2ndCareer

All
Starting this thread because I am curious how pilots can step aside from flying after a successful flying career and closer to retirement. I read the "What did you do after leaving", but it appears that those posts describe stepping away from flying altogether since flying can be a rough career to grow in. And, after a quick search, haven't found other related threads (yet).

Specifically, after a pilot enjoys 20-30 years of flying, do you know expert or seasoned pilots who were able to turn their experience, thousands of hours, into airline corporate roles, administrative or non-flying jobs/companies with a focus on developing pilot-related functions. I.e., design of cockpits, FAA, Jeppesen, admin in the airlines?

The reason I ask... lets say after I do a long flying career but wish for a little bit more stability in my 50's or 60's. I am leaving the military in my early 30's (Air Force, navigator), considering a professional pilot career, Bachelor's and Master's in Engineering (did not use in the military so need to develop a new skillset), interviewing with Reserves, and looking at the 20-30 year timeline.

Thoughts or success stories please? Thanks in advance!

PerfInit

There are lots of consulting firms out there, or you could create your own. If you have accumulated enough wealth, why not consider volunteer work? This is very satisfying and will keep you "young at heart". There are numerous aviation related non-profits throughout the country.