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11M4 Career Guide

Air Force

11M4: Mobility Aircraft Pilot

Career transition guide for Air Force Mobility Aircraft Pilot (11M4)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 11M4 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airline Pilot

$150K
High matchHigh demand

Corporate Pilot

$130K
High matchGrowing demand

Flight Instructor

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating

Airfield Operations Manager

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Airport Management CertificationFamiliarity with FAA regulations

Logistics Manager

$80K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management principlesCivilian logistics software (SAP, etc.)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 11M4 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As an 11M4, you constantly maintain a comprehensive understanding of your aircraft's position, environmental conditions, and potential threats during flight, ensuring the safety and success of each mission.

This translates to the ability to quickly assess complex, dynamic situations, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions in high-pressure environments.

Team Synchronization

You expertly coordinate and synchronize the actions of your flight crew, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration to achieve mission objectives effectively.

This demonstrates strong leadership and the ability to foster a cohesive, high-performing team, ensuring everyone works together efficiently towards a common goal.

Rapid Prioritization

In the air, you frequently face unexpected challenges and rapidly prioritize tasks, making critical decisions under pressure to maintain flight safety and mission effectiveness.

This skill translates to the ability to quickly assess competing priorities, make decisive judgments, and allocate resources effectively in fast-paced, demanding situations.

Procedural Compliance

You adhere to strict protocols and regulations to guarantee flight safety and mission success, ensuring that every step is completed precisely and accurately.

This reflects a dedication to precision, reliability, and the ability to consistently follow established procedures, ensuring high-quality outcomes in regulated environments.

After-Action Analysis

After each flight, you participate in a thorough review process, identifying areas for improvement and refining strategies to enhance future mission performance and safety.

This skill showcases your commitment to continuous improvement, learning from experience, and using data-driven insights to optimize performance and prevent future errors.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2011.00

You've been orchestrating complex movements in the sky, so guiding aircraft safely on the ground is a natural transition. Your experience managing flight crews and making split-second decisions makes you a perfect fit for this high-stakes role.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been coordinating cargo, passengers, and personnel in challenging conditions, so managing complex supply chains will feel familiar. Your planning and resource optimization skills are highly valuable in this field.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been assessing risks and coordinating responses in dynamic environments, which are crucial skills in emergency management. Your experience in rapid prioritization and team synchronization will allow you to excel in high-pressure situations.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9151.00

You've been managing complex missions from planning to execution, so running projects in the civilian world will leverage your established strengths. Your skills in team synchronization and after-action analysis are essential for project success.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), various Air Force Bases; Specialized Aircraft Training

450 training hours52 weeksUp to 30 semester hours recommended in aviation technology, flight operations, and management.

Topics Covered

  • Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems
  • Air Navigation and Flight Planning
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM)
  • Airdrop Procedures
  • Low-Level Flight Operations
  • In-flight Refueling (if applicable)
  • Tactical Airlift Procedures
  • Survival Training

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)70% covered

Differences in aircraft-specific knowledge (depending on the airframe flown in the military), FAA regulations, and civilian airspace procedures.

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)60% covered

Differences in aircraft-specific knowledge, FAA regulations, and completion of the ATP-CTP course.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)40% covered

Formal business management training, experience in civilian aviation management practices, and studying the CAM exam domains.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/APN-241 Weather Avoidance RadarCommercial weather radar systems (e.g., Honeywell IntuVue, Collins MultiScan)
Head-Up Display (HUD)HUD systems in commercial aircraft and some high-end automobiles
Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)TCAS in commercial aviation
Global Air Transportation Execution System (GATES)Airline operations management software (e.g., Amadeus, Sabre)
Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS)Instrument Landing System (ILS) and augmented GPS landing systems
Automated Air Refueling System (AARS)Automated fuel transfer systems in commercial aviation and tanker operations
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB)Tablet-based flight management and documentation systems (e.g., ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot)

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