Is It Possible for Ex-Military Personnel to Become Commercial Airline Pilots? The Transition Process Explained

Military pilots who are considering a transition to commercial airline piloting often have a common question: Is it possible to take their military experience and background and leverage it to become commercial airline pilots? The answer is quite nuanced and not black and white, but let's explore the details.

Do Military Pilots Have to Start Over?

Many people assume that military pilots would have to start over if they wish to become commercial airline pilots. However, the reality is quite different. There is no need for a complete relearning process. Military pilots can take a military competency exam, which will result in civilian ratings. This includes single-engine or multi-engine ratings, as well as an instructor rating if applicable.

US Military and Civilian Qualifications: Similarities and Differences

In the United States, both military and civilian qualifications are both similar and different. To illustrate this, let's consider a military pilot's background:

Background Example

Imagining a military pilot who graduated from a flight school in the Air Force in single-engine T-6 aircraft, then graduated from a course in a multi-engine jet T-1. The pilot then trains and graduates as a bomber pilot and flies for 20 years with missions both peaceful and in harm’s way, spanning numerous countries and airspaces.

Civilian Certifications

After retiring, this pilot may not have civilian certifications. However, military pilots can, but are not required to, take their military credentials to the local FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) to receive a civilian commercial certificate with an instrument rating. If they were qualified on multi-engine aircraft, they would also receive a multi-engine rating. Whether they get a centerline thrust restriction on their certificate would depend on the equipment they had been qualified on.

Even after flying bombers intercontinentally for 20 years in the Air Force, the highest credential the pilot would likely receive in the civilian world is a commercial certificate with an instrument and multi-engine rating.

Transitioning to an ATP Certificate

To become a commercial airline pilot (ATP), military pilots need to obtain an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate. This requires passing the FAA written test, an oral examination, and a practical test from the FAA or an authorized examiner, usually in a multi-engine aircraft.

The transition process is not for the faint-hearted. It involves a significant financial investment and a rigorous schedule. Flight schools specializing in this transition offer tailored courses. These courses typically include two days of written exam preparation and an exam, followed by two days of flight training and an additional exam. While some may have extensive flight experience, a practical exam is required after only a few hours of training. Military pilots must pay for their own certification process, which can be quite expensive.

Conclusion and Tips

Transitioning from a military pilot to a commercial airline pilot involves a detailed, meticulous process. While the foundational knowledge and skills are valuable, military pilots need to adapt to civilian regulations and standards. It requires both financial commitment and time investment. By carefully planning and utilizing specialized flight schools, military pilots can navigate the transition process successfully and achieve their goal of becoming commercial airline pilots.