What are the civilian aviation opportunities like?

2018-03-10T21:25:26-05:00

So I still have a decent amount of time before my ETS or re-up window, but I was wondering what the actual civilian job opportunities for aviation actually are. I have yet to see an aviation contractor younger than the age of about 40 years of age. While in I plan to get my A&P license, but most 15 series attempt and get it which makes me credit its validity, being is it something that is almost required with no gain besides putting myself on the same playing field as my peers, or if I can make it without it.

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Mar 10 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-03-10T21:43:03-05:00

Instead of thinking what opportunities are out there, SPC Private RallyPoint Member you should be thinking about where you can create one of your own. What is it about aviation that excites you? What are your proficiencies in aviation knowledge? Where do you see yourself in 5 and in 10 years?

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Mar 10 at 2018 10:15 PM

2018-03-10T22:15:08-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Get your A&P as quickly as possible

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2018 10:17 PM

2018-03-10T22:17:14-05:00

You’ve been in the Army for a year and your asking about jobs outside the Army?

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 10 at 2018 11:05 PM

2018-03-10T23:05:56-05:00

The reason you don't see young contractors is that it takes a while to build up the required hours to become competent and employable. There are always opportunities, just about everywhere. Right now, the airlines are hurting for pilots and have a huge shortfall. I would like to give you minimum hours, but they are always changing due to needs. Best thing to do is go to the big sites for airlines, they all have basic requirements for pilots. As far as school, I would recommend Embry Riddle, they are the experts at training and getting people jobs (FWIW, a friend just got his PHD from there). A degree from them is like getting Degree from Harvard. DO not let your Army duties falter. It is awesome to have goals and aspirations, but remember your primary job is Army. If you get into trouble in the Army, it doesn't matter what school you went to...

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 10 at 2018 11:10 PM

2018-03-10T23:10:18-05:00

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2018 11:53 PM

2018-03-10T23:53:24-05:00

The sky's the limit. (I couldn't resist!!!)

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Mar 11 at 2018 3:33 AM

2018-03-11T03:33:00-04:00

there are many opportunities, even some most never think about. I have worked in power generation for 15 years and a good AP can get on pretty fast.

Response by CW5 John M. made Mar 11 at 2018 7:31 AM

2018-03-11T07:31:05-04:00

My answer may be “dated”, because I went into aviation during a rather “unique” period of history. I remember when flying was inexpensive, and easy to gain experience - before the days when insurance costs and rules “drove the train”. Check the current rules on the use of the GI Bill (I’m sure it has changed a lot). In my day, you could use the GI Bill for aviation training/schooling, and you could still be in the military while using it.
Fixed wing training was cheaper than helicopter training. Don’t “waste” your money on certifications you’ll likely never use. An instrument rating is a big “plus”, as is an Instructor rating. In my day, jobs that helped “build time” were jobs like Flight Instructor (let a “student” pay for the time and your pay), the “sightseeing” jobs, certain agricultural jobs like crop dusting, and certain overseas jobs. An instructor did not necessarily start out with high time, but had “legitimate” certifications and skills proving capabilities. A “legitimate” (as opposed to a “paper”) A&P rating could be very useful for flying clubs, private owners, and small FBOs in order to get in some time and experience.

Do not “cut short” your training or experience like “padding” flight time or “cheating” on your training. I knew some “pilots” whose skills did not match their resume, and they were unsafe (or dead before long). The pilots who got their time and experience legitimately could “smell out” the cheaters and posers.

Response by WO1(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 10:59 AM

2018-03-11T10:59:51-04:00

The field of aviation in the civilian sector is small, just like it is for the military. Without the proper licenses or in some cases degrees, it will be hard to even be on the same playing field. I say this because I worked the civilian sector before the military. While it is rewarding pay wise, the benefits are no where near that of what the military offers. I went to A&P school, it sucks. I’m not saying this to sway you from whatever your decision may be, but I say this so you have someone that’s been there and is closer to your age and rank.
Either way you have a while to go in the military, so make the most of it. And good luck!

Response by LCpl Stephan Myers made Mar 12 at 2018 6:30 AM

2018-03-12T06:30:30-04:00

Ft Rucker aviation contractor is getting ready to hire. Probably quite a few mechanics and avionics

Response by SPC John Hannah made Mar 12 at 2018 2:12 PM

2018-03-12T14:12:31-04:00

Hi...I worked as an aircraft mechanic for 5 yrs before I went into the Army,when I got out in 1994 I decided to get back into the field of aircrafts as a mechanic and worked on 737,757 & 747 as well as a few Airbus airplane till I retired in 2015 its a job where everyday you can be doing something different each day. I enjoyed it

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 6:34 AM

2018-05-23T06:34:52-04:00

There is a lot of opportunities in the aviation field. Just because you haven’t met a contractor under the age of 40 doesn’t mean they don’t exists. I’m a 15E and I’ve met a lot of contractors. But my field is a lot more demanding right now. And yes get your A&P you’ll need it on the outside to work on aircraft.