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11U1D Career Guide

Air Force

11U1D: Mission Aircraft Commander

Career transition guide for Air Force Mission Aircraft Commander (11U1D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 11U1D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Commercial Airline Pilot

$150K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificationSpecific aircraft type ratings (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320)Meeting airline-specific hiring requirements

Corporate Pilot

$130K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificationSpecific aircraft type ratings for corporate jetsExcellent customer service and communication skills

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pilot/Operator

$85K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateExperience with specific UAS platforms (e.g., DJI, senseFly)Data analysis and interpretation skills

Air Traffic Controller

$135K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Controller training program completionStrong communication and decision-making skillsAbility to work under pressure

Flight Instructor

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ratingStrong communication and teaching skillsPatience and adaptability

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 11U1D training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As an aircraft commander, you constantly monitor a complex environment encompassing weather, enemy activity, aircraft systems, and crew performance to make critical decisions in real-time.

The ability to maintain a broad awareness of your surroundings and anticipate potential issues, crucial for making informed decisions under pressure.

Team Synchronization

You lead and coordinate a diverse crew with specialized roles, ensuring seamless teamwork in high-stakes environments where precise communication and collaboration are essential for mission success.

The capacity to effectively coordinate and motivate a team towards a common goal, fostering a collaborative environment where individual strengths are leveraged for collective achievement.

Rapid Prioritization

During flight operations, you must quickly assess and prioritize multiple, often conflicting, demands and potential threats to maintain mission effectiveness and crew safety.

The ability to rapidly assess situations, identify critical issues, and prioritize tasks to ensure efficient and effective outcomes, even under pressure.

After-Action Analysis

Following each mission, you conduct thorough reviews to identify areas for improvement in procedures, training, and overall mission effectiveness, ensuring continuous improvement.

The capacity to critically evaluate past performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance future outcomes and efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been orchestrating complex operations under pressure, making life-or-death decisions based on limited information, and managing teams during chaotic situations. This translates directly to coordinating disaster response, developing emergency plans, and ensuring community safety.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been managing complex logistics for flight missions, ensuring equipment, personnel, and resources are in the right place at the right time. As a logistics manager, you'll optimize supply chains, manage inventory, and coordinate distribution – skills honed during your military service.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9199.00

You've been planning and executing complex missions with precision, managing resources, and leading teams to achieve specific objectives. You’re adept at breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, coordinating personnel, and mitigating risks – skills highly valued in project management.

Airfield Operations Specialist

SOC 53-2011.00

You've been working hands-on with aircraft and the coordination required to ensure safe and efficient operation. This role is a good fit since You have experience with air traffic control procedures, safety regulations, and emergency response protocols. You're well-equipped to contribute to the smooth functioning of an airfield.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) and Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT), multiple locations

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 30 semester hours recommended in aviation technology and management

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft Systems
  • Flight Planning and Navigation
  • Crew Resource Management
  • Mission Planning and Execution
  • Airspace Management
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Reconnaissance and Surveillance Techniques
  • Weapons Systems Operation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)70% covered

FAA regulations, specific aircraft type ratings, and civilian flight procedures.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)50% covered

FAA regulations on instruction, fundamentals of instruction, and practical application of teaching techniques.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Formal project management methodologies (PMBOK), specific project management tools, and stakeholder management techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) SensorsHigh-resolution aerial imaging and thermal imaging systems used in surveying, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection.
Advanced Radar Systems (e.g., Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR))Geospatial intelligence platforms and services utilizing satellite or airborne radar data for mapping and change detection.
Tactical Data Links (e.g., Link 16)Encrypted communication networks for secure data transmission; similar to secure VPNs combined with data encryption software used in finance and government sectors.
Satellite Communication (SATCOM) SystemsCommercial satellite internet services (e.g., Starlink, Viasat) for remote communication and data transfer.
Mission Planning Software (e.g., JMPS - Joint Mission Planning System)Flight planning software (e.g., ForeFlight), route optimization software (e.g., used by delivery services), and resource management software.
Electronic Warfare (EW) SystemsCybersecurity tools for detecting and mitigating electronic attacks; RF signal analysis equipment for spectrum monitoring (e.g., used in telecommunications).
Navigation Systems (e.g., GPS/INS - Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System)Integrated GPS and inertial measurement units (IMUs) used in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and surveying equipment.

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