Airline Pilot Forums

Let's say I'm a career-changer regional airline FO who decides to "reverse" my career change. I've been out of college for five years (degree in Accounting), havn't worked in the field for almost four years, and want to go back to accounting/finance/banking.

What should my resume look like?

I suppose the easy part is the objective statement and qualifications summary at the top. Pretty standard on any resume. But after that? I've held six aviation jobs in the last three years, none of which are really relevant to the job I'll be seeking. So listing my past endeavors chronologically doesn't make much sense. What about listing relevant work experience first, then perhaps my most recent job in aviation?

And should the fact that I'm seeking a career change be explicitly stated somewhere?

Does anybody have thoughts or experience with this? Thanks!

I don't know much about accounting, but like you I recently started reversing my FO career. I focused on my personal attributes in dealing with people and such as an FO and your ability to deal with "high-stress" situations. All of which can apply in any job. I know its not much of an answer, but hopefully it helps give you an idea what direction to look at. Good luck.

Thanks, RNAV. Have you had much success with this?

Unfortunately you might have to take a lower job for a while in order to shed the airline stereotype. I found it difficult to get others interested in hiring me for a non-aviation job after I was laid off.

SkyHigh

Yes, SkyHigh, I've thought of this. I'm expecting to re-enter accounting from the bottom (or near it).

One of the biggest challenges I see is convincing a prospective employer that I plan to make this move for the long-haul.

Go to The Write Resume:Resume Writing for Entry Level, Professionals and Executives (http://www.awriteresume.com). When I left the fracs in 06', she made up a "normal job" resume for me. It was unbelievable! I received several offers back then. For instance, I thought about doing pharmacuetical sales back then. I pretty much had no selling experience. But......she found it! She does NOT lie on the resume, but she brings out your strong points. Her name is kathy sweeney and highly recommend her.

Go to The Write Resume:Resume Writing for Entry Level, Professionals and Executives (http://www.awriteresume.com). When I left the fracs in 06', she made up a "normal job" resume for me. It was unbelievable! I received several offers back then. For instance, I thought about doing pharmacuetical sales back then. I pretty much had no selling experience. But......she found it! She does NOT lie on the resume, but she brings out your strong points. Her name is kathy sweeney and highly recommend her.

LearFlyer -

You say she is good for resumes outside of aviation; can she do the same thing for an aviation resume/cover letter too? Have you had any experience with her or the company within the aviation industry?

USMCFLYR

Yes, in fact most of her business is Pilots. I don't know if the mods will let me (please let me know de727), but I know she posts in other forums. Once I get permission, i'll tell you her screen name, and which forum she posts on.

"(please let me know de727), but I know she posts in other forums."

Mods don't make those sort of calls at APC. You need to speak with an admin, that would be HSLD or Freight Dog. But, as a mod, thanks for asking first. Most people just fire away....

"(please let me know de727), but I know she posts in other forums."

Mods don't make those sort of calls at APC. You need to speak with an admin, that would be HSLD or Freight Dog. But, as a mod, thanks for asking first. Most people just fire away....


Thanks. I learned my lesson at JC. They yelled at me for sending a kid to a different forum where I found a thread that would have answered some of his questions.

I am in a similar situation, also have a BS in Accounting. I don't think you'll have a problem at all. Accountants are always going to be in demand. How much experience do you have?

Any employer worth working for will understand your endeavors into aviation. This job requires many attributes that are valuable in any prospective worker.

You might have to start at the bottom, but even the bottom will usually start at $40,000 per year. Compared to regional FO pay, that is a substantial pay increase. Then, as the dust blows off, you'll be given raises appropriately.

I might be right behind you. This airline I am at is sinking. I love flying, but I am not so sure I love it THIS much. But, I am not ready to pull the eject lever yet, but might be within a few months.

Good luck!

