Originally Posted by Mcbeal
Hi everyone, I am not a pilot but my husband is. I am seeking your views at the market out there for pilots in the commercial airline. My husband is trained in flying fighter jets and has an option to either renew or leave by May next year as his contract will expire.
What are the prospects for fighter pilots in the commercial world? He is contemplating on leaving but we are wandering if it is easy getting into the market when he leaves.
Surreal is correct, in fact most major airlines will snap up fighter types. However there is some risk, they evaluate the whole person and don't simply give fighter pilots a blank check. Your husband would need to carefully research (a LOT of research) and rigorously prepare for interviews and try to time them to minimize unemployment after leaving the service.
I assume that he has 10-12 years in, that's typical for a first term tac-air guy at EOS...the airline industry has a few sweet spots (fedex and probably SWA), but a lot of uncertainty. Basically, you are taking a significant gamble...giving up the security of the military and the 20-year pension in hopes of getting better pay (in the long run) and quality of life (ie more time off).
In todays world I would think carefully before abandoning the military prior to 20 years...keep in mind that it is common for reired military pilots to get hired at airlines, the only downside is that with only 15-18 years of airline time you are forgoing the most senior, and best compensated years of airline service.