In October, the airline will suspend flights between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Montreal, in addition to Indianapolis and Toronto. The last scheduled flight on these two routes will operate on Oct. 20.
Daily flights between Detroit and Montreal will end on Sept. 30, according to Cirium Diio schedule data.
Florida Cut
The Canadian flag carrier also plans to suspend service between Tampa, Florida, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The last flight in this market is scheduled to operate on Nov. 4.
A spokesperson from the airline did not respond to AirlineGeeks’ request for comment on the network changes.
In August, Air Canada’s transborder capacity will be down nearly 12% compared to the same period last year, as measured by Available Seat Miles.
Editor’s Note: Data referenced in this article was provided by aviation analytics company Cirium.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Starting on Oct. 6, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will resume flights between Chicago and Chattanooga, Tennessee, a market last served by the airline in 2019. Service will operate twice daily with a Republic Airways Embraer E175 regional jet, according to Cirium Diio schedule data.
A spokesperson from the airline confirmed the route addition on Sunday. American will go head-to-head with United in this market, which links the two cities up to five times daily.
American currently connects Chattanooga with its hubs in Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas/Fort Worth; Washington Reagan National; and seasonal flights to Miami.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Pilot executing pre-flight procedures in a commercial airliner cockpit before takeoff. (Photo: Shutterstock | l i g h t p o e t)
As a training instructor for flight crews at a major airline, I often serve as the initial contact for our newly hired first officers as they begin their aircraft-specific training. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, including military experience, regional flying, and corporate operations, making each one unique in their own way.
Regardless of experience, one of my most frequent questions is, “How can I prepare for the majors?” With that, I always tell them that having a positive attitude, an open mind, and a strong work ethic will get them 90% there. However, several aviation products can significantly ease the transition when they arrive at the majors, so let’s take a closer look at these options now.
Please note that each airline may have its own specifications regarding equipment and uniform standards. Therefore, you should always check with your base administrative office for approval before purchasing equipment required for flight or uniform items.
Quick Look: 10 Economical and Indulgent Aviation Products to Help You Gear Up at Major Airlines
Best of: Save a little flight bag for major airline pilots
Stealth Premier Multi-Purpose Cube [Courtesy: Crew Outfitters]TheStealth Premier Multi-Purpose Cube by LuggageWorks is an all-in-one flight bag featuring various compartments for headsets, food, drinks, laptops, and iPads or tablets. It measures 16 inches by 12 inches by 9 inches and weighs 4.25 pounds. Many pilots appreciate the bag’s high-quality materials and reinforced padding, enhancing its durability. The bag includes a three-year manufacturing warranty, covering repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only.
FL410P Flight Bag [Courtesy: Contrail Bags]Best of: Splurge a little flight bag for major airline pilots
The Contrail FL410P Flight Bag is designed for aviators who like to travel with more than the necessary gear. It measures 14.25 inches by 11 inches by 8 inches and weighs 2.05 pounds. Many pilots appreciate the bag’s quality and purpose-driven design, which allows it to withstand life on the road. The bag includes a three-year manufacturing warranty that covers repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only.
Stealth Premier 22-Inch Rolling Bag [Courtesy: Luggage Works]Best of: Save a little carry-on for major airline pilots
TheStealth Premier 22-Inch Rolling Bag by Luggageworks is known as the pilot’s choice for luggage. It measures 14 inches by 22 inches by 8 inches and weighs 12.25 pounds. Pilots appreciate the bag’s metal frame, durable hardware, and ballistic fabric shell with protective padding, ensuring it can withstand the demands of frequent travel. The bag includes a three-year manufacturing warranty that covers repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only.
Best of: Splurge a little carry-on bag for major airline pilots
Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case [Courtesy: Amazon]The Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case is the ultimate carry-on choice for frequent travelers. With its lifetime warranty, lifetime repair services, and aluminum design known for its durability and lightweight properties, this suitcase can be a career-long companion for any pilot. It measures 22.5 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches and weighs 12 pounds. Pilots appreciate the carry-on’s complete aluminum design, stainless steel reinforcements, leather handles, 360-degree wheels, TSA-approved security features, and functional interior. Each travel case also comes in a stunning silver finish, perfect for any traveler seeking an elevated look with that same superior Sterling Pacific construction and lifetime warranty.
