Employment Assurance Initiative Benefits U.S. Military Aviators

Chicago-based United Airlines has launched the United Military Pilot Program, an initiative affording full-time, active-duty U.S. military pilots access to conditional job offers as United SIC’s (First Officers). The program is unique insofar as it provides participants employment assurance while they complete their military service and work toward meeting all United hiring requirements. 

The program stipulates successful candidates must first undergo employment interviews and complete all requisite flight-training and certification prior to taking positions with the airline. Curiously, United's program does not require candidates to hold Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification at the time of application. Rather, candidates may obtain subject certification prior to joining United.

United CEO Scott Kirby stated: "At United we are committed to investing in individuals who have served and are serving our country—whose military skills and background are invaluable to our airline. Launching this program is a win-win: our airline gets direct access to some of the best, most talented aviators in the world, and military pilots and their families get the time they need to plan their civilian career while still serving."

Current or former military pilots who already meet United's mainline hiring requirements and are less than six months from availability, or already available, or are flying in the reserve components of their respective services, are encouraged to apply for SIC positions straight-away. 

United Captain Michael Bonner, managing director of Aviate and pilot strategy, and a former U.S. Air Force and Navy pilot, remarked: "As a former military pilot, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to transition to a civilian commercial pilot, but through this new program we're providing the necessary tools, resources, and support system to ensure a direct path to the United flight deck. Whether you are an active-duty pilot or approaching retirement, I encourage you to join the largest widebody fleet in the U.S." 

FMI: www.united.com