Transitioning from Naval Aviator to Commercial Airways Pilot: Challenges and Rewards

Transitioning from a career as a naval aviator to a commercial pilot has been a rewarding but challenging experience. Throughout my 7 years as a naval aviator and the ensuing 31 years as a commercial pilot, I have faced and overcome numerous obstacles that tested my limits. Each role has its unique demands, and both have provided immense skill and knowledge development.

From Naval Aviator to Commercial Pilot

As a naval aviator, I was part of a specialized and demanding profession from 1975 to 1982. During this time, the attrition rate among naval aviators was quite high, primarily due to the end of the Vietnam War and a subsequent decline in the need for pilots. Despite this, my journey to earning my Navy “Wings of Gold” was not without its challenges. Training to operate a new aircraft was never an easy task; each new configuration required everything I had to succeed. It is not surprising that I initially felt overpowered and overwhelmed during the initial stages of training.

Transitioning to the commercial aviation world, I found the training to be even more intense. The programs are highly compressed due to the critical nature of the role; a pilot is responsible for ensuring safety, efficiency, and profitability, all while providing essential services to passengers and cargo. There is a significant amount of technical information and procedural knowledge that must be absorbed in a short period. A pilot must understand complex aircraft systems and their normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures in detail. It is not just about memorizing limitations, weights, speeds, temperatures, and pressures; it is about comprehending how all these elements interrelate to ensure both safety and effective operations.

The Ultimate Test: Oral Examination

The most rigorous component of commercial pilot training is undoubtedly the oral examination. This typically involves a thorough, no-holds-barred questioning session conducted in a cockpit mock-up. The examiner can ask about virtually anything related to the aircraft's operations. This oral exam usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and can be more challenging than one might initially anticipate. In my experience, the oral examination for my B-727 Flight Engineer rating, conducted by an FAA Air Carrier Inspector, took a full four hours due to the extensive breadth of questioning.

Demonstrating Skills in Flight Simulators and In-Operation Experience

Following the oral examination, the next phase involves a flight simulator. This is designed to measure the pilot's ability to fly and perform under pressure. A 2-hour "Sim Check" is the "big one," where the pilot must demonstrate proficiency in various tasks. Successfully completing the "Sim Check" alleviates much of the pressure.

The final phase involves Initial Operating Experience (IOE), which involves flying scheduled passenger flights with a company check airman. This stage allows the pilot to "touch up" on their skills and refine their performance. After this phase comes the "Line Check," which can be either conducted by a company check airman for first officers (FOs) or by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Inspector (AIC) for captains. Passing this final check means the transition is complete, and the pilot is cleared to operate as a commercial pilot.

Skills and Experience Transfer

While naval aviators do have an "edge" when it comes to becoming commercial pilots, they still face a significant challenge. The key is not just about having the necessary background, but how badly one wants to succeed in this new role. The transition requires a blend of technical knowledge, situational awareness, and the ability to handle pressure under intense timelines.

Conclusion

The journey from a naval aviator to a commercial pilot is not a straightforward one, but the rewards are immense. It is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and determination required to achieve such a transformation. If you’ve carved out a career as a naval aviator, the transition to commercial pilot can be an impactful and rewarding experience.