From the skies over South Bend, Indiana to the helm of one of the nation’s leading flight-training academies, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Hales’ aviation journey is a testament to passion, purpose and perseverance. A childhood fascination with aircraft, shaped by the influence of his father and fueled by a lifelong passion for flight, led him to a distinguished 25-year military and aviation career. Today, Michael brings that same dedication, discipline, and vision to shaping the next generation of professional pilots as CEO of United Aviate Academy (UAA), United Airlines’ wholly owned pilot school. In this conversation, Michael reflects on his roots, his mission, and the bold future he’s helping to build at UAA.
Q. Growing up in South Bend, Indiana, did you ever imagine your path would take you this far?
Not at all, aviation has been in my blood since I was a young boy. I dreamed of being a jet fighter pilot and an experimental test pilot. In fact, I spent hours reading books about WWII aircraft and the experiences of test pilots. I was hooked to say the least and knew one day I’d be flying in a cockpit.
My journey hasn’t been a straight line, but each experience gave me the tools to lead, to teach and help others see that a future in aviation is within reach, no matter where you start. And I am fortunate to be leading UAA.
Q. You’ve spoken fondly of your father and how his career sparked your own love for aviation. Can you share more about those early experiences that first ignited your passion for flying?
My father played a huge role in shaping my interest in aviation and love for flying. Dad was a flight instructor during a time when very few looked like him. I remember being too short to see over the instrument panel on the 1946 Ercoupe (one of the aircraft he instructed in), but he taught me how to keep the aircraft straight and level by looking at the wingtips on each side in relation to the horizon. That’s one of my fondest and earliest memories of learning to fly. I loved it!
Q. You spent 25 years in the U.S. Army flying helicopters, with multiple combat deployments and a significant role in international flight training, what were some of the most impactful moments from your military aviation career?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served my country. From flying high-speed missions over rugged desert terrain and securing multimillion-dollar contracts for the U.S. Army to launching flight training programs overseas, each deployment gave me experiences that shaped my career—and ultimately led me to UAA. My most memorable experience wasn’t a specific mission or deployment; it was the extraordinary people I met along the way who left a lasting impact on my life.
Q. What drew you to the mission of UAA?
When I joined UAA as CEO in January 2024, the organization had a solid foundation. It was an exciting moment to build on the great work already underway and identify areas where we could further enhance the flight training experience and student journey. By keeping students at the center of every decision—focusing on their success, development, and overall experience—we’ve made meaningful strides in a short period.
Q. Since its opening, UAA has achieved some impressive milestones. Can you give readers a glimpse into what the Academy has accomplished in a short three years?
We are very proud of the work that we are doing at UAA and the impact we’re making in the lives of our students and the industry. There is a lot still to accomplish, but here are just a few of the milestones that reflect our progress and potential. Since opening the Academy in 2022:
- We’ve received more than 40,000 applications from across all 50 states, with less than 10% of applicants being admitted to the program.
- Welcomed nearly 800 students (includes currently enrolled students).
- Over 40 graduates now fly for our United Express carriers or Part 135 carriers—just steps away from joining the United flight deck.
Q. You are playing a major role in helping to shape the future of aviation training. What’s your vision for UAA, and how are you working to transform pilot development for the next generation?
My vision is to set a new standard in pilot training. We’re transforming the student experience by building a program that prioritizes safety, technical excellence, operational efficiency, and professionalism from day one.
I’ve always believed that students will rise to the standards you set, if you establish them clearly and early. United has entrusted me to deliver high-quality, professional aviators, and my job is to fulfill that promise through a program that reflects excellence in every phase of training. That’s how I measure success and how I look towards the future.
Q. Do you have any advice for aspiring aviators?
My advice to aspiring aviators is to stay focused, be resilient, and never stop learning. Aviation is challenging but an incredibly rewarding path that demands dedication, discipline, and a passion for excellence. There will be obstacles along the way, but if you keep your goals clear and maintain a positive mindset, each challenge becomes an opportunity to grow stronger. Remember, every great pilot started where you are now – with a dream of flying and a willingness to work hard.
Q. It’s well known that one of the biggest barriers to entry is the steep cost of flight training. What is UAA doing to help alleviate the financial burden on students?
You’re absolutely right—cost remains one of the biggest barriers to a career in the flight deck. At UAA, we’re deeply committed to making flight training more accessible.
For example, in cooperation with JPMorgan Chase and Boeing, United Airlines funded several scholarship programs offering scholarships available to UAA students. To date, over 144 students have received scholarships totaling nearly $8 million.
We’re continuing to explore additional funding sources and cost-saving initiatives. Our goal is to help remove as many barriers as possible so that competence, talent and drive—not finances—determine who attends UAA.
Q. Where can interested aviators learn more about UAA?
My team and I enjoy spending time with prospective students. If you are interested in visiting our campus in Goodyear, Arizona (just outside of Phoenix), please reach out to us at [email protected]. If you can’t join us in person, visit aviateacademy.com – you’ll find all the information you need about the Academy, the application process, scholarship opportunities and more.
If you are ready to take flight, I encourage you to apply. Our next application window opens August 5. Check our website for updates.
