Preparation
Preparation to fly outside the military should begin well before you retire or separate. You should begin as soon as you think you may be interested.
First, Here Are Some Things To Consider Before You Leave The Military:
- You are no longer guaranteed a paycheck, healthcare, life insurance or job security once you separate.
- You will be paying a lot more in taxes then you were previously, which means it may be a pay cut for you.
- Are you financially prepared to leave?
- Are you ready to move?
Considerations For Applying To Pilot Positions:
- How many hours total do you have and how many of those hours are turbine PIC hours? Do you meet the minimums?
- What type ratings do you have? Type ratings can be worth a lot of money and can go a long way to being hired for certain jobs.
- What pilot certificates do you have? Have you filed for your commercial license, MEI or your CFI/CFII?
- Have you attained your ATP yet? If not, do you have or can you attain a Restricted ATP?
- Do you have your medical certificate yet? Find an AME and get this done before you start applying. Applying for VA Disability? Consider possible delays.
- Have you honestly thought about what kind of flying you’re interested in doing? What kind of quality of life will you be looking for in your next career? You can find more information about flying options here.
What Are the Steps to Get Your Updated Ratings?
SheppardAir is a great resource for study material to help you pass you required Knowledge exams. Contact your base education testing office to see if they offer FAA testing. If they do, then the testing will be free to you. Use this site to find a testing location near you.
Commercial Certificate
You need to complete the “Military Competency Commercial” knowledge test and you need to have proof of being an military pilot.
Instructor Certificates
(CFI / CFII / MEI)
You will need to complete the “Military Competency Instructor” knowledge test and you will need proof of a checkride as an instructor in that aircraft to be awarded the Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) certificate. If you were an instructor in a Multi-Engine aircraft, then you can also apply for the Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificate, and similarly, if you instructed in a Single Engine aircraft then you will get the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate.
How Do You Go About Attaining An ATP Certificate?
If you need more information about the ATP, check out this page. You will want to start by finding an authorized company that is able to conduct an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification Training Program (CTP). The AC 61-138 explains the entire ATP-CTP process and requirements. There are a few companies that you can hire to complete your training listed under links.
Career Positions That Look Good On Your Application/Resume
Make sure you can explain the position and that you actually performed it. For example, Chief Pilot in civilian aviation is a position that acts a lot more like a squadron commander then a Chief of Stan/Eval.
Chief Pilot
Assistant Chief Pilot
Evaluator
Stan/Eval
Director of Operations
Assistant Director of Operations
Duty Officer
Flight Manager
Director of Safety
Flight Safety Officer
Simulator Instructor
What Do You Wear To Your Interview?
You also need to be concerned about what to wear to your interview. Check out our page dedicated to Dressing For Success.