More than 5,600 veterans and aviation stakeholders gathered at RTAG's sixth annual convention October 7–8 in Fort Worth, Tex. RTAG - The Veteran to Aviation Charity—focuses on delivering grants, scholarships, and employment opportunities to veterans across the country. As our industry evolves, expanding the workforce through veteran hiring provides opportunities for skilled aviation professionals to transition to a civilian career. At the conference, Capt. Lance McQueary, chair of ALPA’s Veterans Affairs Committee, was joined by F/O Taylor Hitson (Endeavor) and Capt. Sebastian Velasquez (Spirit Airlines Pilots) for ALPA’s “A Day in the Life” presentation to provide insight into the daily life of a civilian pilot, including how schedules differ based on the type of operation, seniority, and pilot preference. Attendees were encouraged to think about how their individual experiences may impact their careers and make them more professionally available to hiring by airline carriers. Velasquez explained that career options are plentiful and that “your journey is your journey, there is not one right path. It has to fit you and your family, whether that means pursuing a regional, major, or cargo job.” Capt. Kandy Bernskoetter (FedEx Pilots) moderated a panel focused on the personal side of an aviation family. Spouses of five pilots who transitioned from military to airline life spoke about how they evolved from having a spouse away on military orders to now bidding a schedule and commuting, where they find support, and what they do to continue to nurture their relationships. #MotivationMonday #DreamJob #Pilot #Career #Veterans
