United Airlines Aviate Program at Epic Flight Academy

Epic Aviate Program
From Epic Flight Academy to United Airlines – a “direct flight” through the Aviate Program!

Aviate offers the most direct path to a United Airlines flight deck.

United Airlines Aviate Program, in partnership with Epic Flight Academy, offers you the opportunity to embark on a career path that leads directly to United Airlines. You can start your journey to a United flight deck by training at Epic Flight Academy, a world-class flight school. 

How does Aviate work?

It’s simple. First, you must meet eligibility requirements to train at Epic Flight Academy in Florida, a Part 141 FAA-Certified flight school. Once accepted at Epic, you will earn your Private Pilot License, then can apply to the Aviate program. Upon acceptance into Aviate, you will be assigned an Aviate coach, a United pilot, to provide guidance and mentoring as you continue your flight training at Epic.

As you continue your training at Epic, you will earn your instrument rating and commercial license and become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Graduates who are accepted into the Aviate program may have the opportunity to work as a CFI at Epic. After building your hours as a CFI, Aviate participants can then choose from a variety of paths as their final step before transitioning to the United flight deck including flying for an Aviate-participating United Express carrier (GoJet, Mesa Airlines, CommuteAir and Air Wisconsin). Upon meeting all program requirements, Aviate participants will be eligible to transition to United as a First Officer.

What are the requirements to apply for Aviate?

April Aviate Epic Recruits
Some of Epic’s Aviate participants show off their Aviate shirts (L-R): Sean Hughes, Dillon Barker, Alejandro Rodriguez, Lauren Faberlle, and Joel Bressett

You are eligible to apply to Aviate if you:

  • are currently receiving flight training at Epic Flight Academy
  • hold a minimum of a Private Pilot Certificate
  • hold a valid FAA medical certificate that was originally issued as a first-or second-class medical certificate
  • are in good standing with Epic Flight Academy 
  • have a high school diploma or GED equivalent

Please note: Participants are required to have a bachelor’s degree by the time they transition to United as a First Officer unless they receive an exemption from United.

After you earn your PPL at Epic, you can apply to Aviate.

United Airlines Aviate Pilots
The Aviate program offered by United Airlines is an industry-leading approach to pilot development and training.

What are the benefits of Aviate?

You’re going to love this! In addition to a clear and direct path to United, Aviate offers participants exciting opportunities to connect with members of the United family, receive mentoring and coaching from a United pilot and access unlimited travel privileges United Airlines is serious about developing excellent pilots, and Aviate through Epic Flight Academy is your first step!

United Boeing 737-800
Picture yourself as the Captain of this United Airlines Boeing 737-800.

So, we invite you to join us here at Epic to participate in this fully mentored flight training academy. After all, this is your pathway to Aviate and United Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Aviate Program
United Aviate Logo

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement?

A: You must be at least 18 years old. There is no age cut-off. However, the FAA mandates that pilots must retire at age 65. Therefore, keep that in mind when applying.

Q: If I’m not a resident or U.S. citizen, will Epic or United sponsor me?

A: No. You must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. Unfortunately, neither Epic nor United can sponsor foreign visas for the Aviate Program.

Q: I already have some flight training. Can I apply this toward the Aviate Program?

A: This program is for students with little to no flight training experience. Therefore, although we can accept your PPL, all additional ratings must be earned at Epic Flight Academy. Additionally, you will not have to pass another check ride for ratings already earned.

Q: Can I apply directly to the Aviate Program?

A: Once you are enrolled at Epic and have earned your PPL you can apply to the Aviate Program.

Q: How long does the program take?

A: The total training time typically takes 11 to 12 months. For example, PPL: 3 to 4 months; IR: 2 months; CSEL/CMEL: 2 months; CFI/CFII/MEI: 4 months. After that, you will need to work at Epic as a flight instructor for approximately one year to log your 1,500 hours.

Q: What does training cost?

A: For someone with no experience, training typically costs less than $70,000.

What is the next step?

Contact us! We have answers. Or, you can prequalify today!

Go from zero experience to a United Airlines pilot at Epic Flight Academy with the Aviate Program!

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