United Airlines Selects Non-Degree Flight School as Partner for Aviate Program

United Airlines does not require its pilots to obtain a four-year degree. [Courtesy: United Airlines]

Skyborne Airline Academy in Vero Beach, Florida, has been selected by United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) as one of the first non-degree flight school partners for its Aviate pathway program. 

“The United Airlines  Aviate Program in partnership with Skyborne will immerse trainees in airline technique, custom and practice, equipping graduates with the skills to be truly flight deck ready,” said Lee Woodward, CEO of Skyborne. 

Skyborne offers students a 12-month accelerated training program. After students obtain a private pilot certificate, they can apply to the United Aviate pathway program. Once accepted into the Aviate Program, they’ll receive a conditional job offer from United Airlines.

Students who are selected to participate in the United Aviate program may also be eligible for the Skyborne Guarantee. If the pilot is let go from the program for proficiency reasons in the instrument or commercial segment, the pilot will be refunded all costs associated with ground and flight training. 

Upon completion of the flight instructor certification course, if the pilot meets Skyborne’s standards, the pilot will be offered a job as a CFI with Skyborne. This will help the pilot acquire the 1,500 hours needed to transition up to United. 

Captain Curtis Brunjes, managing director of Aviate and pilot strategy, is excited to welcome Skyborne to the United family.

“We are thrilled to partner with Skyborne Airline Academy and are confident they will be an invaluable asset to Aviate due to their innovative approach to the aviation market, prestigious reputation and rigorous training,” he said. “We look forward to working with them and welcoming more pilots to the United family.”

Based in Texas, Ashley is the former Marketing Manager at FLYING and focuses deeply on training and education. She graduated from the Baylor Institute for Air Science with a Bachelor's in Aviation Science and holds an MBA specializing in Marketing. She is an also instrument rated private pilot and licensed FAA dispatcher.

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