offering in-person tours, but you can learn more about our location or take a virtual campus tour below: