United employs more than 16,000 active pilots, all of whom must complete simulator training every nine months to maintain their flying certification. Up to 860 pilots can pass through United’s only Flight Training Center in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood every day. By 2030, United hopes to have hired 10,000 new pilots. With a $145 million investment to expand the Denver campus, United is positioning itself for future growth, making Denver the airline’s fastest-growing hub. The facility is home to cutting-edge simulators, each rivaling the cost of a luxury private jet. Step inside to meet first officer and flight instructor Daily Rose Tiffany Davies and hear what she has to say.
Early aspirations: “I always knew I wanted to be a pilot. As a child, I met a female pilot who really inspired me, and with my mom working as a flight attendant, I was drawn to the lifestyle from an early age. When I turned 18, I became serious about pursuing it as a career and began figuring out the financial path forward. United played a pivotal role in launching my journey, helping to fund my training through scholarships I received via Women in Aviation. I started as an intern at United, moved on to the regional airlines based out of Centennial Airport, and even flew skydivers in Longmont to build up my flight hours.”
Imposter syndrome: “Industry-wide, females account for about 4.6 percent of pilots. United is a little better at 7 percent. I definitely have some imposter syndrome— like when I train on older planes, like Cessnas, that don’t have adjustable seats, and I’m five-foot-three and need to bring a booster to sit on. But I think it’s just about increasing exposure. I speak at elementary schools, am a United Mentor, and starting soon, I’m teaching the new hire class.”
Her ride of choice: “Some pilots live and die by the Airbus, but I’m a Boeing girl. They have better destinations. I normally fly the 757 and 767, two older models that are super similar.”
A day in the life: “When I am training, my days are pretty streamlined. It’s a six-and-a-half-hour day with a two-hour briefing for the trainees, going over procedures, then a four hour training session in the simulator. During this, we practice take-off and landing, loading the computers, talking to the passengers, and procedures for emergencies.”
A super fun day in the life: “All United pilots need to complete three take-offs and landings every ninety days to maintain currency. As an instructor, I get to pick the best trips, like United’s new route to Morocco. I try to get the longest layover I can, about ninety hours, and bring a friend with me.”
