A legal battle is unfolding as more than two dozen students bring a lawsuit against United Airlines and its Arizona-based flight school, United Aviate Academy, citing claims of "consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices". The plaintiffs allege that the airline enticed them with lofty promises to enroll in a pilot training program that was inadequately equipped and overcrowded.

Court documents reveal that 29 students from United Aviate Academy assert they were guaranteed a one-year training program with a clear path to becoming commercial airline pilots. However, they contend that the school was ill-equipped and overcrowded, with some students shelling out over $100,000 in fees financed by loans. Allegations against United Airlines and the flight school suggest that despite the increasing student intake, flight time availability dwindled, leading to frequent instructor turnovers and scheduling conflicts.

Several students struggled to meet the supposed one-year training deadline due to a lack of flight time and instructor availability. This situation prompted some to leave the program when it became apparent that completing it within the promised timeframe was unattainable. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) also reprimanded United Aviate Academy for exceeding the prescribed student cap and failing to address concerns raised by the regulatory body.

United Airlines has refrained from commenting on the specific allegations while legal proceedings are ongoing, stating that they have full confidence in the school's curriculum and flight training program. The airline acquired the Westwind School of Aeronautics in Phoenix and rebranded it as United Aviate Academy in December 2021. The lawsuit calls for various forms of damages to be awarded to the plaintiffs. The original lawsuit was filed on February 21, 2025, and Pilotcenter.net News has reached out to United Airlines for additional comments on the matter.