I'm having the same issues. No one seems interested in me as they think I'm crazy for leaving such a lucrative and glamorous lifestyle (laugh) and I'm finding no one has a clue about our job. This makes it hard to convince them I have the skills that would make me a good employee. It's extremely frustrating, and honestly very disheartening. Lear - I think I'll have to try that resume lady.

I'm having the same issues. No one seems interested in me as they think I'm crazy for leaving such a lucrative and glamorous lifestyle (laugh) and I'm finding no one has a clue about our job. This makes it hard to convince them I have the skills that would make me a good employee. It's extremely frustrating, and honestly very disheartening. Lear - I think I'll have to try that resume lady.

It can be difficult to start over. After I was laid off I only had an Aviation and Business degree to fall back on. I had no other recent work experience that was outside of the flight deck. I left my gas station job 16 years prior to be a flight instructor. There were few opportunities. Most employers could not understand.

It forced me to start a business. It went against the grain of who I was but I am the better for it now.

Skyhigh

Great ideas everybody. I'll let you know what works for me....

A little update on my progress, in case anybody is interested:

I've been on a few interviews, all the result of referrals through the family network. I believe every interview went quite well, except for one small thing: I don't think my interviewers are taking me seriously as a candidate. I'll explain...

For each job, I had the basic skill set (acquired in college and applied in the real world). I explained how piloting CFIing have been good for me as a well-rounded candidate. Interviewers seemed receptive to my experiences, both as a pilot and in the business world. I got along great with all of them. But I think they all had trouble believing that I was really serious and committed to leaving the "glamorous" airline pilot life.

I have applied for a number of jobs I've found posted on various web sites, and haven't received a single bite. I've experimented with a couple of different resume formats. Nothing. And my in-network prospects seem to be drying up as the stock market further deteriorates.

Going forward, I'm planning to work on taking the CPA exam. With a few sections passed, I suspect I'll have better success. (It would show that I have both commitment and technical proficiency.) This extends my time line a bit, but it's probably not the best time to be a "new guy" in any job.

Yes, SkyHigh, I've thought of this. I'm expecting to re-enter accounting from the bottom (or near it).

One of the biggest challenges I see is convincing a prospective employer that I plan to make this move for the long-haul.
Have you considered applying at airlines for an accounting related job? Obviously, some of them need accounting help!:eek:
Seriously, I have met several people who left the flight side and moved to the corporate office. Airlines and other aviation businesses might be more willing to give you a shot. Then you might still have some limited travel benefits...

By the way, I just noticed that we are answering each other's different threads about career change. I'm trying to get out of corporate, and you might be trying to get out of airline flying. I hope we both find what we are looking for. Best of luck.

A little update on my progress, in case anybody is interested:

I've been on a few interviews, all the result of referrals through the family network. I believe every interview went quite well, except for one small thing: I don't think my interviewers are taking me seriously as a candidate. I'll explain...

For each job, I had the basic skill set (acquired in college and applied in the real world). I explained how piloting CFIing have been good for me as a well-rounded candidate. Interviewers seemed receptive to my experiences, both as a pilot and in the business world. I got along great with all of them. But I think they all had trouble believing that I was really serious and committed to leaving the "glamorous" airline pilot life.

I have applied for a number of jobs I've found posted on various web sites, and haven't received a single bite. I've experimented with a couple of different resume formats. Nothing. And my in-network prospects seem to be drying up as the stock market further deteriorates.

Going forward, I'm planning to work on taking the CPA exam. With a few sections passed, I suspect I'll have better success. (It would show that I have both commitment and technical proficiency.) This extends my time line a bit, but it's probably not the best time to be a "new guy" in any job.


Any one with even a modicum of intelligence would be able to understand leaving an industry that has lost more money in the last 7 years than it made in the last 90 years, s probably a good idea and a good career move.

During my med school interviews, I was well prepared for just those kinds of questions. I had a copy of our 16 year no strike pay indexed contract, my social security statement that shows last 10 years of earnings, and salary surveys for the airlines. They were stunned that we make so little for so much responsibility. Like everyone else, they thought we all lived in million dollar houses and drove expensive cars and had expensive toys.

