Reflections from the Flight Deck

The move from the first officer’s right seat on the flight deck to the left seat that belongs to a captain might appear the difference of but a few inches, and perhaps a pay grade.  

But, all those who have made that transition - and all of us in the aviation industry - understand the truth behind an old observation. A first officer can always look to his or her left and receive help or assurance from the captain. But, “once you upgrade to the captain’s seat, you look to your left and see only your own reflection.”

While the solemn burden of lives rests uniquely on a captain’s shoulders, I think anyone who has taken on great challenges in other walks of life can feel something of himself or herself in that remark.

This focus on building a culture of leadership and command is deeply embedded into the United family. It rests on a principle going back to the times of ancient mariners - that one leader, the captain, is ultimately responsible for the safety of the passengers, crew, and aircraft.

To further build that culture, late last year before the coronavirus outbreak was even a glint on the horizon, United launched the Aviate pilot career development program. We announced a goal of welcoming 10,000 pilots over a decade to become future leaders on the flight deck - the future captains and leaders of our industry. One of Aviate's central missions is to ensure the flight deck is occupied by the next generation of diverse and talented professionals who will pilot United's course in coming decades.

With the onset of the current pandemic, Aviate’s immediate focus has changed, but that central mission has not. Nor has our effort to ensure that United has the very best and brightest at the head of our flight crews.  

That is why I was so proud to participate in recent “Captain Upgrade Ceremonies” at our flight training center in Denver, the largest flight training facility in the world. These ceremonies are celebrations of achievement and of leadership, and during these times, it seems more critical than ever for all of us to find opportunities to celebrate with one another even if only virtually.

I had the privilege to present wings to the second class of aviators who've ascended to the rank of captain since the beginning of the Covid crisis. Among them female aviators (extending United's position as the airline with the most female pilots), members of the Hispanic and Black communities, as well as 11 veterans (including a two-star general officer as well as a three-star general officer) who've worn the flag of our nation on their arms and now fly the colors of United in the skies. 

In 2020 alone, 267 pilots have ascended to the rank of captain, crossing that immense threshold from one side of the flight deck to the other.  

To be sure, we unfortunately expect to be a smaller airline than when we set our ambitious goals for Aviate. But, our ambitions to be the best airline in the world have not dimmed. Nor has our commitment to values of leadership and command that are the essence of Aviate and what it is to earn one's captain's wings. 

I see each one of these wings pinned to a new captain as a promissory note -- our faith in the future of this airline made tangible. 

In admiration, 

Oscar