Military pilot going civilian
 

Hi everybody.

I was wondering if anybody knows if military pilots have a advantage when seeking civilian pilot jobs?

Since I don't have a TR or 500 hours on type or any other civilian expertise other than ATPL, ME/IR, MCC and about 800 hours on fastmovers from the military.

Are the companies out there willing to disregard the "500 hours on type", when you have solid experience as solo PIC on fastmovers.

Hope to get some valid answers.

Thanks

Some companies do like military fast jet pilots but most have more hours than you after their military flying career. The problem I think you will run into is not having that much experience to be more attractive than someone with a type rating and time on type.

The problem you have just now is that your up against the sheer volume of already airline experienced/type rated peeps that are currently looking for work. Airline recruitment is run by bean counters who look for the cheapest crew thats available.....i.e. those already with TR's and plenty experience, or those who are willing to pay silly amounts of money for a TR and the pleasure of 500 hours to sit in the right seat.

There was however a time when the ex mil guys all joined civvy street and went straight to BA and Virgin. Sadly, those doors closed a long time ago. There was however the ex RAF club at Netjets for those that fancied the biz jet gig. I hear rumours they may start recruiting again after making a large proportion of their pilots redundant a year or 2 ago.

Don't the RAF have a specialist department set up to help you guys get along in the civvie world? It has some catchy acronym but I can't remember it....

Normally NetJets would be a good bet - but will be some time before they start looking externally again.

MikeCR - very few guys took redundancy but a few hundred are in various cost-savings roles who need to be recalled to full-time before recruitment starts.