Airline Application Limitations

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

A few months ago, I was reviewing the United Aviate program guide and came across this policy:

“A candidate will be limited to two (2) attempts to join United as a pilot, regardless of the pathway taken—whether through Aviate, UMPP, any other CPP, or United’s traditional pilot hiring process, subject to the following conditions:

  1. Candidates who previously attempted to join Aviate through the University Entry Point, Professional Flight Training Entry Point, Experience-Build Entry Point, Aviation Organization Entry Point, United Aviate Family Programs Entry Point, or UMPP, but were unsuccessful on their first attempt, remain eligible to:
  • Reapply to Aviate through any Entry Point after waiting at least twelve (12) calendar months since their first attempt; or
  • Apply to United through its traditional pilot hiring process, provided they wait at least twelve (12) calendar months since their first attempt.
  1. Candidates who previously attempted to join Aviate through the UAX Entry Point, CPP, UMPP, any other CPP, or directly through United’s traditional hiring process but were unsuccessful on their first attempt are not eligible to reapply to Aviate. However, they may still apply to United through the traditional hiring process after a waiting period of twelve (12) calendar months."

To clarify, this policy means that an individual has only two lifetime opportunities to apply to United as a pilot, regardless of which pathway they choose, including the traditional route alone. Am I correct about this?

I would also like to inquire if other airlines have similar policies that limit application attempts, which may not be as publicly highlighted.

Thank you.
Jacob Basheer

2

Jacob,

I have not heard of this kind of policy officially being in place at any other airline, but I will assure you that they are, whether official or not. No airline (or any company for that matter) is going to repeatedly interview the same applicant. Either you are a good fit for the company, or you are not.

Chris

3

Jacob,

While it may not be set in stone at other airlines, as Chris mentioned, it is a common practice amongst all. United is just being the nicer of the companies and being honest with you, up front. This is why we always recommend interview preparation and skill assessments before applying for the airlines. Another helpful way to get “seen” is by visiting career fairs and large conventions, attempting to secure a ‘meet-and-greet’.

Brady

4

Jacob,

As the others have said, I’m not aware of any other airline having these rules written in stone, most at least limit you from applying more than once every 12mos.

What’s interesting is back in the day, Hawaiian would actually make most applicants apply and interview 3,4 and even 5 times before offered a position. They wanted to know you REALLY wanted to fly here.

Adam

5

Jacob,

I’m glad you noticed this. It’s another reason we recommend waiting to apply to any airline programs until you’ve gradated from the ACPP and can devote 100% of your time to preparing for these interviews. They are real interviews and documented as such. Something you don’t want to take lightly!

Hannah