Actually, I think the decrepit nature of this industry actually helped me get into school.


Play up your positives. Even tho pilots are paid sH!t, the responsibility aspect will get you points. Management skills, organizational skills, dependability, responsibility-all the things pilots do on a daily basis can easily translate over into other job lines of work. Above all, look at the change in a positive light, that it's a good move for you and your family.

You can't go wrong.

Have you considered applying at airlines for an accounting related job? Obviously, some of them need accounting help!:eek:


I've considered it. Unfortunately, the only airline in my city isn't doing much hiring, and I'm not willing to move. Especially to the city my current airline's home offices are in.

Good luck with your career choice as well. It sounds like we both have a difficult path ahead.

Play up your positives. Even tho pilots are paid sH!t, the responsibility aspect will get you points. Management skills, organizational skills, dependability, responsibility-all the things pilots do on a daily basis can easily translate over into other job lines of work. Above all, look at the change in a positive light, that it's a good move for you and your family.

You can't go wrong.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I enjoyed reading your story, and wish you the best going forward. It sounds like you made a great move.

What about listing relevant work experience first, then perhaps my most recent job in aviation?

And should the fact that I'm seeking a career change be explicitly stated somewhere?

Does anybody have thoughts or experience with this? Thanks!


How about listing your relevanat work experience, then list your related work experience. I'm sure that their are some attributes or skills that are common to all vocations.



atp

At my regional, we had a pilot/accountant who also did taxes for several of the pilots that worked there. He turned it into quite a lucrative side business, and is now on leave to work full time at it. Not suggesting you go the full route, but if you can get your CPA, then do some tax work for fellow employees, that would look good on a resume.

After a few decades of being in Aviation. I have to say, I've found it to be a blessing in disguise to have many diverse interests and abilities in addition to Aviation. It's allowed me to not only keep many irons in the fire. But, when more than one turns successful or profitable it's marvelous!:)

I've always thought of myself as multi-talented. (I suppose most people do - pilots especially!) I've read the Kiyosaki books and a whole bunch of others on "being your own boss" and real estate investing and such and such. I hold a business degree, and have worked for a commercial bank; I've seen how people use other people's money to acquire wealth. I understand that it's probably better to have a little income coming from many sources than a lot of money coming from one source.

I'm just having a really tough time putting it all together in a way that's worth anything. I've got all these ideas thrown against the wall but I can't figure out what to do with them.

I know, I know. "If it were easy, everybody would do it." Of course. It's just something I've got to work harder at.

:oI feel your pain and disappointment of what we didn't expect, but got out of our Aviation Careers. If it is any consequence, your not alone as evidenced by this website. We never had these outlets years ago. Either way, it would seem Airline Pilot as a stand-alone career is not what it used to be, or probably ever will be, for most of us, in our lifetimes.

:oI feel your pain and disappointment of what we didn't expect, but got out of our Aviation Careers. If it is any consequence, your not alone as evidenced by this website. We never had these outlets years ago. Either way, it would seem Airline Pilot as a stand-alone career is not what it used to be, or probably ever will be, for most of us, in our lifetimes.


a "Hobby Job".

There are several posts in this thread that reference Awriteresume.com. I recently employed their services and wasn't entirely happy. Not to say that can't do some good resumes, but don't go in with super high expectations. Turn around was much longer than promised. The resume I received, while having some good content, was not what I expected from someone who did resumes for the past 20 years.

I meant to say that THEY can't do some good resumes. I don't always proof read.

Every time I re-read my above post, it sounds less clear. I should lay off the Crown before visiting the forum.

I think they CAN do some good resumes, but I believe the resume I received was sub-par.

