Mil CIV 2 Tips for the transitioning military helicopter pilot


FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE TO START YOUR CIVILIAN CAREER


By Heidi McBride


Pay, location, and job satisfaction are three of the major factors involved in determining the ultimate helicopter pilot position. You can consider yourself pretty lucky to get two out of the three. Fortunately for retired Marine Pilot Ryan Jacobs, he got all three when he landed the enviable position as a contractor simulator instructor at NAS Whiting Field.


Although Ryan landed the simulator instructor position, he most certainly did not walk into that job straight out of active duty status. For six consecutive months he laid the groundwork necessary to be selected for his dream job. Ryan knew that simply being a likely candidate, with his impressive and diverse flight experience, would not be enough. He stopped by the Whiting office about every two weeks during the months preceding his hiring, and made sure to maintain regular communications with the hiring officials prior to his Marines separation date. Even after he had officially left the Marines, he kept in touch and made sure they were aware of his continued interest.


Knowing he would have to wait for a simulator instructor opening, Ryan actively pursued additional flight opportunities within the civilian


18 July/Aug 2021


sector. With his characteristic determination, he did some research and discovered that a flight school and Marine colleague of his was currently employed at one of the premier helicopter companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Ryan touched base with his former colleague and asked if he would be willing to recommend him and share his resume with the chief pilot. This internal recommendation was instrumental in making Ryan stand out in the crowded influx of applications and resumes flowing into the chief pilot’s office. To be exceptionally prepared for the flight interview, he used LinkedIn to research other pilots who were actively employed at this company then respectfully requested their guidance regarding the interview process. Both actions were extremely instrumental in the company’s decision to select him for an interview, where he performed well enough to be offered a job with an exceptionally great company.


Although he was overqualified for the position that was being offered, Ryan accepted the job and became a VFR captain in the AW119 single-engine helicopter. While it was not exactly the most ideal position for him, it did provide him with a solid transition into the civilian helicopter industry, gave him the


chance to gain a more in-depth understanding of


civilian aviation operations, and re-


established his flight currency with a fresh Part 135 check ride. His training in the new airframe, in conjunction with his expanded civilian


helicopter experience, increased


Ryan’s qualifications and made him an ideal candidate for his dream job.


As you prepare to step into the helicopter sector, begin researching


civilian that


dream job early, preferably at least a year or more before you plan to leave the military. It is important, however, that you are open to the idea of initially accepting a helicopter job with another company as a stepping stone toward the ultimate goal. That stepping stone may very well open the door to snagging that dream helicopter job you’re aiming for. Ryan’s willingness


to network and connect with


unfamiliar people, as well as his choice to first accept a position that was not ideal, was the key to his success.


About the author: Heidi McBride was a helicopter crew chief in the U.S. Coast Guard and is now a VFR captain in the oil and gas industry.


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