Mil CIV 2 Tips for the transitioning military helicopter pilot
While preparing to transition out of the military to the civilian aviation industry, you have likely completed a plethora of research and preparation. After reading articles, attending networking events, and assessing job postings and salaries, you encounter a major roadblock: you do not have enough flight hours or relevant flight time to qualify for any of the jobs on the market! So, now what?
This was precisely the position I was in about seven years ago when I left the military. As an officer in the medevac unit, I was able to accrue only approximately 600 hours during my time of service, which was certainly not enough to allow me to be eligible for most hiring minimums in the civilian sector. The good news is that it is possible to be successful in the rotary-wing industry with the right amount of determination, sacrifice, and patience. There are many programs that allow military-trained helicopter pilots to transition into commercial fixed-wing positions. However, navigating the rotary-wing industry is a bit trickier, especially if you are a low-time pilot.
The first key to success is networking. By attending helicopter conferences, joining professional organizations, and even reaching out through online networking platforms, I was able to meet and get advice from prior military and civilian pilots about what avenues I could explore. Through one of these connections at a conference, I was put in contact with a small Part 91 tour operator in South Dakota where I received my first civilian flying job.
Part 91 sightseeing tours are a great opportunity for lower-time pilots. While the hiring minimums are typically less than a Part 135 operator, the pay is also lower, but that’s a sacrifice you may need to make while you gain the necessary flight time to qualify for higher-paid positions. Military pilots are typically not used
18 May/June 2024
By Fallon Blattner
SO, NOW WHAT?
to flying alone, but it serves as a great learning tool and instills confidence.
Another option for obtaining flight experience is to become a certified flight instructor. You may first need to acquire flight time and certificate ratings in helicopters you have not previously flown to be eligible for these positions, which would be an out-of-pocket cost. Flight instruction is the most common way civilian-trained pilots can accumulate experience to secure their next career step. While the hours are demanding and pay is limited, this option does provide the necessary experience and flight time, and it allows you the flexibility to choose your location.
Many commercial operators also are flying military-surplus aircraft where you may serve as a second-in-command pilot during fire or utility operations. An FAA commercial certificate and Class 2 medical will be required for these positions that allow for an introduction into various sectors of the industry. The negative is that many companies will not provide additional training in other aircraft or specific job skills, and these hours do not help contribute towards your total pilot-in-command flight hours.
These are just a few options for those transitioning out of the military with low flight hours. It is important to remain open to smaller markets and seasonal operations, and to network with industry professionals. Landing your dream job will likely not be a linear path, but requires building on experience from jobs in the civilian industry. Remain patient and humble, focus on your long- term goals, and make sacrifices initially for success in the future.
About the author: Fallon Blattner left the U.S. Army in 2017 as a medevac captain after eight years of service. After flying sightseeing tours and working overseas as a contractor, she’s now a fire and utility captain, flying the UH-60 and CH-47.
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