Each airline is made up of volunteers and pilots who go above their regular line flying duties to assist in the successful operation of the airline. There are many roles pilots can take on to give back to the union, assist in the schoolhouse or take on managerial positions. There are many incentives to get involved once established in your airline career. Many of these roles have additional monetary benefits or scheduling advantages. The following six opportunities are available at most airlines.
1. Union work
Union volunteers are the backbone of a stable union that is of the people, for the people. Pilot unions are made up of many different committees. A few committee examples are the hotel, contract compliance, fatigue, professional standards, peer support, medical, communications, accident investigation, military affairs, flight operational quality assurance (FOQA), and more. There is a committee for everyone; it is important to find the one that interests you the most. The more pilots that get involved in the union, the more the volunteer work can be spread out amongst the members.
2. Recruitment
Recruitment pilots assist with conducting interviews, represent the airline at career fairs, conferences, and travel to different flight schools and universities to recruit prospective pilots. Recruiters play an important role in representing the airline. They are often the first point of contact a pilot makes when beginning the application and interview process. Pilot recruiters are held to a high professional standard. Recruiters need to be personable and make prospective pilots comfortable to put their best foot forward. Recruitment is a rewarding opportunity to get involved in.
3. Chief pilot office
Each pilot base has a Chief Pilot and an Assistant Chief Pilot. They are the direct chain of command for the pilots in each pilot base. Additionally, there is a company-wide Chief Pilot who oversees the individual chief pilot offices at each base. Chief Pilots support the pilots they oversee. They are the point of contact for leave, bereavement, sick calls, etc. The downside to the position is that the Chief Pilot oversees disciplinary actions for pilots who have gotten in trouble. No one likes being the “bad guy”; however, it is important to play this role to ensure integrity amongst the pilot group.
4. Mentorship
Most airlines have a mentorship program. This program is typically voluntary. A mentor pilot is assigned a new hire mentee. This can be a rewarding role. The mentor guides the new hire pilot and answers any questions they may have. Mentorship sets up new pilots for success as they transition into the new role at the airline. Depending on the airline, the mentorship program can either be a union or a company-sponsored program.
5. Line check airman
Line check airman is a fantastic position for pilots who like to teach. Check Airmen have the important role of conducting initial operating experience (IOE) with new hire pilots, new captains and those transitioning to a new aircraft. IOE is the initial 25 hours in a new aircraft, new captain or first officer role. Check airmen supervise the new pilot and ensure they are applying everything they learned in the simulator to the actual aircraft and operation. Check Airmen also conduct line checks. A line check is completed at the end of IOE and can also be random for line pilots. The line check is conducted to sign pilots off and to ensure standard operating procedures are complied with consistently on the line. Check Airmen are monetarily compensated well for their role. However, this monetary increase is typically only applied when conducting check airman duties and not during regular line flying.
6. Sim instructor
Pilots can apply to be a sim or ground instructor for their airline. This is a great option for pilots who like to teach and who live in the training city. The airline typically puts instructors in hotels if they do not live near the training center. This is an attractive position for those who live near the training center because they can be home every night and are on the road far less than line pilots. Instructors help teach new hire pilots, captain upgrade training, and continuing qualification training, also known as recurrent. Instructors are the backbone of the safety management system. They play a crucial role in investing in the pilot group to help create safe and competent pilots.
Opportunities to do more than fly the line can be rewarding. Giving back to the union or taking on an instructor or management role can be fulfilling. The pilot group heavily depends on those who are willing to give their time and resources to better the company and its unionized pilot group.
