USA – Training aircraft manufacturer Piper Aircraft has delivered a new PA-44-180 Seminole to United Airlines’ wholly owned flight school, United Aviate Academy, during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. The fifth Seminole strengthens the academy’s multi-engine training fleet, with additional deliveries scheduled during the second half of 2026.
- United Aviate Academy joined the Piper Flight School Alliance in 2025 and initially entered into an agreement covering up to three Seminoles, with options to acquire additional aircraft.
- The academy is introducing the twin-engine Seminoles to support the multi-engine phase of its professional pilot training programme at Phoenix Goodyear Airport in Arizona. Piper said the manufacturer’s fleet support program was among the reasons the academy selected the aircraft.
- Since opening in 2022, United Aviate Academy has graduated more than 400 pilots, recorded over 230,000 flight hours and completed more than 170,000 flight lessons, according to Piper.
- The academy provides ab-initio training for aspiring pilots seeking to progress through United Airlines’ Aviate programme and potentially join the airline after completing the programme and meeting United’s employment requirements.
- United Aviate Academy’s training fleet includes Cirrus SR20, Diamond DA42 and Piper Seminole aircraft.
- AFM previously reported that United Aviate Academy ordered up to three Piper Seminoles in July 2025, with options for further aircraft and initial deliveries planned for late 2025. At that time, the academy had graduated more than 300 pilots and reported an overall FAA checkride pass rate of approximately 90%.
Statements
- “Over the past year, it has been a pleasure to support United Aviate Academy as they enter their factory-new Seminoles into service,” said Ron Gunnarson, VP of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper Aircraft.
- “The addition of these new Piper Seminoles represents another important investment in the future of our students and the quality of training we provide at United Aviate Academy,” said Michael Hales, CEO of United Aviate Academy.
About United Aviate Academy
United Aviate Academy is United Airlines’ wholly owned ab-initio flight school, operating from a 340,000-square-foot facility at Phoenix Goodyear Airport in Arizona. Its fleet includes Cirrus SR20, Diamond DA42 and five confirmed Piper Seminole aircraft.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft is a general aviation aircraft manufacturer headquartered at Vero Beach Regional Airport in Florida. Its current trainer portfolio includes the Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, Seminole and Seminole DX.
Source: Piper Aircraft
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