George Wilhelmsen ⋅ Rochelle, IL Sargent & Lundy ⋅ 38 years experience

Sean,

I have seen people get credit for work they have done. They kept detailed logs and photos of their work. I work for Exelon Generation, but I have been writing for aviation publications and flying a small plane since 1989.

For industries, I think you would be able to find employment with an aviation paint shop or an avionics shop, or as an "A&P" in training at an Airport Fixed Base Operator, or FBO. I suggest you work up a resume with your past experience, and with a polished version of that in hand, start visiting local airports and the FBOs that service aircraft.

I have an airplane, and there is a shortage of people who can work on them. Avionics in particular, is looking for people and has been all the way through the recession.

I hope this helps. If you need help finding local airports, I'd suggest using AIRNAV (a free service for pilots) where you can look around and see what is out there.

Best wishes,
George Wilhelmsen

Sean Colbert ⋅ Oak Harbor, WA U.S. Navy, Petty Officer First Class ⋅ 20 years served

I do not have my A&P license, will 20 years experience count as credit towards that license? Thank you for your advice, I will look into the work force and linkedin.

Phil C. ⋅ Fort Worth, TX ⋅ 3 years experience

Sean,

Do you have your A&P license? If not, you could probably use your GI Bill to obtain one. You'll most likely need it in order to continue the line of work you are in on the civilian side. I probably talk this to death, but having a Linkedin account will help you build up a network so you can contact subject matter experts and people who can give you good aviation career advice. It's free and I've definitely been able to put it to use.

Brian Marcus ⋅ Webster, NY U.S. Navy, Petty Officer First Class ⋅ 20 years served

Check out the local Workforce office. They usually will have a military rep that can has job listing specifically for military. I know in NY they have this type of service for the vets. Also talk to the recruiters about job fairs that they might be going to. I know I had job offers even without looking for them. I was one of the recruiters. :D