AUGUST 1, 2023 – In 2022, the 12 major U.S. airlines — Alaska, Allegiant, American, Atlas, Delta, FedEx, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United, and UPS — hired more than 13,000 pilots, according to data compiled by the consulting firm Future and Active Pilot Advisors. This hiring spree is partly due to the rebound in air travel following the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to replace retiring pilots. Military pilots have been a significant part of this hiring wave, bringing their unique skill sets to the commercial aviation sector.
Of the pilots hired by these 12 major airlines, about 3,280 (25%) were from the military. Military pilots are often considered valuable assets in commercial aviation due to their extensive flight experience, rigorous training, and ability to operate in high-pressure environments. Furthermore, their background in aviation safety, navigation, and operations makes them well-suited for the structured environment of commercial aviation.
According to the FAA, there are approximately 43,300 military pilots, including both active duty and reserves. The Air Force has the largest share, with around 12,500 active duty pilots and an additional 6,600 pilots in the reserves. The Navy, for another large share with about 10,250 pilots and flight officers, finally the Marines have around 6,000 pilots. That just leaves the US Army.
The Army has approximately 14,000 pilots in its active and reserve components! Surprised that the Army has so many pilots? The Air Force is all about flying and the Navy has aircraft carriers, but why are there so many pilots in the Army? The Army primarily operates rotary-wing aircraft. Those are helicopters for the general public. Given the high salaries for commercial airline pilots and the pilot shortage, this means there is a huge opportunity for military rotary wing pilots to become airline pilots.
With such a significant number of military pilots making the rotary wing to fixed wing transition for commercial aviation, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between flying rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft and to be well-prepared for the challenges ahead. This article aims to delve into these differences and provide insights to help military pilots make a smooth transition.
Understanding the Aerodynamics
Rotary-Wing Aerodynamics
- Lift Generation: In helicopters, the lift is generated by the rotation of the main rotor blades. The angle of attack and rotor RPM can be adjusted to control the lift.
- Control Mechanisms: Helicopters use cyclic control to tilt the rotor disk for lateral movement, collective control to change the lift generated by the rotor blades, and anti-torque pedals to counteract the torque produced by the main rotor and control yaw.
- Hovering and Vertical Takeoff/Landing: One of the defining characteristics of helicopters is the ability to hover, take off, and land vertically. This requires constant input and precise control.
- Autorotation: In the event of engine failure, helicopters can perform an autorotation, using the airflow through the rotor to maintain RPM and control descent.
Fixed-Wing Aerodynamics
- Lift Generation: In airplanes, the lift is generated by the wings. The lift is primarily controlled by adjusting the airspeed and angle of attack.
- Control Mechanisms: Airplanes use ailerons to control roll, elevators to control pitch, and rudders to control yaw. The throttle controls engine power and, indirectly, airspeed.
- Takeoff and Landing: Airplanes require a runway for takeoff and landing. They must reach a certain speed to generate enough lift for takeoff.
- Glide: In the event of engine failure, airplanes can glide to a landing. The glide ratio depends on the aircraft’s design and weight.
Handling and Control
Rotary-Wing Handling
- Responsiveness: Helicopters are highly responsive and require constant control inputs, especially in hover.
- Vibration and Stability: Helicopters often experience more vibration and are generally less stable than fixed-wing aircraft, especially in turbulent conditions.
Fixed-Wing Handling
- Stability and Trim: Airplanes are generally more stable and can be trimmed to maintain a set altitude and airspeed with minimal control inputs.
- Crosswind Landings: Fixed-wing aircraft require special techniques for crosswind landings, such as the crab or sideslip methods.
Navigation and Flight Planning
Rotary-Wing Navigation
- Flexibility: Helicopters can take more direct routes and are not as constrained by airways as airplanes.
- Lower Altitudes: Helicopter operations often occur at lower altitudes, which may require more detailed knowledge of terrain and obstacles.
Fixed-Wing Navigation
- Airways and Jet Routes: Airplanes often follow established airways and jet routes. Understanding the airway system and high-altitude navigation is essential.
- Fuel Planning: Fuel planning in airplanes, especially jets, can be more complex due to the longer distances and higher altitudes involved.
Training and Certification
As a transitioning military pilot, you will need to obtain the appropriate civilian certifications. The FAA offers a Military Competency program that can expedite this process.
- Medical Certification: Ensure you meet the medical requirements for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
- Fixed-Wing Ratings: You will need to obtain a fixed-wing category rating. This will involve additional flight training to become proficient in fixed-wing aircraft.
- ATP Certification: The ATP certificate is required for airline pilots. It involves meeting minimum flight hour requirements and passing a written exam and checkride.
- Type Ratings: If you plan to fly specific large aircraft or jets, you may need additional type ratings.
Operational Differences
Rotary-Wing Operations
- Versatility: Helicopters are versatile and can be used in various missions such as search and rescue, medical evacuations, and military operations.
- Precision Maneuvering: Helicopter pilots often need to perform precision maneuvers in confined spaces.
Fixed-Wing Operations
- Scheduled Service: As an airline pilot, you will primarily be flying scheduled passenger services. This requires adherence to strict schedules and procedures.
- Crew Resource Management (CRM): Airline operations often involve larger crews. Proficiency in CRM is essential for effective communication and decision-making.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Operations
- Approach Procedures: Helicopter pilots are often more accustomed to non-precision approaches, while airline operations frequently involve precision approaches like ILS.
- Holding Patterns and Air Traffic Control (ATC) Communication: Fixed-wing IFR operations often involve more complex holding patterns and ATC communications, especially in congested airspace.
Financial Considerations
- Training Costs: Transitioning to fixed-wing aircraft will require an investment in additional training.
- Salary and Benefits: Research the salary scales and benefits for airline pilots. While starting salaries may be lower, there is potential for significant income growth with experience.
- VA Benefits and DOD SkillBridge: While the GI bill will not pay for a private pilot’s license unless it is part of a 4-year aviation degree, they will pay for advanced flight training and you can even begin while you are in the last 6 months of your fully paid military service.
Conclusion
Transitioning from rotary-wing to fixed-wing operations as a retiring military pilot requires dedication, training, and adaptation to new operational environments. Understanding the aerodynamic, handling, navigational, and operational differences between helicopters and airplanes is essential. Additionally, there are human factors and lifestyle changes but a successful transition to become a commercial airline pilot is very achievable and offers a highly rewarding career.
By Paul Wynns, retired Naval Aviator and CEO of Flex Air Flight School