Best of: Save a little headset for major airline pilots
David Clark DC Jet-X Headset [Courtesy: Sporty’s]The David Clark DC Jet-X Headset is a modern headset designed for contemporary flight decks. It is lightweight and comfortable, offering clear audio, advanced active noise reduction (ANR), and cooling comfort, which is especially important for commercial pilots. The headset weighs 4.5 ounces, is TSO-approved, and comes with a 3-year warranty. Pilots appreciate the headset’s enhanced auto-shutoff feature, full flex boom, advanced microphone, and more.
Best of: Splurge a little headset for major airline pilots
Bose A30 Aviation Headset [Courtesy: Sporty’s]The Bose A30 Aviation Headset is among the most elite headsets on the market. It is comfortable, quiet, precise, and durable for the modern pilot. Building on the tradition of the A20, the A30 gives pilots more control over ANR performance, microphone location, and power source. The headset weighs 5 ounces, is TSO-approved, and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Best of: Save a little watch for major airline pilots
Waterbury Heritage Chronograph 39mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch [Courtesy: Amazon]The Waterbury Heritage Chronograph 39mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch combines modern functionality with timeless design for today’s pilot. This watch features a 39mm stainless steel case and a matching brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet. It includes a chronograph to track elapsed time and a black tachymeter bezel to calculate average speed. Additionally, the luminous watch hands ensure visibility in low-light conditions.
Best of: Splurge a little watch for major airline pilots
Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro Smartwatch [Courtesy: Sporty’s]The Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro Smartwatch features a 1.4-inch touchscreen display and up to 25 days of battery life. It houses a red and white LED flashlight with multiple intensity levels. The watch can provide pilots with aeronautical information, aviation weather, flight logging, pulse oxygen monitoring, and other features when on the go. It also includes 30+ sports apps, 24/7 health monitoring, and advanced sleep monitoring for life outside of flying.
Best of: Save a little flashlight for major airline pilots
Dual Color LED Flashlight [Courtesy: Sporty’s]The Dual Color LED Flashlight by Coast is a powerful light with a compact design. It features one high-intensity red LED, which is excellent for cockpit lighting, and five high-intensity white LEDs, perfect for preflight inspections. Measuring 4.6 inches and weighing 6 ounces, it operates on 3 AAA alkaline batteries. Additionally, the flashlight includes Coast’s lifetime warranty.
Best of: Splurge a little flashlight for major airline pilots
Slayer Pro Red/White Flashlight [Courtesy: Sporty’s]The Slayer Pro Red/White Flashlight by Coast is a rechargeable, waterproof, and dust-resistant light designed with all the features pilots need in and around the aircraft. It has a spot beam with four modes (i.e., high, low, Turbo, and MoonGlow) and a separate red beam, perfect for low lighting in close proximity. It runs on a rechargeable battery, is 5.4 inches long, weighs 3.2 ounces, and comes with Coast’s lifetime warranty.
Choosing the right gear as a major airline pilot is all about balancing functionality, durability, and comfort. Here is what to consider for each item:
Flight bag considerations
When shopping forflight bags for airline pilots, consider the size and capacity of the bag. It should easily accommodate your flight essentials, such as a headset, a tablet, and personal items, while complying with cockpit space limitations. Additionally, the bag should be made from high-quality materials like nylon or leather to withstand frequent use. Furthermore, it should feature multiple compartments for effective organization and easy access to flight essentials. Finally, the bag should have padded straps and ergonomic handles for comfortable carrying.
Carry-on bag considerations
When shopping forcarry-on bags for airline pilots, consider the bag size to ensure it meets the standard carry-on storage requirements. Bags with a hard shell or reinforced fabric can effectively protect personal items. Furthermore, smooth-rolling wheels and telescopic handles are essential for easy transport. Finally, functional compartments can assist with organization and quick access to essentials.
Headset considerations
When shopping forheadsets for airline pilots, consider a headset with active noise reduction (ANR), which is crucial for reducing cockpit noise. The headset should also be lightweight, comfortable, and fit securely around the head. When selecting ear cups, it is essential to consider material breathability and seal design. Additionally, major airlines often require personal headsets to be TSO-approved and spare noise reduction headset batteries to be carried.