I spent almost 20 years flying before giving it up and moving on. One of the biggest challenges I had was figuring out how to make my resume and cover letter work. Here are a couple of quick ideas.
1. Look at the keywords your new industry is using (for aviation things like pic, sic, type rating).
2. Look at your skills that you have, not just flying skills but other skills too, what do you do outside of flying, plus you do more than just fly. Think handling pressure situation, interacting with customers when upset.
3. Find ways to fit your current skills into the keywords used in your new industry. Don’t lie but use some creative license.
4. This is a huge one, especially for career changers, tell people what the benefits of your skills are, not just the skills. People are in it for themselves so tell them what they will get. Why does your ATP and 5000 hours help them? How does your crazy work schedule make you a great person to hire? This will take some work but will be well worth it.
5. Make up a new resume for each industry you are thinking about getting into. With the airlines the same old resume worked for everybody, not so much with everybody else.
As a final not, as you start out on a career change, go talk to the people in the new industry. Talk to them about what you have done before and how this would help in their career. You will be surprised by the number of people willing to give you 10-15 minutes of your time. How many times have you spent that much time talking to somebody looking at getting into flying?
For more information on career change (http://www.dreamjobsystem.com)
Devin

I have been finding that as soon as an employer sees that I was a pilot - they say NO - not hiring a pilot - doesn't seem to matter what I have done besides being a pilot - that is the RED flag - so I am trying to figure out a way to more less hide the fact that I was a pilot for 24 years -seems impossible ? After trying for another flying job for over a year - I am ready to "throw" away all my 30 years of flying experience for a job that pays enough to live on. I owned my own business for 4 years during that time - but that seems to make little difference - Pilots jobs are LOW pay - and I can't move for a low paying job and working at Wal Mart won't cut it. How can a person "hide" the pilot experience ?

I have been finding that as soon as an employer sees that I was a pilot - they say NO - not hiring a pilot - doesn't seem to matter what I have done besides being a pilot - that is the RED flag - so I am trying to figure out a way to more less hide the fact that I was a pilot for 24 years -seems impossible ? After trying for another flying job for over a year - I am ready to "throw" away all my 30 years of flying experience for a job that pays enough to live on. I owned my own business for 4 years during that time - but that seems to make little difference - Pilots jobs are LOW pay - and I can't move for a low paying job and working at Wal Mart won't cut it. How can a person "hide" the pilot experience ?

What kind of jobs have you been interviewing for and have you gotten any feedback why the potential employer is weary of pilots? If you sell your skills using the 7 tenets of CRM then I can't imagine an employer not wanting you.

Here is a sample listing of resume bullets to use as a pilot. In my opinion they could use some wordsmithing and more detail put into them but it isn't a bad start:

<LI class=task>Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.<LI class=task>Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.<LI class=task>Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.<LI class=task>Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.<LI class=task>Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.<LI class=task>Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.<LI class=task>Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.<LI class=task>Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.<LI class=task>Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.<LI class=task>Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
This list was lifted from the O-Net website.
Good luck aeromike.

USMCFLYR

I have been finding that as soon as an employer sees that I was a pilot - they say NO - not hiring a pilot - doesn't seem to matter what I have done besides being a pilot - that is the RED flag - so I am trying to figure out a way to more less hide the fact that I was a pilot for 24 years -seems impossible ? After trying for another flying job for over a year - I am ready to "throw" away all my 30 years of flying experience for a job that pays enough to live on. I owned my own business for 4 years during that time - but that seems to make little difference - Pilots jobs are LOW pay - and I can't move for a low paying job and working at Wal Mart won't cut it. How can a person "hide" the pilot experience ?

I too have experienced the stigma of trying to get a job in the outside world as a pilot. You really have to consider removing any evidence that you flew from your resume. In my case I have an aviation degree so I am doubly sunk.



Skyhigh

I was told that "if I hire you you will just leave for another pilot job" or I am not sure you will work full time here and I need a full time person. As far as the pilot jobs - I can only assume that the reason I have been turned down so many times is age - anyone over 50 - seems to be "to old" ? Nothing like being 23 with 5,000 hours to turbine time ?

