How to transition from military to civilian aviation jobs?

I'm thinking about a career in civilian aviation after serving in the military. Could someone outline the steps or qualifications needed to make this shift, and what roles might align with military aviation experience?

Transitioning from military to civilian aviation jobs often involves a thoughtful process, and it's great to see that you're planning ahead.

First and foremost, understanding what type of job you aspire within civilian aviation is important. There are diverse roles ranging from piloting commercial air flights, to testing and certification, or management positions in airline companies.

If your previous role in the military involved flying aircraft, the good news is that you have a wealth of experience that can be transferred to civilian roles. Many commercial airlines highly value the discipline, technical skills, and intensive flight training military pilots bring along.

To kick off the process, you might want to:

1. Obtain FAA certification: Your military flight training can ease the process of obtaining your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates - the basis of becoming a pilot in the civilian sector. Get in touch with FAA Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) to convert your military competency to FAA certification.

2. Build up flight hours: Depending upon the specific role you're targeting, you may need to accumulate a certain number of flight hours. For example, if you’re aiming to become an airline transport pilot (ATP), you would need at least 1,500 flight hours.

3. Stay medically fit: Just like in the military, civilian aviation requires you to keep a clean bill of health. The exact requirements can vary but may include regular fitness tests, eyesight checks and mental health assessments.

4. Make use of veteran resources: Veteran transition assistance programs can provide resources and connection to job openings. Organizations like Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) or the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) provide great resources to transitioning military pilots.

5. Networking: Build connections in the civilian aviation industry. Attend aviation job fairs and join aviation professional groups. LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for making connections in your desired field.

6. Tailor your resume and interview skills: Highlight your military experience that demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Also, be ready to explain how military jargon translates into the civilian sector during interviews.

Marrying your military experience with the requirements of civilian aviation jobs can definitely aid a smooth transition. Your hands-on experience, coupled with deep knowledge of aviation, can be a significant asset in a civilian aviation career. The process requires planning and dedication, but with your military background, you're ideally positioned to take on the challenge.