Some have expressed the "risks" of applying and working at civilian 135 type operation vs continuing on with your military flying and waiting for the airlines or whomever to judge you on that body of work alone, I will provide my perspective as someone who has witnessd first hand over the last 18 months the benefits of the SB program.

Background, my company, Baker Aviation - Citation X's, has employed 30+ SB pilots over the last 20 months.

I have interviewed personally approximately 40+ SB applicants (all pilots) over that same time frame.

We have had CG, USA, USAF, USN, USMC applicants.

Most have been helicopter pilots, with varing degrees of fixed wing time in light GA aircraft (50-200 hrs), fixed wing only pilots in King Airs or other similar size aircraft;

Total hrs with as little as 1000 hrs - usually 0-3/4's (helo and fixed time) with some having over 3000+ hrs (W-4/5 or 0-5s).

Flight Safety International in MCO is where our training is completed. Was just there and spoke to nearly every X ground/sim instructor and they all raved about the quality of SB SICs that have excelled at the training for the X. "Motivated", "well prepared", "quick learners", "sponges", "solid CRM/Checklist skills" is how they have described the Baker SBers that have gone through the 17 day training. Only 1 struggled but all have completed the type checkride and came to Baker.

These pilots, regardless of background have done well and I would encourage anyone who is weighing those options to consider researching and finding out what employers are SB approved.

FYI, Baker has all SIC training slots filled through March '24 which means these are pilots separating/retiring in 3Q25.

As you can see planning ahead for your landing spot, at least if Baker is a consideration, is open to only those who retiring in late late 3Q25 and afterwards. Other SB employers may not be filled up yet so do your research and send out emails to get clarification if your retirement date will match up to proposed training dates.

Some of our pilots have gone on 121 carriers (when the window was wide 8-12 months ago), some have gone to larger 135 operators (Net Jets).

We were offering continued employment at the end of their SB 4-6 month window but that maybe changing since we are not having as many SB leave for other jobs.

Just another perspective on whether to dip your toe into the flying waters outside of the military.