The Airline Transition Manual

by Richard Swindell

If you’re thinking about making a jump to the airlines or considering a career as an airline pilot, you’ve landed in the right place. Although this book is aimed at pilots considering, just beginning, or even having been at an airline for a little while, it’s nonetheless a valuable resource for anyone who works with flight crew or is seeking to understand how professional pilots and flight crews manage their careers and plot a course in through the often complex and peculiar pathways of the airline pilot. What you need to know to survive your first year on the line and managing your airline career. Whether you are coming from a military or civilian aviation background, if you are looking to make a move to the airline industry this is a must-have reference. Transitioning from flight instructing and commercial flight operations, or service life and military-style flying to airline flying and the airline industry can be a challenging evolution. The Airline Transition Manual was written by airline pilots to help aviation professionals fly more smoothly into their new career. Covering topics from training to scheduling, commuting and crashpads, interviewing and jumpseating, unions and medical certification, this book contains the tips, tripwires, tribal knowledge, and information you need to create a clear path for yourself, and is a crucial resource for navigating your future as you prepare to put on an airline uniform. Although aimed at transition service members and commercial pilots, the information contained in this book is valuable to anyone planning for a career in the airlines or preparing others for the airline profession. This includes air transport specialists such as dispatchers, planners, crew schedulers, managers, members of airline union staff, as well as instructors and students in professional flight and aviation management and technology programs.

342 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Airline Transition Manual might be targeted at pilots and flight crew. Still, it transcends the confines of the cockpit, offering insights and lessons that are as universal as they are uniquely aviation-centric. Its authors—Richard Swindell, Jolanda Witvliet, and Andrew Ross—dexterously weave together technical, serious, and delightful aspects of airline operations. They strike a balance between engaging the aviation neophyte and satisfying those more familiar with the industry’s jargon.

The authors have built a bridge between the complexities of the aviation industry and readers who may be venturing into this world for the first time. These three seasoned pilots share their hard-earned wisdom and extensive knowledge, making the manual a vital resource for prospective aviation professionals. The title’s promise of a smooth transition into the industry isn’t an overstatement but a testament to the authors’ in-depth exploration of the field.

At the heart of any great book lies the ability to begin at the beginning. The authors fulfill this by demystifying the different carriers, examining their evolution, and delving into how historical events have shaped the airline industry. One of the book’s many strengths is its engaging discussion on the profound changes following 9/11. The reader is effortlessly drawn in, not by monotonous recitations, but through the authors’ knack for imbuing even the most somber topics with compelling theories and captivating trivia.

The breadth of the book’s content is remarkable, covering subjects as diverse as training, company orientation, scheduling, medical certification, deployment, interviewing, and transitioning. The authors dive deep into these themes, providing comprehensive knowledge essential for industry newcomers. A particularly insightful section on unions offers budding pilots invaluable insights into the benefits of professional associations, underlining their contribution to career development and mental well-being.

While the casual reader may be more entranced by the book’s lighter discussions, its technical side, full of industry-specific terms and phrases, adds a layer of authenticity and depth. As a result, this book is more than a reference tool for aspiring pilots; it’s a treasure trove of knowledge for inquisitive minds that are intrigued by the multifaceted world around them.

The Airline Transition Manual manages to be both enlightening and entertaining, answering the myriad questions that curious readers might have. This fascinating book isn’t just a guidebook; it’s a window into the behind-the-scenes operations of airline companies—

[Austin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book sooner! 10 months into my airline career, I had to learn a lot of what this books says by bumbling my way through the process. This books lays out everything in your first year so thoughtfully and comprehensively. I would highly recommend it to anybody either just hired, or thinking of applying for an airline job. I know that’s a busy time of life already, but finding time to read this book alongside all the interview prep or training study or right after IOE would be super helpful.