I was told that "if I hire you you will just leave for another pilot job" or I am not sure you will work full time here and I need a full time person. As far as the pilot jobs - I can only assume that the reason I have been turned down so many times is age - anyone over 50 - seems to be "to old" ? Nothing like being 23 with 5,000 hours to turbine time ?

Well.....both the reasons given above could be applicable to any field unfortunately. You will just have to do a extra good job of sellling yourself. As for age - although age discrimination is illegal - it happens on a regular basis I believe. I currently know someone who is incredibly qualified in the IT field who recently lost his contracting job in the DC area. He basically BUILT the mainframe operating language for the Department of Justice's computer system and had been working there for 20+ years (I'm no IT guy so I don't understand the ins and outs of his job and I didn't call him prior to writing this to explain it more to me). He has been on numerous interviews in the metro DC area sinceand not getting any bites! One reason I believe is that he is over 60 years old.
Good luck in getting a job in any field aeromike. No doubt it is tough out there. I heard all last week about how the Federal/State governments were the biggest employers right now.

USMCFLYR

I was told that "if I hire you you will just leave for another pilot job" or I am not sure you will work full time here and I need a full time person. As far as the pilot jobs - I can only assume that the reason I have been turned down so many times is age - anyone over 50 - seems to be "to old" ? Nothing like being 23 with 5,000 hours to turbine time ?

Aviation does not seem to have any transferable job skills. Unfortunately as pilots we spend our career building skills and a knowledge base that really has no value to the outside world.

Perhaps you should open a business or go back to school? On another thread USMCFLYR inspired me to go back to college. Seriously, I am taking a class this fall. Thanks USMCFLYR !!

Skyhigh

Aviation does not seem to have any transferable job skills. Unfortunately as pilots we spend our career building skills and a knowledge base that really has no value to the outside world.

Perhaps you should open a business or go back to school? On another thread USMCFLYR inspired me to go back to college. Seriously, I am taking a class this fall. Thanks USMCFLYR !!

Skyhigh

You're welcome Sky. I don't know what I said that may have prompted you to go back to school; but education is never a waste.

With that said - and since it has been awhile since I have made a rebuttal with something you've said (you had been on a roll!) I'll say this again for the umptenth time.
Having recently been through the Transition Course; the instructor from the CA State Department of Labor couldn't stop going on and on about what valuable skills we (there were two pilots in the class on top of being military retirees) brought to the outside world. We spoke of the 7 tenets of CRM and he spoke at length about how each of them could be used in the civilian job market.
I might have to turn them into *civvie* language that corporate America might understand better - but to say that pilot's have no skills transferable to the outside is just preposterous; and before you bring up some friend of a friend who has had a different experience I'll first state that I'm inclined to believe someone who finds people jobs for a living.

USMCFLYR

I agree USMC. People are fascinated with what we do and i've been able a time or two to correlate CRM with office managing, etc. For example, what other industry do you meet someone for the first time and then have to make CRM decisions together that same afternoon? We as pilots have to adapt to ever changing environments and I think it can be convincing to some employers.

USMCFLYR,

I really hope it is true. In my experience however former career pilots have a real hard time finding a decent job outside of aviation. In your case, as I have mentioned before, you are a military officer who flies planes. A totally different position than merely being a line pilot for decades. I had a different reception at my employment office.


Skyhigh

USMCFLYR,

I really hope it is true. In my experience however former career pilots have a real hard time finding a decent job outside of aviation. In your case, as I have mentioned before, you are a military officer who flies planes. A totally different position than merely being a line pilot for decades. I had a different reception at my employment office.


