It just occurred to me that the time is ripe for some enterprising young former pilot to start a paid workshop for pilots that want to leave this profession. It would be sort of like a Kit Darby, in reverse.

I frequently read in this forum of former pilots that have gone on to non-flying jobs, doing quite well. Anyone?

 

Cricket*******

 

I'm one. I was furloughed from a fractional that shall remain nameless..... It took a little over a year looking for work, applying to any airline that was hiring, corporate flight depts, defense contractors, retail stores, you name it. I attended defense / aerospace job fairs locally, and the few that were interested in me all wanted to know how fast I could be in a jet to Iraq or Afghanistan teaching locals to fly airplanes / helicopters I had never set foot in. Learn as you go I guess...

It was October before I even got a "no thanks" from any company I applied to. A November ASA interview resulted in a rejection letter before I even got home from the interview. Finally in January (12 months after furlough), WalMart called wanting to hire me into a department manager position. It wasn't the high paying management positions either, $11.80 an hour if I remember it right. Two days after that I interviewed at a defense contractor, who called me the day after wanting to know how fast I could be at their office for phase two of the interview process. Phase two went well, agreed upon a salary (be prepared for this if you jump out of aviation.. I wasn't...), and was called back for phase three a few days later.

A week or so later I started another career. I'm now on my third tasking within the company. I was lucky to land with a very good contractor who does not lay you off when your contract ends. Most of them do, and at another company I'd be looking for work right now.

Like aviation, it's all about timing and "who you know". I've done my best to show this company and their customers that a former pilot can do anything. If any of you make the jump, you will need to do the same. You never know when a furloughed or medically disqualified pilot will come knocking.

I miss flying, and if recalls ever get down to my number I might take it. Otherwise I'm making good money and spending a lot of time with my son. Can't beat that.