United airlines pilot training program requirements

The United Airlines Pilot Training Program is designed to prepare candidates for a career as a commercial airline pilot. The requirements vary depending on the entry path (e.g., direct applicants, Aviate program, military transition, or experienced hires). Below are the general requirements and pathways:

1. Basic Requirements for United Airlines Pilot Candidates

Age: At least 21 years old.
Education: High school diploma or GED (required); a college degree is preferred but not mandatory.
Flight Experience:
- First Officer (FO):
  - 1,500 total flight hours (required under FAA Part 121 regulations, unless coming from an approved Part 141 school with a Restricted ATP).
  - 500 hours of cross-country flight time.
  - 100 hours of night flight time.
  - 75 hours of instrument time (50 of which must be in actual flight).
  - Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate (required before starting training).
- Military Pilots: May qualify with fewer hours under reduced ATP minimums (750–1,000 hours).
- United Aviate Program: Allows pilots to build hours at partner schools and regionals before transitioning to United.
Certifications & Ratings:
- FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating.
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate (required before flying for United).
- FCC Radio License.
- First-Class Medical Certificate.
Additional Requirements:
- Must pass a background check, drug test, and security checks (including TSA/Criminal History Records).
- Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

2. United Aviate Program (Pathway to United Airlines)

United’s Aviate Program is a structured pathway for aspiring pilots to progress from flight training to flying for United Airlines.

Aviate Program Requirements

Entry Options:
- Direct Entry: For students with little to no flight experience (start at a partner flight school).
- Academy & University Partners: Enroll in a United-approved aviation program (e.g., UND, ATP Flight School, etc.).
- Regional Partner Transition: Current pilots at United Express carriers (e.g., SkyWest, Mesa, GoJet) can apply.
Key Steps:
1. Join Aviate (meet minimum flight hour requirements).
2. Build Hours (instruct, fly for a regional partner, or meet ATP requirements).
3. Transition to United (after meeting United’s hiring criteria).

3. Training Program Overview

Once hired, pilots go through United’s Initial New Hire Training, which includes:

Ground School (systems, procedures, regulations).
Full-Flight Simulator Training (type-specific, e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320).
Line Training (supervised flights with a check airman).
Final Checkride & Operating Experience (OE).