United Aviate Academy

All smiles lead to United Aviate Academy with CFII Jalen Thompson and United Airlines First Officer, Naomi Manzira!

United Aviate Academy would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Arizona Cardinals—Brittney McDonald and Brian Rooney—and Honeywell leaders Bob Buddecke, Kyla Callison, Jennifer Lawhead, and Diana Danforth for visiting the Academy with CEO, Michael Hales and COO, Suzanne Alipourian! We appreciate your time in learning more about our operations and how we are training the next generation of pilots.

Congratulations to Emily Pagano on her successful completion of the United Aviate Academy program! “I am deeply honored to have completed my flight training through United Aviate Academy, a journey that began shortly after my youngest daughter, Kaia, was born. I had always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but the civilian route had seemed out of reach. When I learned of United’s plan to open a flight school, I was still grieving the loss of my father, who had just been in hospice in my home. He’d spent 38 years as a mechanic at United Airlines and we shared a love of aviation—he had even pinned my wings when I became a flight attendant with United Airlines. Taking this leap into training with a new baby at home felt like a stretch, but I knew this was my chance to show my daughters what it means to pursue a dream. The journey was challenging, but it was the supportive, collaborative culture at United Aviate Academy that made it possible. Surrounded by mentors, particularly a diverse group of women who guided and inspired me at every step, I felt part of a community that continually lifted each other up. Their support is what made all of this possible and I look forward to being that inspiration for others.“- Emily We support your journey, your why, and your continued success, Emily! ?????

At United Aviate Academy, when the skies are clear and the flight is smooth, you know it's a good day to have a good day! ?????

On this Veterans Day, United Aviate Academy wanted to take a moment to express our deepest admiration for the service of all Veterans. We hope that every Veteran feels a deep sense of pride and appreciation today-and everyday- as they are celebrated for their dedication to our country and all that they have sacrificed. We honor those Veterans at United Aviate Academy. CEO, Retired Lt. Col. Michael Hales Retired Sargent First Class Patrick Castro Michael Bonner Daniel Caldas Bryce Chipley Brian Cottle Alex Dona Cody Harper Phil Holmes Joseph C. Hunt III Colton Kowalewsky Melissa Lanning Steven Lochhead Lawrence McMurry Michael Morill Michael Morris Ross Olivas Dave Robinson Matt Springer Jesse Stewart Ron Strayhorne Juergen “JT” Therrkorn Ray Vester Joey Watson Tanner Zimmerman Retired Col. Steven Doss Sherri Harwood Retired Lt. Col. Richard Boylan Eric Johnson Taylor Davis Thank you for your exceptional service!

United Aviate Academy would like to acknowledge Breanna Green, who was a part of the inaugural class at the academy and has maintained an impeccable training track record. Her dedication and leadership were essential in driving continued progress within the aviation industry. Breanna is a true trailblazer, admired by her peers, students, and the leadership at the academy. Her work speaks for itself — with a 91% student pass rate — and her ability to adapt, pivot, and overcome challenges in any setting has shaped her into the exceptional pilot she is today. We deeply appreciate all that she has accomplished and continues to contribute. A message from some of her students: Sally Velasco-”I started training with Bree in February 2022, we started together in the first a private pilot plus class. I have gotten to see Bree grow into an amazing pilot and then transition into the role of Assistant Chief Pilot. I have always been in awe of her humility, hard work and passion for transforming aviation into a more inclusive industry. From day one Bree has always been a leader, extending her hand back to help those around her. I’m honored to have worked along side her and to be witness to everything she has accomplished.” Patrice Hearne-”Breanna has been one of my favorite instructors here at UAA. Her support and encouragement helped me to make it through one of my most difficult ratings. She is one of the greatest assets here at the academy and she will truly be missed!” Nicole Smith-”Bree has always been the exemplary model of a person and a flight instructor. She looks to care for and teach others while being a radiant beam of kindness. She will always be an inspiration to those around her and will be greatly missed!” Carissa Yang-”Learning to fly is a challenging prospect for many students. Teaching someone to pass on that knowledge is even more difficult endeavor — but a task that Bree dedicates herself to with ease. My time as a CFI candidate under Bree's wing taught me the importance of sharing your passion, offering mentorship and leadership, and rising above standards to ensure excellence on all levels. Thank you and see you in the skies soon, Bree!” Ross Donelly-”Bree has been a great mentor for me throughout my time as a CFI at the academy.??She would go above and beyond to help whether it was answering aviation related questions or listening to you vent about your bad day.” Sydney Hardeman-”I have learned a lot from Bree as my instructor and as my mentor. She has had an undeniable impact on the school as an instructor and as ACP. She has stayed true to who she is and what she stands for, and has consistently shown up for others, which is why I look up to and appreciate her.” Ashley Carlson-”I can’t begin to tell you what your support, encouragement and mentorship has meant to me. You will forever be an integral part of my aviation story, and I am eternally grateful for you. Keep being great— I will ALWAYS be cheering for you!”

It is an honor to celebrate the induction of Lt. Col. Michael Hales, CEO of United Aviate Academy, into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame at Delaware State University. “Lt. Col. Hales has served as a military aviator and as the director of the DSU Aviation program. This recognition also honors the legacy of the late Dr. Luna I. Mishoe, former president of Delaware State College, and the remarkable contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen.” https://ow.ly/bfxq50TYqUA ??

United Aviate Academy is currently seeking an experienced accreditation specialist to join our team. In this role, you will assist the Director of Safety and Security in developing and executing evaluation and accrediting methods that are consistent with our academy's mission, all while upholding our Core4 values of caring, safety, dependable, and efficient. ?We would like to hear from you if you have a strong background in Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and a desire to excel within our organization.

Happy Halloween from United Aviate Academy! Can you guess our costumes? ??

Last week, United Aviate Academy held a campus-wide Safety Standdown, bringing together students and faculty for vital seminars led by United Airlines and United Aviate Academy leaders. The focus was on enhancing safety through topics like mental health awareness,?Aeronautical decision-making (refers to systematic approach pilots use to evaluate and make decisions regarding flight operations), Crew Resource Management (optimizing teamwork and communication among crew members to enhance safety and efficiency), and the critical importance of adhering to Standard Operating Procedures. When asked about his biggest takeaway, student pilot Edgar Colindres expressed appreciation for engaging with United Airlines leaders, noting the sense of unity among students and CFIs. CFI Kayla Schelling highlighted her excitement about mental health updates. Student pilot Kathleen Aguilar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of mental health during flight training. Similarly, student pilot Ryan N. highlighted the valuable collaboration he observed at the event between United Airlines and United Aviate Academy. United Aviate Academy sends a warm and generous thank you to the leaders at United Aviate Academy and United Airlines for their informative contributions.