United Aviate Academy Opens Application Window

United remains the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, the United Aviate Academy. With over 40,000 applications received through 2023, there’s a rising interest in aviation careers – particularly in the flight deck.

We’re excited to share that our Fall United Aviate Academy application window opens on September 10. We are looking to welcome around 150 new students in the first half of 2025. 

Any prospects who submitted a request for information through the Academy website will be prompted to submit their application during the application window period.

Since its opening, the Academy has welcomed 30 classes and trained more than 630 students.

Academy students are eligible to join Aviate, our pilot career development program, and upon acceptance they receive a conditional job offer as a United First Officer. Students must first obtain their Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) to be eligible to join Aviate. To date, approximately 2,800 pilots are part of the Aviate program. 

We’ve made an effort to source talent from even more places and have improved our recruiting, financial support programs and partnerships to make sure we cast a wide net for the most talented and motivated candidates possible.

For example, in partnership with JPMorgan Chase and Boeing, United launched a scholarship program offering scholarships to UAA students to reduce economic barriers and make flight training more accessible. To date, over 120 students have received scholarships totaling over $7 million.  

Also, students admitted to the Academy are eligible to apply for scholarships through one of our aviation professional organization partners, including Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Latino Pilots Association (LPA), National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA), Sisters of the Skies and Women in Aviation International (WAI).  

Follow UAA on Instagram and LinkedIn to get an insider’s view of day-to-day life and success stories at the Academy. To learn more about UAA or apply visit the UAA website at aviateacademy.com.