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11B1 Career Guide

Air Force

11B1: Bomber Pilot

Career transition guide for Air Force Bomber Pilot (11B1)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 11B1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airline Pilot

$170K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateSpecific aircraft type rating

Corporate Pilot

$140K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Commercial Pilot CertificateCustomer service skills

Flight Instructor

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificateExcellent communication skills

Airfield Operations Specialist

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA knowledge of airport operationsCommercial awarenessStrong knowledge of safety procedures

Logistics Manager

$95K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)Supply chain management software proficiency

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 11B1 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

As an Aircraft Pilot, you constantly assess and prioritize incoming information, from changing weather patterns to mechanical statuses, making split-second decisions that impact mission success and crew safety.

This ability to rapidly assess situations and prioritize actions translates directly into dynamic civilian environments where quick, informed decisions are crucial under pressure.

System Modeling

You develop a deep understanding of complex aircraft systems and how they interact, allowing you to anticipate potential problems and optimize performance in various flight conditions.

This talent for understanding and predicting the behavior of complex systems is highly valuable in roles requiring strategic planning and risk management.

Team Synchronization

Piloting and commanding a crew requires seamless coordination and communication to achieve mission objectives safely and effectively. You're responsible for ensuring every team member is synchronized and performing their duties optimally.

Your experience in synchronizing team efforts makes you well-suited for leadership roles where coordinating complex projects and diverse teams is essential.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of your surroundings, including aircraft status, weather conditions, and potential threats, is paramount for safe and effective mission execution. You use this awareness to proactively mitigate risks and adapt to changing circumstances.

Your honed sense of situational awareness equips you to excel in roles demanding vigilance, risk assessment, and proactive problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to handle high-pressure situations, make quick decisions under stress, and coordinate teams effectively—all essential skills for managing emergency responses. Your experience with risk assessment and mitigation is directly applicable to preparing for and responding to disasters.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been responsible for planning and executing complex missions, involving the coordination of personnel, equipment, and resources. Your skills in system modeling and resource optimization will enable you to efficiently manage supply chains and distribution networks.

Airfield Operations Specialist

SOC 53-2011.00

You've got the in-depth knowledge of the airfield environment, understanding of flight plans, and the ability to deal with unexpected circumstances. These skills translate extremely well into maintaining smooth and safe airfield operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), various Air Force Bases; Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT), Vance AFB, OK; B-1B Formal Training Unit (FTU), Dyess AFB, TX

480 training hours52 weeksUp to 30 semester hours recommended in aviation technology, aeronautics, and management.

Topics Covered

  • Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems
  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Flight Planning and Navigation
  • Crew Resource Management
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Low-Level Flight Operations
  • Air Refueling Techniques
  • Weapons Delivery Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate70% covered

Differences in civilian aviation regulations, specific aircraft type ratings, and flight hour requirements.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)40% covered

Formal civilian flight instructor training methodology, FAA regulations for instruction, and practical teaching experience.

Recommended Next Certifications

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) CertificateAviation Safety Officer (ASO)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/APG-77 RadarAdvanced Weather Detection Systems/Long-Range Radar Systems
Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS)Commercial aviation GPS landing systems
Secure Voice/Data Communication Systems (e.g., SINCGARS)Encrypted communication platforms (e.g., secure VoIP, satellite phones)
Automated Flight Planning System (AFPS)Commercial Flight Planning Software (e.g., ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot)
Electronic Warfare (EW) SystemsCybersecurity and Electronic Countermeasure systems
Link 16 DatalinkReal-time data sharing platforms, secure network communication systems

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