Watch considerations
When shopping for watches for airline pilots, consider a quartz movement watch (i.e., battery-operated) for accurate timekeeping. A watch should also be water-resistant and shockproof for longevity. Additionally, a large, clear display with easy-to-read dials allows quick readability in various lighting conditions.
Flashlight considerations
When shopping for flashlights for airline pilots, consider lights with adjustable brightness and various light modes (i.e., white and red). A flashlight with a long-lasting battery life is also essential, ensuring reliability, convenience, and safety in different environments. Additionally, a compact yet powerful device is crucial for aviation use.
No matter where you are in your airline journey, we hope you enjoyed this carefully curated list of economical and indulgent essentials to keep you soaring at the majors. Do not wait; add one of these aviation products to your virtual cart today.
AirlineGeeks may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe announced Thursday that the airline will operate two daily nonstop flights to and from Chicago O’Hare and one daily nonstop flight to and from Denver. The new routes will launch Sept. 25, she said.
“We are proud to work with United Airlines to expand routes for passengers,” said Columbia City Manager De’Carlon Seewood. “Bringing new destinations has always been a priority for COU, and this partnership will make business and leisure travel even more convenient for passengers.”
City officials said both flights will have first-class seating available. The Columbia-Chicago route will operate with a Bombardier CRJ-550.They did not specify the aircraft to be used on the Denver route.
Service to Denver is being made possible through a Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant provides funding for communities that have insufficient air carrier service or “unreasonably” high air fares, according to the DOT.
United’s return to Columbia means it will be competing against American, which currently provides service to Chicago.
United suspended flights between Columbia and Denver in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It suspended all operations at Columbia, including twice-daily flights to Chicago, in 2022.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Uganda Airlines Launches Services Between Entebbe and London
Uganda Airlines inaugurated non-stop flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport on May 18.
A Uganda Airlines Airbus A330neo.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Uganda Airlines inaugurated non-stop flights between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick Airport on May 18, marking a major milestone as its first European route. This launch also restores a direct air link between Uganda and the United Kingdom after nearly a decade.
The service operates four times a week — on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — using the Airbus A330-800neo, configured with 20 business, 28 premium economy, and 210 economy seats.
The inaugural flight departed Entebbe at 10:16 a.m. local time and arrived at London Gatwick at 4:53 p.m., according to flight data from Flightradar24. This service is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and investment between the U.K. and Uganda.
In 2024, the total trade between the two nations was valued at £606 million, with U.K. exports accounting for £483 million. The flight is also set to meet rising demand from the over 200,000 Ugandans residing in the country, making travel more convenient and fostering stronger ties between the two countries.
Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer at London Gatwick, welcomed the new service, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines to London Gatwick. This new route not only strengthens our position as a key gateway to Africa but also supports our vision of fostering economic growth and connectivity, particularly among new markets across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. As the airport continues to grow, we are excited about the opportunities this new connection will bring, further supporting the regional economy alongside leisure travellers across the South East.”
Flights between Entebbe and London were previously operated by British Airways, which ended its service in 2015. Since then, travellers have had to rely on connecting flights through other hubs like Nairobi or Doha. Initial attempts to secure landing slots at London Heathrow began in 2020, but challenges with certification from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority and slot availability led the airline to shift its focus to Gatwick by 2024. In June 2024, a Ugandan delegation led by Bamuturaki travelled to London to finalize agreements with U.K. aviation authorities and engage key stakeholders, paving the way for the successful launch.
The new London Gatwick route becomes Uganda Airlines’ third intercontinental destination after Dubai and Mumbai. The airline currently operates a fleet of six aircraft, including two Airbus A330-800neos and four Bombardier CRJ-900s. It recently added a leased nine-year-old Airbus A320through a short-term ACMI agreement with Danish Air Transport, which arrived in Entebbe on Nov. 24.
London Gatwick Airport is increasingly becoming a hub for African connectivity. This summer, the airport is directly connected to 16 African destinations. A new Kenya Airways service to Nairobi is also expected to begin in July.
Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.
A United Boeing 757-200 aircraft (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)
United and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) have announced a tentative agreement that includes “industry-leading” wages and other improvements for the airline’s 28,000 flight attendants, according to a joint statement released Friday.
The agreement, if ratified, would also include a signing bonus and enhancements related to scheduling and quality of life. The new contract would remain in effect for five years before becoming amendable.
