Our nation is on the cusp or entering an era of a record number of retirements within the US population. As the 'baby boomer" generation begins to retire in unprecedented waves across our nation, many industries will see a steady stream of talent exit the workforce. The piloting profession is no different, and in fact, the effects of these retirements are already being felt amongst the pilot ranks of many US air carriers.

While many people think of the piloting profession as the major airline pilot strolling along a major city airport terminal, there are actually many facets to the piloting profession and all of them will be feeling the varying effects of retirements. So in short, if you have had a burning interest in flying aircraft, then there likely might be a fit for you somewhere out there.

The major airline pilot position has usually been the goal of the majority of veterans and for good reason. The job has recovered considerably in compensation and quality of life post 9/11 and the profession is forecasted to have a steadily accelerating need for tens of thousands of pilots over the next 20 years. Realistically however it is often the most difficult piloting position to get and has traditionally required a substantial investment in training and patience as one would tediously climb the ladder to the big airline jet seat. Veterans of course, (wether they have flown or not) more often than not benefit from a structural and educational background that is core to the aviation profession and they share similarities that translate well to the way the aviation business is normally run. This is why most US air carriers seek out military trained pilots and actively recruit them for their desirable attributes.

But this by far does not mean you have to already be a military pilot, or even have flown, to pursue a career in flying or aviation in general outside your service. In fact, more often than not, many veterans are already equipped with the integral thinking processes aviation requires or seeks from successful candidates. Also, there are many careers within aviation and more particularly the piloting profession, so let's look at a few beyond the major airline pilot.

Corporate aviation or the "business aircraft" industry is a vibrant and fast paced part of flying that has both formal and informal quality of life some pilots desire. If you are more of a "jeans and sneakers" kind of pilot most of the time and don't seek the more hierarchical nature of big airlines, becoming part of an individual's or companies' private air force might be your thing. In the fold of corporate comes air ambulance operations and the charter/fractionally owned aircraft who tend to see many destinations and passengers.

"Bush flying" as they call it. Think Alaska and far flung islands around the world. These tend to be smaller airplanes with just one pilot and a very close association with your passengers (or whatever they may jam in the plane). Bush flying is a real niche piloting job and those who love it never leave the rugged challenges of flying alone in some of the most beautiful places in the world, but don't expect to make piles of cash doing it. You're in it because it's just who you are!

Cargo or "freight dogs". If you're a night owl and like the solitude of the wee hours of the morning when most of the world is asleep, then flying cargo is probably your angle. It can be tough working with the "backside of the clock hours" but the cargo pilot world is a tight knit and quirky crowd who are never far from the action global flying has to offer.

Commercial operations. From power line flying, to the daredevil low level speciality of crop dusting, putting out fires from the air, flying the Goodyear blimp or even towing banners along sunny beaches, local commercial flying does all kinds of interesting things with airplanes.

Special overseas operations. There are quite a few private companies that support overseas governmental operations such as anti drug flying, prisoner repatriation or security services around the world. Veterans are usually well suited to the required backgrounds these firms seek and they tend to pay quite well.

Helicopter operations. If you have a background in helos with the military, there are many applications these days for helicopters. From air ambulance, news and traffic and the ever expanding energy industry application of helicopters, this arena, while more difficult to break into, can offer some well paying positions.

These are just a few of the facets of flying, and if I left out your favorite, I apologize. The point is vets tend to be a good fit for aviation. However starting a career in flying is not without significant financial and educational challenges, but it's certainly one of those careers that is really worth the effort in the long run. So please consider this avenue in your future career plans and if you have questions or comments, please contact me at your convenience.