Skyhigh
And I knew that you would say that about being a military officer also - and I agree that it is incredibly helpful; but when I was discussing this with the instructor I was specifically discussing the CRM aspects of PILOTING and how they transfer to the civilian world. There are MANY aspects of getting the job I think you agree Sky; and I will continue to counter your contention that a pilot has no skills to offer outside of flying an airplane. MY experience, and the CA Department of Labor Instructor who helps pilots get jobs outside of aviation over the last 5 years he has had the job in the central valley, believes otherwise.
Once again Sky - I would ask that you don't make such sweeping statements as:
Aviation does not seem to have any transferable job skills. Unfortunately as pilots we spend our career building skills and a knowledge base that really has no value to the outside world.

This statement is just too absolute and broad to be true.

USMCFLYR

I agree USMC. People are fascinated with what we do and i've been able a time or two to correlate CRM with office managing, etc. For example, what other industry do you meet someone for the first time and then have to make CRM decisions together that same afternoon? We as pilots have to adapt to ever changing environments and I think it can be convincing to some employers.
True Learflyer - also Decision Making was one that we discussed in detail. We don't have a lot of time to mull over a decision. We get pretty good at taking in a lot of data in a quick time frame and making a decision on it; hopefully more right than wrong!

USMCFLYR

And I knew that you would say that about being a military officer also - and I agree that it is incedibly helpful; but when I was discussing this with the instructor I was speficially discussing the CRM aspects of PILOTING and how they transfer to the civilian world. There are MANY aspects of getting the job I think you agree Sky; and I will continue to counter your contention that a pilot has no skills to offer outside of flying an airplane. MY experience, and the CA Department of Labor Instructor who helps pilots get jobs outside of aviation over the last 5 years he has had the job in the central valley, believes otherwise.
Once again Sky - I would ask that you don't make such sweeping statements as:

This statement is just too absolute and broad to be true.

USMCFLYR

It is possible that someone out there besides Walmart would like to hire former pilots but I have been fishing in the job market for a few decades now. I have watched my aviation peers struggle on the outside as well and have to disagree with you.

It is not easy starting over as a pilot. If it was then there would be a lot fewer airline pilots. You get stuck and have to completely start over if you want to leave. It really is the best hold that the regionals have on their workforce. If pilots were able to find good paying jobs easily then the regionals would have to pay more to keep them.


Skyhigh

Anybody have examples of translating a pilot resume/work experience in the airlines into a non-aviation resume. I have an Aviation Science degree( big mistake) but I would somehow like to make my experience as a flight instructor and then as an airline pilot stand out to somebody who might not know everything involved in the job.

Anybody have examples of translating a pilot resume/work experience in the airlines into a non-aviation resume. I have an Aviation Science degree( big mistake) but I would somehow like to make my experience as a flight instructor and then as an airline pilot stand out to somebody who might not know everything involved in the job.
How about using the 7 tenets of Crew Resource Management to frame your flying experience into things that every employer wants to see.
I think of Decision Making, Communciation, Assertiveness, and Leadership as a few that I think any future employer would highly value.

USMCFLYR

I was told that "if I hire you you will just leave for another pilot job" or I am not sure you will work full time here and I need a full time person. As far as the pilot jobs - I can only assume that the reason I have been turned down so many times is age - anyone over 50 - seems to be "to old" ? Nothing like being 23 with 5,000 hours to turbine time ?

I have known and met too many pilots and people in other industries that had no trouble getting hired into jobs after 50 y/o age. The only thing I can add is to network, practice, practice, practice and more practice on selling yourself. I am more concerned with seeing a old dog perform new tricks than saying I have tried all the tricks and nothings working. Good luck!

How about leaving off the pilot stuff completely?