Final language for the contract is expected to be completed in the coming days. Following this, the agreement will be presented to the AFA’s Master Executive Council for approval on May 29-30. If approved, the tentative agreement will then be submitted to flight attendants for ratification.
The airline’s CEO, Scott Kirby, expressed support for the agreement, saying in a news release: “Our flight attendants are the best in the industry and have earned an industry-leading contract. I often say they are the face of our operation and the role they play every day – to keep people safe and deliver great service – helps make United the biggest and best airline in aviation history.”
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Damaged Alaska 737-800 in Santa Ana (Photo: Orange County Fire Authority)
The National Transportation Safety Board has determined that excessive grinding during maintenance led to the collapse of a Boeing 737-800’s left main landing gear during landing at John Wayne/Orange County Airport in Santa Ana, California.
Alaska Airlines flight 1288 experienced “substantial” damage on Aug. 20, 2023, when its left main landing gear failed upon touchdown. None of the 112 passengers and crew members aboard were injured.
“The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause of this accident to be maintenance personnel’s excessive grinding of the left main landing gear’s aft trunnion pin during machining, which imparted heat damage to the base metal and led to the fatigue cracking that caused the pin to fracture during landing,” the agency stated in its final report published Thursday.
The Accident
According to the NTSB report, the flight from Seattle encountered moderate rain, shifting winds, and light turbulence during its approach to Santa Ana.
The flight crew reported that the aircraft was fully configured for landing and on a stabilized approach before the final approach fix. After visually acquiring the runway at about 800 feet above ground level, the captain, who was the pilot flying, disengaged the autopilot and autothrottle.
Flight data recorder information showed that the main landing gear touched down at 11:14:57 p.m., with the nose gear following about one second later. The maximum vertical acceleration recorded at touchdown was approximately 1.71 G.
The captain reported feeling a “firm jolt” and noted the aircraft was “pulling reasonably hard” to the left, which he initially attributed to a flat tire. After bringing the aircraft to taxi speed and exiting the runway, the crew noticed the airplane leaning to the left.
Upon inspection, they discovered the aircraft was resting on its left engine cowling. Photos show the landing gear strut piercing through the top of the wing.
NTSB investigators found that the aft trunnion pin in the left main landing gear had fractured during landing due to a fatigue crack that had grown to a depth of 0.144 inches. The crack was large enough to cause the remaining material to fracture during landing, resulting in the collapse of the gear.
Further examination revealed the fatigue crack had initiated from a small intergranular region below the external chromium-electroplated layer of the pin. This region showed an elevated reading from a Barkhausen noise inspection and displayed darker visual contrast following temper etch and metallographic inspections.
“The elevated readings and area of visual contrast were consistent with the area being exposed to higher temperatures becoming softer than the surrounding material,” the report stated. “The heat exposure most likely occurred as part of the excessive grinding of the surface, performed during the maintenance overhaul of the pin that occurred on July 5, 2018.”
The investigation determined that the overtempered region and surrounding material created an area of intergranular fracture within the material where grinding had occurred. The grinding burn likely happened during machining after the new chromium layer electroplating process was applied.
Technical Analysis
A fatigue crack analysis performed on the aft trunnion pin fracture surface indicated the crack had been present for at least 797 landing cycles. The maintenance records showed that the left main landing gear assembly, including the aft trunnion pin, had been overhauled approximately 4,710 landing cycles before the accident.
“The crack was not present when the pin was overhauled in July 2018 but had likely developed later as a result of the grinding performed during the overhaul,” the report stated.
The NTSB noted that most nondestructive inspection techniques used to detect damage to plated trunnion pins rely on identifying cracks, making them ineffective before crack initiation. However, the investigation found that “even relatively mild heat exposure from grinding and/or machining during overhaul can lead to cracking, which can lead to fatigue crack growth and failed landing gear components.”
Damage to the 737 (Photo: NTSB)
At the time of the left main landing gear assembly overhaul in 2018, the landing gear had accumulated 11,116 landing cycles. The overhauled assembly was installed on the accident airplane on July 17, 2018, and accumulated an additional 4,710 landing cycles before the failure.
The aircraft – registered as N516AS – remained out of service until December 2023.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
United VP Jon Gooda put out a statement advising customers that the airline will continue operating on a reduced schedule at Newark before gradually rebuilding.
