Hey guys, I have created a more general previous post about entry into the flying career, but my situation has changed pretty significantly so I figured this warrants a separate item specific to our airline.

I’m a current UA employee, now at DENTK making $102k while maintaining our training devices. Still have the Bachelor’s and remaining $80k in debt from that, but no homeowner’s debt right now. Per the title, I’m curious about our new pilot pathway for internal applicants called “Aviate.” The details are forthcoming - I’ve signed up to be emailed about it in the coming months. But my general idea is that this represents a “flow program” that will be highly selective for both internal and external applicants. My ego of course convinces me that I’m a preferable candidate due to fleet and systems familiarity.

The current job is incredibly low-stress, and every morning at 0800 I can go to sleep in my own bed. I could easily see myself retiring in this role and earning ratings on the side, but the idea of 121 flying still interests me. Is it worth leaving such a laid back career for the chance to fly legacy airliners? I’ve been turning that one over and over in my mind, and literally the only drawback to my current role is working midnight shift for 20+ years.

I’ve discussed the career reality with my wife, a soon-to-be RN that will move here in March. She understands that the downgrade into RJs will likely mean either commuting from, or leaving Denver entirely for several years. She has agreed that if the math works out, she is OK being a breadwinner while the flying career spools up. And she understands the implication of a career comprised of trips that regularly take me away from home for long stretches of time.

Regardless I will still apply to our Aviate program just to talk it out whenever they open up to employees. I plan on visiting a DME at the same time to ensure nothing currently stands in my way besides training and time.

Any input is much appreciated, thanks in advance.

If you’re at TK maybe stop in and talk with the recruitment office. Get to know some of the good folks there. Making the jump can be daunting and there are no guarantees but you dont want to retire someday wondering what could have been. If you really want it go for it. If it doesn’t work out for you, perhaps you can get back into your current job. Good luck and thanks for keeping our sims running.

Hard to predict the ins and outs of how that program may work going forward. Looking at the previous CPP arrangements with some of the regional carriers there was a lot of emphasis on "reliablity" IE attendance. I'd suggest knocking out that 1st trip to the AME as well, make sure there are no surprises medically before making the big commitment. I'm a 73 instructor at TK, PM me if you'd like to discuss more.

Guppy
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The guys running the program don’t want employees to become pilots because they come in with seniority. Seniority for vacation and bumping them off flights on commutes

Don’t listen to stuff like this ^^^. Talk to the folks at TK.

good luck to you Sir !!

He can talk to them all he wants. They don’t know what United really wants out of Aviate. They are letting the Regionals bleed pilots until they can’t no more and they either close down or merge together to survive. They have said it on press conferences this past month they are reducing regional flying and giving it to mainline.

I am not sure what the he!! Aviate is doing or that it will ever be a viable pilot training facility. In fact it seems to be nothing more than a virtue signaling publicity stunt. But “they” don’t like to hire current employees because of seniority and bumping is a massive stretch/ school boy fantasy.

Not to mention, you don’t carry your seniority with you. Different CBA.