While most of you are gearing up to find yourself in one of the most exciting careers on the planet, it is unfortunately one that does not last nearly long enough!
I thought I would give you all a little about life after being a fighter pilot.
While finding yourself in a jet is the target you all have in sight for now, it can also lead to many exciting jobs and experiences throughout your life. Here are some of the most common and unusual careers former fighter pilots have found themselves in.
Commercial Pilots
The most common career for fighter pilots to find themselves in after retirement is in the Commercial Aviation industry. While this may not sound as exciting as going mach speeds in a fighter jet, it does have its professional perks and in many cases is a higher paying job that offers more opportunity for travel than as a fighter pilot.
It’s also nice to know that there is a continued opportunity to keep you in the skies rather than stuck behind a desk!
Advanced Military Careers
Many fighter pilots go on to have long, well-established and prestigious careers in our armed forces.
To become a fighter pilot you must have a college degree, and this opens up many opportunities for promotion within the Navy, Air Force and Marines after your days in the air are over. If you are joining the military not only to be a fighter pilot, but also for love of your country there are definitely opportunities for you to serve your entire career in the military.
Other Options
While the first two are the most popular choices for fighter pilots after the thrill of flying fighter jets is over, there are a limitless number of alternative options that exist.
Since fighter pilots are well respected and even envied men and women the opportunities for careers as motivational speakers, authors or flight instructors have all been explored. I have even managed to translate my love of flying, the excitement of being a fighter pilot, and my love for my country into a career that I can be proud of!
Though being a fighter pilot may not be a career that lasts forever, it is definitely a job that will last with you for a lifetime, and can give you a limitless number of exciting opportunities in the future!
What job would you desire after your life as a Fighter Pilot?
Michael, from Alaska says
If I join the military I’d love to use my experience as a flight instructor. Even now in civilian flight training, there’s something awesome about taking a struggling classmate or ground school student by the hand and helping them soar.
Cole says
I always though becomeing missionary pilot would be kinda cool
Anonymous says
I have heard about companies like Xe (formerly Blackwater) wanting to hire ex-military pilots, mainly fighter or attack pilots, to fly a modified version of the Super Tucano used by Brazil as a trainer for Xe’s pilots and then as an attack aircraft to be used by Xe for attack and counter-insurgency roles in areas where Xe is contracted as soon as the company can obtain the proper licenses and certification.
Anonymous says
I have always thought of seeking an elite military career like going onto the Australian SASR (yes I am Australian) or some sort of flight instructor. When it comes to being a flight instructor, I want to find a younger version of me and train him like my instructor has done for me.
Jon Wilson says
I know this doesn’t count as an actual job, but after the military I want to compete in the Red Bull Air Races some day. Fer realz.
Jake says
Wait!?! Until what age can you be flying jets in the USAF? I thought even men in their early thirties could apply for a pilot slot, with a ten year service promise. So in theory, one would think you could fly jets until at least your very early forties. Is this wrong?
Randy Shine says
After being a fighter pilot, I would want to go up the chain of command in the Navy and have some sort of high-ranking military job. I just can’t see myself doing anything else besides the military right now. Maybe skipper an aircraft carrier, that would be awsome!
Christina Ann Berenberg says
Where is John Ellis now?