A United Boeing 767-300 departs from Newark (Photo: Shutterstock | KMarsh)
United is advising customers that it will maintain its reduced schedule at Newark Liberty International Airport but plans to “slowly and safely” rebuild after the completion of runway construction there next month.
United Vice President Jon Gooda, who oversees the airline’s hub at Newark, laid out a plan for “getting back on track” in a statement released for MileagePlus members on Thursday. He said the carrier will continue to operate on a reduced schedule in compliance with an order from the FAA aimed at easing congestion at the airport, which is grappling with equipment failures and a shortage of air traffic controllers.
Gooda noted that United proactively cut 35 flights at Newark when troubles first surfaced weeks ago and said the move “got our operation back on the right path.” The airline hopes to add back flights when Newark finishes construction on one of the three runways it uses for commercial jets, another factor in the airport’s wave of delays and cancellations.
“We expect EWR’s runway construction to be completed in mid-June,” Gooda said. “Our plan is to slowly and safely build our schedule over the summer. However, because of the recent FAA decision, every airline’s schedule at EWR will be smaller than planned and smaller than last year, including ours. We’ll operate fewer daily flights this summer compared to last year, which gives us even more confidence that our EWR operation will continue to run reliably.”
Looking Ahead
Gooda also emphasized that, even with the logistical challenges at Newark, United has cancelled comparatively few flights. On eight of the past 11 days, he said, the airline canceled less than 1% of its departures out of Newark, while the airport is once again beating LaGuardia in on-time arrivals.
Newark is United’s largest hub and a critical node in its East Coast and transatlantic network, so disruptions there can have a substantial impact on operations. The airline has a smaller presence at LaGuardia and no presence at New York-JFK.
Newark has faced rounds of flight delays and cancellations since late April, when air traffic controllers first lost contact with pilots at and around the airport. Several more outages have struck since then, and the problem has been worsened by the number of air traffic controllers now out on trauma leave. The FAA has acknowledged that, due to chronic understaffing, there is no quick way to rebuild the ATC team needed to oversee Newark.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
United Aviate Academy Faces Another Lawsuit
A former student at United Aviate Academy has filed a lawsuit against the flight school, alleging fraud and significant delays in training.
A United Aviate Academy aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)
A former student at United Aviate Academy has filed a lawsuit against the flight school, alleging fraud and significant delays in training that prevented program completion within the advertised time frame.
United Airlines purchased Westwind School of Aeronautics in Phoenix in February 2020, rebranding it as United Aviate Academy (UAA) to support the carrier’s goal of hiring more than 10,000 pilots within the next decade. The academy marketed itself as an expedited flight school program designed to provide all necessary certifications to become a commercial pilot within one year.
According to court documents, the program was structured to deliver seven training components within specific time frames: private pilot training (two months), instrument rating (two months), commercial single-engine initial (three months), commercial multiengine add-on (one month), certified flight instructor (two months), certified flight instructor-instrument (one month), and multiengine flight instructor (one month).
Latest Lawsuit
Carrie Lynne Thompson, the plaintiff in the recently refiled case, claims she enrolled in October 2022 after receiving assurances that the UAA program could be completed in 12 months. In her complaint, Thompson alleges this timeline was promoted across multiple channels, including “marketing materials, billboards, commercials, print advertisements, online references, the leave of absence agreement, the student agreement, and press releases.”
Her initial complaint was first filed on July 15, 2024. After some back and forth in the court docket, Thompson filed an amended complaint on April 12.
Thompson’s lawsuit details how students were allegedly prohibited from working while attending the academy, forcing many to rely on student loans and savings to fund their education based on the promised accelerated timeline.
“It took me nine months to receive my private pilot license [PPL], which was, according to the marketing materials, student agreement, website for the academy, and course catalog provided by both the academy and United Airlines, supposed to take two,” Thompson stated in her amended complaint.
Thompson is seeking $500,000 in damages, aiming to recover the losses she alleges were incurred due to the academy’s mismanagement and misleading promises. Her lawsuit contends that the financial strain imposed by the extended duration of the program, combined with lost income and accrued debts, warrants this compensation.
United Aviate Academy agreed to acquire five Diamond DA42-VI piston twin trainers. (Photo: Diamond Aircraft)
The complaint also requests punitive damages, reflecting the emotional and financial impact that the academy’s purported failures have had on her and potentially on other students facing similar circumstances.
