KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Western Michigan University has announced a partnership with United Airlines in a new student aviation program.
The new program, known as Aviate, is meant to work directly with aviation students into a career path with United Airlines. The goal of the program is to hire 10,000 new pilots over the next decade.
“We are very excited to be part of this new program with United Airlines,” dean of the College of Aviation Capt. Dave Powell said in a statement. “As the airline industry continues to address the shortage of highly qualified aviation professionals, we are very proud United chose Western Michigan University to help the company continue to bring the highest qualified candidates into their pilot pipeline. We have consistently striven at WMU to produce the industry’s best trained and most sought-after graduates. This partnership helps to validate how the aviation industry views the quality of our program and the type of professionals we are producing.”
Ideal qualities in Aviate candidates include the following:
- Reflect United’s leadership qualities, including the ability to model character, think creatively, deliver results and foster teamwork;
- Share the company’s commitment to the principles of “core4” service behaviors: Safe, Caring, Dependable and Efficient; and
- Demonstrate a passion for the industry and a lifelong dedication to excellence and achievement.
In order to qualify for the program, students must also complete the following:
- Complete two semesters of full-time coursework at a partner university;
- Pursue an approved aviation major, resulting in Restricted Air Transportation Certificate—R-ATP—eligibility;
- Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0;
- Uphold the university’s student code of conduct; and
- Hold a minimum of a private pilot certificate.
Officials say the program will begin accepting applications in early 2020.
“As the program currently stands, this is the fastest route to a major airline and will significantly address the hiring demands being experienced in the airlines,” executive director of flight operations at WMU, Tom Grossman said.
More information about the Aviate program can be found online at this link.