Or if you do, focus on the numbers and customer service side:
"Prepared operational weight & balance for part 121 [insert name of aircraft here]"
"Balanced budget of sub-poverty level pay with exceptionally high cost of living city locations"
"Performed multivariate 3D trigonometric, geometric, and arithmetic calculations in life or death, time-critical, high-pressure environment constantly on daily basis."
"Manged finite resources on small team to ensure safety and security of passenger and multi-billion dollar assets"
"Negotiated exceptionally sensitive multi-national resource allotment, timing, security intelligence, and placement of high value assets and customers, from all levels of management and employees including Fortune 10 CEOs, bus drivers, and janitors."
"On daily basis, worked as team with multiple government agencies including Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, FBI, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure national security and safety of multi-billion dollar assets and VIPs."
"Provided awesome customer service in times of natural disasters, security threats, and cold coffee."
"On a daily basis, instructed others through critical stress events, where improper actions could result in loss of life or assets."

Have some fun with it.

Very interesting posts. I myself was flying for 10 years 4700TT, ATP, CFI's, CE500 typed etc etc. I was laid off Feb 09, and have been applying to many jobs over the past year plus. I have given up and are back in school for graphic design and video production while still on unemployment.

At first, during non-aviation interviews I was questioned, "You're a pilot?" Wow! "I can't believe you are here looking for a job" and stuff like that. So, I turned my resume around to reflect more "management" aspects of being a pilot, after all you are the PIC and that is the boss of the flight and holds the respected responsibility. Many of the people interviewing who could be your boss, but yet these people of authority at these non-aviation jobs probably never had the responsibility on your shoulders you had as a pilot.

It is a serious adjustment on the ground world working again. After now over a year on the ground myself wings clipped, I feel adjusted.....sorta

It still hurts when I drive by the airport and see a Citation on the ramp starting up, knowing I used to PIC that stuff part 135, and now I am out of currency, out of BFR/IPC, and my medical has lapsed to a 3rd class...

Oh joy,

Good luck my fellow aviator..

GB

ATP, CFI CFII MEI, Rustbucket wings clipped pilot LOL
CE500

Have you looked into Jeppesen? They have many positions that require (or desire) background in aviation. Since Jeppesen also does rail and marine, and is a corporation that also deals with sales, management, quality, customer service, and so on, you could build great skills that you could then use in the outside world. But, I don’t know if any of you live in the Denver Area, or if are will be willing to move. You can always find several postings on their website.

I've made the jump from flying to non-flying and back again. I'll be the first to admit it wasn't easy, but it can be done with some strategy and perseverance.

I moved from making zero dollars as an air charter owner/operator, to being a senior financial analyst for a large tech company. It took roughly 4 to 6 months to get into that position, and jobs were plentiful then. I couldn't begin to guess what the time line would look like now. :confused:

Some of the things that worked on my resume were:

1. Writing a functional resume, or a functional / chronological resume. Chronological with long descriptions does not suit a career changer.

As another poster mentioned, find out what keywords are important for your industry, find experience in your history with those keywords and highlight it.

Don't use ANY aviation jargon: Part 121, performance, weight & balance, PIC, SIC, etc. in your job descriptions -- they won't have the slightest idea what you're talking about.

2. Downplay the "pilot" title. For instance, you can format your resume to just list the airline/aviation company name, location and dates of employment. Pilot job descriptions are irrelevant if you are going for an accounting job.

3. Pilot experience that is valuable to the majority of employers (and can be discussed when you are asked during the interview):

The fact that you are:
>detail oriented
>responsible (I especially liked to use something to the effect that if A company can entrust their multi-million dollar aircraft and senior management to me as a pilot, then it seems reasonable that you can trust me to do your job too)
>professional
>trainable
>able to multi-task
>etc.

4. Keep the resume emphasis squarely on the job you seek, not piloting. This will get you further along that most anything else.

5. Freshen your accounting experience on your resume. Volunteer, join some association, etc. to show your re-commitment to accounting.

5. At the interviews, downplay the pilot jobs, minimize the pilot discussion, and re-direct the conversation back to accounting. If you spend the interview time discussing flying, it will have been an interesting discussion likely, but probably won't get you a callback.

Keep at it. If you've learned nothing else as a pilot, you've learned to persevere.

Good Luck!