Implications of Inadequate Training
The lawsuit further contends that these operational issues had severe financial consequences for students who invested tens of thousands of dollars based on allegedly misleading information. Thompson claims she lost approximately $100,000 in income during her time away from work, in addition to incurring over $49,000 in academy fees and approximately $25,000 in relocation expenses.
According to Thompson’s filing, “no student who began with [zero] flight hours from my class finished in fewer than 18 months,” despite the advertised 12-month timeline. The complaint further alleges that of the entire student body, only three students were able to complete the program within the promised time frame.
The other lawsuit—which was filed in March—includes similar allegations from multiple former students, including claims that some received only about 300 hours of flight time over two years, significantly less than expected.
Student Experiences and Complaints
Thompson’s complaint describes how students were allegedly told to “bear with us, we’re a new school and working out the kinks” when they raised concerns about delays. The lawsuit claims students who fell behind schedule—allegedly due to the academy’s operational issues—were sometimes expelled for taking too long to advance through the program.
The filing also references what Thompson describes as a “purely for show” graduation ceremony on January 25, 2023, where “only one student had actually finished all of their ratings,” despite the presence of United CEO Scott Kirby.
Thompson resigned from the academy in July 2023 “due to the lack of consistent training and inability to fund the much longer than expected time frame without work,” according to her complaint. She alleges that despite requesting to return to her previous position as a flight attendant while maintaining her place at the academy, this request was denied by its leadership.
Thompson, 46, stated that the prolonged training period severely disrupted her career trajectory, as the mandatory time commitment at UAA delayed her entry into a professional piloting career at an age when opportunities might become more limited. The mandatory retirement age for airline pilots in the U.S. is 65.
Thompson’s complaint alleges violations of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act, promissory estoppel/detrimental reliance, and false advertisement.
Court records show that United Airlines has already filed a motion to strike the amended complaint in Thompson’s case, claiming procedural issues with the filing.
On May 1, a federal district court judge ruled in favor of the airline’s motion to strike Thompson’s second amended complaint, citing procedural discrepancies. The court noted that the amended complaint introduced new allegations and causes of action that differed from those previously approved, thereby deeming it unauthorized. Thompson could still contest the court’s order.
Per court records, she is representing herself in this matter.
United Airlines did not directly comment on the March class-action lawsuit, only stating to the Associated Press that the carrier has “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.”
Editor’s Note: This story first appeared on FlyingMag.com.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
A TAP Air Portugal A321neo (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.
Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.
TAP Air Portugal, the flag carrier of Portugal, has sported a series of distinctive liveries throughout its long history, reflecting both its national identity and evolving branding strategies. The airline’s visual presentation on its aircraft has transitioned through various designs, with the current iteration emphasizing a modern look while retaining strong ties to Portuguese heritage.
The contemporary livery prominently features the name “TAP Air Portugal” in a stylized, typically sans-serif font along the forward fuselage. The airline’s logo, a key element, is displayed on the tail fin and often incorporates the colors of the Portuguese flag – green and red – alongside white.
The main body of the aircraft is predominantly white, a common choice in the aviation industry for its thermal and maintenance advantages.
Historically, TAP’s aircraft have showcased several livery changes since its inception as Transportes Aéreos Portugueses in 1945. Early designs featured simpler cheatlines and the full company name. A significant visual identity was established in the mid-20th century, characterized by a white upper fuselage, a cheatline in the airline’s colors, and prominent “Transportes Aéreos Portugueses” titles. The tail often featured a distinctive logo of the era.
In 1979, coinciding with a modernization program and a name change to TAP Air Portugal, a new livery was introduced. This era saw variations, but generally maintained a clean look with the updated branding. Later, in 2005, the airline rebranded as “TAP Portugal,” a change that was also reflected in its aircraft livery, before reverting to “TAP Air Portugal” in 2017, accompanied by the current livery design.
TAP’s newly minted A330 retro jet (Photo: TAP Portugal)
The airline has also embraced its heritage through the use of retro liveries on some of its modern aircraft. Notably, the airline has painted select Airbus aircraft, including an A330 and an A321neo, in a design reminiscent of its livery from the 1950s and 1960s. This popular retro scheme typically features the historic “Transportes Aéreos Portugueses” titles in a classic font along the fuselage.
Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
