IN THIS STORY:
>Medical readiness
>Learn the ropes
>Earning civilian flight ratings
>Time in flight
>Have a nice flight
>Sidebar: Six Steps for a Successful Airline Transition

Printable version

Winter 2003 Issue

Any military pilots would admit that theirs is a job that makes coming to work fun. And that fun doesn’t have to end when they retire to the civilian world. Although airline flying does not allow low-level routes through the Grand Canyon, nor does it match the exhilaration of military flying, retired military pilots still can “cloud surf” into the sunset with a big jet at 31,000 feet. And there are a number of other attributes that make the transition to an airline an attractive option for retiring military aviators. The typical airline pilot acts independently and never deals with a supervisor. Airline pilots don’t commute during rush hour, do not work unpaid overtime, and, unlike their peers working in traditional office settings, are not tied to a fixed office schedule and a set routine. Moreover, airline employees enjoy short-notice and virtually no-cost travel options—a priceless fringe benefit. The greatest allure of a second career in commercial aviation, however, might be the significant amount of free time pilots enjoy each month. Free time is a lot like oxygen—you tend not to notice it until you begin to lose it, but once it’s gone there is nothing else you can think about.

If returning to the cockpit appeals to you, then it’s important to realize that even in the abysmal economy of 2003, 600 to 700 new pilots will be hired by major airlines and discount carriers, including Alaska Airlines, ata Airlines, FedEx, JetBlue, and AirTran. Recent statistics show the average former military aviator who successfully lands an airline job is 39 years old and has more than 4,400 hours of flight experience. Not surprisingly, as many as 50 percent of the newly hired pilots at many airlines are retired military officers. Retired military aviators who join a growing and financially stable airline can look forward to upgrading to captain and accumulating another significant retirement package before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

True, the combined effects of a stagnant economy, horrific domestic terrorism, the hassle factor commonly associated with air travel, competition from discount airlines, and a highly contagious form of pneumonia have decimated the financial position of the major airlines. In some markets, passenger traffic is down by as much as 40 percent from comparable periods in 2000. In a business with huge fixed costs and razor-thin margins, this downturn in passenger traffic represents a significant loss of revenue. In fact, revenue for the nation’s nine major airlines was $79.6 billion for all of 2002, down 17 percent from 2000. 

Although the headlines tend to focus on the bad news (almost 7,500 major airline pilots on furlough; 800 surplus commercial aircraft parked in the southern California desert; and commercial aircraft deliveries by the Boeing Company collapsing from 620 in 1999 to less than 300 in 2003), some positive long-term trends suggest a brighter future for the airline business. Ten percent of the major airline pilot population—more than 6,600 pilots—will reach mandatory retirement at age 60 by 2006. In addition, recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air-traffic forecasts indicate annual domestic passenger boardings will surpass the year 2000 peak of almost 600 million passengers by 2006 and will average 3.2 percent annual passenger growth through the remainder of the decade. Also, the 77 million baby boomers who make up more than half of the U.S. workforce are entering their peak earning years, with significant funds available for discretionary spending. Add to this, 63 percent of American households have two working spouses and are somewhat cushioned against economic shocks. Both of these large groups of Americans are addicted to the comfort, convenience, and safety of air travel. 

For aviators who are approaching the end of their military service and are undecided about where to focus the next chapter of their careers, Carol Hymowitz, a nationally syndicated career transition expert, offers some cogent advice. She counsels her readers that successful career transitions are made gradually: “A lot of research and interim positions can make an invaluable bridge” to a new career.

Additional career transition advice with particular relevance to retiring military officers comes from James Pearce, associate professor of management at West Carolina University’s business school. Pearce reminds job seekers “there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that the happiest folks are simply returning to those activities that made them happy [as a young person].” For most military aviators, the opportunity to fly high-performance aircraft as a junior officer, the close camaraderie of squadron life, and the sense of accomplishment gained from duty in operational units were the high points of their military service. 

Under ideal circumstances, you really should start planning your transition to commercial aviation 12 to 18 months before your anticipated retirement date from the military. But unusual circumstances—such as a missed promotion, the need to support a spouse’s career, or maintaining geographic stability for your family—might require you to consider a more accelerated transition time line. The four main requirements for a successful switch from military aviation to an airline cockpit are: renewing your medical qualification, networking and industry research, earning civilian flight ratings, and acquiring some recent flight experience. 

Medical readiness

Because all of your potential employers will require a current First Class Medical Certificate, medical requirements are a logical starting point. The basic requirements for an FAA First Class Medical Certificate are similar to those required to maintain your military medical qualification. Schedule an appointment with an FAA medical examiner and expect an examination similar to your annual military flight physical—with increased emphasis on cardiovascular health. 

Many airlines include a detailed medical examination and screening as part of the interview process. It’s important to review your personal medical situation and medical history with an aviation medical expert early in your transition planning. Better to seek expert counsel early on than to risk a medical disqualification during the interview and hiring process. Detailed medical consultations also can help you package an item of concern in your medical history in the most favorable light. Prior medical anomalies will not automatically disqualify you but could require explanation and supporting documentation.

Next, it’s time to get serious about a personal fitness regimen to prepare for the more detailed airline physical examination. The basics of a good personal fitness program include cardiovascular training and strength training at least five days a week. You will be competing for a flight officer position with people half your age. It’s imperative that 40-something aviators project a fit and vigorous appearance. 

Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. Medical experts recommend you keep your blood pressure near or below 135 over 85 and your total cholesterol below 200 milligrams per deciliter. Additionally, your ldl (bad cholesterol) level should be below 130 milligrams per deciliter, and your hdl (good cholesterol) level should be above 35 milligrams per deciliter. 

A regular fitness regimen also will help ensure that you retain your medical qualification, as well as your quality of life, throughout your airline career. Always consult your personal physician before initiating or increasing the intensity of your exercise program.