PHOENIX, Ariz. — A group of 29 former student pilots has filed a federal lawsuit against United Airlines and its Arizona-based United Aviate Academy, accusing them of fraud and deceptive practices that left students deeply in debt and short of flight training.
Filed in federal court in Phoenix, the lawsuit claims that United falsely advertised a “one-year intensive training program” that would set students on the path to becoming commercial pilots. In reality, the students say they experienced frequent instructor turnover, flight delays, and a lack of aircraft — conditions so poor that, in some cases, “students were teaching other students.”
“It was students teaching students,” the lawsuit alleges. In one case, a student said she had a different instructor on each of her first four flights, and by her eighth flight, her “instructor” was another student.
Overcrowding and Accreditation Issues
The United Aviate Academy in Goodyear, Arizona, reportedly had an enrollment cap of 325 students to ensure quality instruction. But by March 2024, the school had over 380 students enrolled, according to the complaint. That same year, the school received a warning letter from its accrediting body and was later placed on probation. It voluntarily withdrew its accreditation in January 2025.
Students Claim Expulsions Were Tied to Overcrowding
Many of the students who filed the lawsuit say they were expelled for “taking too long to advance,” despite delays caused by the school’s own lack of resources. The lawsuit claims United began removing students from the program in order to comply with the enrollment cap.
United’s Response
United Airlines did not respond to specific allegations, citing the pending litigation, but defended its flight school in a statement:
“We have the highest confidence in the rigorous curriculum and flight training program provided at United Aviate Academy and are proud of the school’s hundreds of graduates.”
Financial Hardships and Life Disruptions
The lawsuit also details significant sacrifices made by students, including one who sold his home and another who left a 21-year career, relocating to Arizona based on United’s promises.
Most of the students took out large loans to attend the academy, expecting to complete the program in one year and enter the aviation workforce shortly after.
Background on the Flight School
United purchased the Arizona flight school during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the nationwide pilot shortage, which worsened after many pilots took early retirement. The school promised to train future pilots rapidly and efficiently, but the students say their experiences didn’t match the promotion.
The lawsuit highlights an ongoing struggle in the aviation industry to provide affordable, reliable training amid increasing demand for qualified pilots.
