Veterans Are Often a Natural Fit for Business Aviation

In the constant search to fill vacancies in the business aviation workforce, operators often rely on a deep pool of candidates made up of tens of thousands of military veterans who are discharged into civilian life each year.

The science-based skills for which these professionals have often been trained can make them a valuable addition to any flight operation. In addition, interpersonal skills gained from the military experience can be just as valuable to a potential employer and make them excellent candidates for the business aviation life.

Kevin Flynn spent his U.S. Air Force years as a crew chief on the revered A-10 “Warthog.” During the final months of his enlistment, the Air Force offered him the opportunity to attend a two-week A&P prep school that eventually led to him earning his A&P certificate. That valuable training led to his first job after discharge as a line service technician at an FBO in Bedford, MA.

“When you come out of the military, you carry over the skill sets of problem solving, adaptability and discipline, which translate very well to business aviation,” Flynn said. “Sure, I was used to marshalling airplanes, but I was also polished and professional as an employee.”

His next civilian job took him to what was then known as Andrews AFB, MD, where he was hired by the Department of the Navy as a civilian technician to work on the executive airlift fleet of Gulfstreams that transport military brass around the world. Flynn often deployed aboard the Gulfstreams to destinations such as Afghanistan, where he had served many times looking after A-10s.

“It was a very natural transition to these civilian roles for me,” Flynn said. “I already understood military traditions and customs which helped when our passengers were generals and admirals.” Flynn now serves as director of maintenance for a Chicago-based pharmaceutical company and its fleet of Gulfstreams.

‘Not Just a Number’

U.S. Navy veteran Jeff Wofford recently retired as director of aviation for a telecommunications network infrastructure provider based in Hickory, NC. He credits his military experience – along with being in the right place at the right time – for landing his first post-military job.

Trained in the Navy on missile fire control systems, Wofford began working as a flight instructor at a local FBO in Hickory that just happened to be run by a WWII veteran. “[In 1981] My boss realized I was full-blown crazy about aviation. He was instrumental in introducing me to the right people, like the CEO and chairman of that telecommunications company, who just happened to be a Vietnam War-era Army vet.

Wofford credits his Navy experience with pointing him in the right direction.

“I knew I didn’t want to go to college right after high school, so I joined the Navy,” he recalled. “Between boot camp and technical school, I learned organization, and that I could do anything I put my mind to. The Navy helped me focus on what I wanted to do – fly airplanes.” Wofford retired earlier this year after a 39-year career flying business jets.

“With business aviation you’re a part of something, not just a number,” Wofford said. “I was fortunate to have parents that gave me a great foundation in life. But the Navy did the rest and gave me opportunities. I joined the Navy as a kid very unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I left the Navy, as an adult.”