Former student pilots are suing United Airlines and its flight school, United Aviate Academy, claiming they accumulated significant debt for tuition without receiving adequate training. The students allege that the school did not have enough teachers or aircraft to properly train them to become commercial pilots within the promised timeframe of one year. Many students left the program when it became evident they would not graduate on time, while others claimed they were wrongfully expelled for falling behind.
United Airlines purchased the pilot school to address the ongoing pilot shortage in the airline industry, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite accusations of insufficient resources and false promises, United Airlines defended the quality of the training program provided at United Aviate Academy. The lawsuit alleges that the school went over its enrollment cap, leading to issues with the accrediting body and ultimately the loss of accreditation.
Experts in the industry, such as retired captain Richard Levy, suggest that a one-year program is standard for commercial pilot training. However, the lawsuit claims that there were not enough aircraft or instructors for the number of students enrolled at United’s flight school, leading to a lack of training opportunities. Students took out loans with the expectation of completing a one-year program and securing employment, with some even relocating to Arizona for the training.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 29 former students from various states, highlighting a pattern of misleading practices and inadequate training at United Aviate Academy. The case is ongoing in federal court in Phoenix as students seek compensation and justice for their experience at the flight school.
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