Overview
This lecture provides a firsthand overview of the first month at United Aviate Academy, highlighting orientation, training structure, and key expectations for new students.
Arrival and First Week (Indoc Week)
- Arrive 15 minutes early to all functions; being early is considered on time.
- First day includes check-in, taking photos, and meeting various staff (HR, dispatch, CEO, financial aid, maintenance).
- Indoc week is focused on core values, paperwork, meeting staff, and an introduction to the academy structure.
- Uniforms, equipment (flight bags, headsets), and iPads pre-loaded with all necessary flight materials and apps are provided on the second day.
- Introduction to United Airline pilots for advice and expectations.
Training Structure and Expectations
- The academy simulates real airline training, mirroring United Airlines’ core values and operational procedures.
- First three days of the second week are dedicated to ground school review; must score 80% or higher on review tests.
- After ground review, students are introduced to their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), discuss expectations and scheduling.
- Students have two consecutive days off per week; relationship with CFI varies by personality and teaching style.
Self-Study and Course Completion
- Strong emphasis on self-study; students are responsible for coming prepared and keeping up with the syllabus.
- The full training program is designed to be completed in 12 months if students remain prepared and proactive.
- A detailed 16-week syllabus outlines all required tasks and expectations.
Practical Flight Training
- After initial ground and simulator sessions, students progress to hands-on aircraft training.
- Learn pre-flight procedures, aircraft startup, safety briefings, callouts, flows, and checklists—matching United Airlines standards.
- Memorization of emergency procedures (QRCs), briefings, and callouts is required.
- Initial lessons cover basic maneuvers (ascending, descending, turns), followed by Advanced Commercial Standards (ACS) maneuvers (stalls, steep turns, slow flight, S-turns).
- Training flights are time-limited; proficiency is key for maximizing flight time.
Supplementary Instruction and Progress
- Sixteen mandatory supplemental classes deepen understanding of ground school topics.
- Attendance in at least one of each supplemental class is required; attendance is tracked.
- Students can re-attend supplemental classes as desired.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Indoc Week — Introduction week focused on orientation, paperwork, and core values.
- CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) — The instructor responsible for individual student flight training.
- ACS Maneuvers — Standardized sets of flight maneuvers required for pilot certification.
- QRC (Quick Reference Checklist) — A checklist for emergency procedures.
- Flows — Sequential actions performed from memory during aircraft operations.
- Callouts — Standardized verbal cues for specific operations or status updates.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Consistently prepare before each session by reviewing the syllabus and study materials.
- Attend and sign in at all required supplemental classes.
- Begin studying for the checkride, typically scheduled around 12 weeks.
- Practice maneuvers and procedures through self-study and dry runs at home.