Military to Airline transition
02-23-2010, 06:21 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2009
Position: 73Nb // FA-18
Posts: 102
Military to Airline transition
As I've mentioned before, I am about 3 yrs to the end of my military commitment and am looking at all of my options. I've got about 1200 TT and in 3 years should have 1800-2000 hours with the majority of them being in the F/A-18. I do not have any civilian ratings.
I am looking for information on what I would have to do between now and then to get the required ratings to be qualified to apply to an airline such as Southwest, Delta, FedEx or any airline that may be hiring in 2013. What exactly do my military ratings buy me IRT civilian ratings? I am open to any recommendations on acquiring the requisite qualifications as I am not too familiar on how to go about getting them. (Besides the standard Google search)
Thanks in advance for the info!
MCFlyer
I am looking for information on what I would have to do between now and then to get the required ratings to be qualified to apply to an airline such as Southwest, Delta, FedEx or any airline that may be hiring in 2013. What exactly do my military ratings buy me IRT civilian ratings? I am open to any recommendations on acquiring the requisite qualifications as I am not too familiar on how to go about getting them. (Besides the standard Google search)
Thanks in advance for the info!
MCFlyer
02-23-2010, 06:27 AM
#2
Banned
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Position: The Beginnings
Posts: 1,317
I don't want to thread drift, and I suspect you're about to get flooded with excellent advice. As a non-military pilot though, I'd like to suggest that the MOST important thing you need to do is make sure you serve long enough in the military to get a government pension. Via the reserves or via active duty, just grit your teeth and "git 'er done.".
The civilian pilot world is unbelievably volatile.
The civilian pilot world is unbelievably volatile.
02-23-2010, 06:28 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,226
Originally Posted by MCFlyer
As I've mentioned before, I am about 3 yrs to the end of my military commitment and am looking at all of my options. I've got about 1200 TT and in 3 years should have 1800-2000 hours with the majority of them being in the F/A-18. I do not have any civilian ratings.
I am looking for information on what I would have to do between now and then to get the required ratings to be qualified to apply to an airline such as Southwest, Delta, FedEx or any airline that may be hiring in 2013. What exactly do my military ratings buy me IRT civilian ratings? I am open to any recommendations on acquiring the requisite qualifications as I am not too familiar on how to go about getting them. (Besides the standard Google search)
Thanks in advance for the info!
MCFlyer
I am looking for information on what I would have to do between now and then to get the required ratings to be qualified to apply to an airline such as Southwest, Delta, FedEx or any airline that may be hiring in 2013. What exactly do my military ratings buy me IRT civilian ratings? I am open to any recommendations on acquiring the requisite qualifications as I am not too familiar on how to go about getting them. (Besides the standard Google search)
Thanks in advance for the info!
MCFlyer
As soon as your eligible, get your ATP. There are 2-3 day programs where you can get written and practical knocked out. Not sure what it costs these days (1000-1500 + examiner fees back in the 90's), but well worth it. I believe 800-ALLATPS might be the number. Just google it. I did it in Riverside years ago, but they have several locations throughout the country. You'll be very competitive. Good Luck!
Schwanker
02-23-2010, 06:29 AM
#4
Owner
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: TC-12B (SELRES)
Posts: 304
You should be able to get your commerical multi-engine rating easily with taking a simple mil comp test and showing the FSDO your NATOPS jacket plus log book and winging letter. As for the requirements for an airline gig, you will most likely need an ATP which will cost you anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 (going to ALL ATPs) or biting the bullet and going for the B737 type rating (SWA requirement) which will cost around $8,500 but you get your ATP with it. Check baseops.net to see if they have more info about this stuff.
02-23-2010, 07:12 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: DAL Pilot
Posts: 1,133
With your military experience, you shouldn't go anywhere near the regionals. If Delta, SWA, or JetBlue start hiring, then maybe think about making the jump. Even then, I'd still stay in the reserves so you've got some extra cash coming in and so you have a decent backup in case you got furloughed.
02-23-2010, 07:16 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: Mostly Herks. Soon to be Guppys and FRED
Posts: 280
Also if you have a copy of your security clearance paperwork keep that for the addresses and other good info you'll need for the applications. Without it it was very PAINFUL to go back 10 years.
02-23-2010, 07:16 AM
#10
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
Moved to military, you'll get more focused advice here.
First off, if you will be within 5 years of AD retirement when you leave, I would suggest you stay in for 20.
If your EAOS is three years from now, you will be in a position to evaluate what effect the the age 65 bubble has on hiring in 2012 before you pull the trigger. I would wait and observe what is happening in the industry before you bail.
Focus on UPS/FDX/SWA...hopefully you have contacts.
Like others said plan on earning a military retirement, either active or reserve. The AD retirement is better, but it depends on timing. If you can get on with one of the big three above at or before the 15-17 year mark that would probably make more financial sense then waiting for an AD retirement. Make a spreadsheet and analyze it yourself.
First off, if you will be within 5 years of AD retirement when you leave, I would suggest you stay in for 20.
If your EAOS is three years from now, you will be in a position to evaluate what effect the the age 65 bubble has on hiring in 2012 before you pull the trigger. I would wait and observe what is happening in the industry before you bail.
Focus on UPS/FDX/SWA...hopefully you have contacts.
Like others said plan on earning a military retirement, either active or reserve. The AD retirement is better, but it depends on timing. If you can get on with one of the big three above at or before the 15-17 year mark that would probably make more financial sense then waiting for an AD retirement. Make a spreadsheet and analyze it yourself.
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