The largest growing pool of experienced pilots is baby boomer retirees. They have now the chance to continue serving well past their 65th birthdays by training the next generation of aviators.
Former Airline Captains that are now instructors are offering years of practical flight experience. Not only are they exceptionally well-suited for the task of conducting relevant, world-class training. It offers a welcome career extension to retirees who wish to dedicate their talents towards a renewed purpose.
By leveraging decades of real-world flying, retiring pilots bring focused expertise and a realistic view of what it takes to fly at the highest proficiency standards. The best training can only be achieved by providing new pilots with instruction from those who possess the most relevant experience, the most qualified subject-matter expertise, and the greatest ability to impart unparalleled wisdom.
DPS is uniquely positioned, through its ownership by Delta Air Lines, to not only create a new path for retiring pilots looking to extend their careers into the future but also to reward them for their years of faithful service and personal sacrifice.
Boasting a list of instructional-services clients that include The Boeing Company, Delta Air Lines, FedEx, Hawaiian Airlines, and other valued carriers, DPS has established itself as the premier vendor in the supplemental flight instruction space.
Additionally, DPS offers one of the industry’s top ATP-CTP programs with an on-campus, major airline experience through the FAA Part 142 Delta Aircrew Training Center certificate. To date, DPS has graduated more than 2,000 ATP-CTP students and currently offers courses in Atlanta and Miami.
Training with DPS is paid in an industry-leading manner against other providers, with cumulative incentive pay available for working late nights, weekends, holidays, special events, short calls, and exceeding 17 events in a calendar month. Providing positive-space travel (for those who do not live locally), as well as full reimbursement for travel costs, makes DPS’ program extremely competitive for the commuting instructor, but these perks do not come in lieu of excellent base compensation.
In 2022, DPS was able to provide an 8% pay increase across the full-rate scale and removed incentive caps, creating an additional 18% in earning potential for the average instructor. In 2023, another 5% pay-rate increase followed along with the commitment to provide instructors with every tool they need to be successful, both professionally and financially.
“The most important value DPS provides comes from giving retiring pilots a way forward that helps them to retain the positive self-identity and sense of purpose that they have come to rely on at a time when they could feel left behind as they depart their prestigious positions and their replacements join fleets around the world,” Captain Bob Skinner says, exemplifying the valuable insight that only a retired pilot can bring. “Being a pilot is something that is felt rather than said. And DPS is committed to making sure that they feel right at home even when their time on the flight deck ends. Simply put, DPS is a great place to work.”
DPS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and is headquartered at Delta Airlines' main campus in Atlanta, with additional training locations in Miami, Memphis, and Orlando. Those seeking to work as instructors must have an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with Aircraft Multi-Engine Land class rating, and have served as a pilot at a 14 CFR Part 121 Certified Air Carrier with a minimum of 2,000 accrued hours as a Pilot in Command.
One can apply as early as six months prior to retirement but should apply no later than 36 months after retiring. The company also lists “preferred but not required” qualifications including previous experience as a flight-simulator check airman or line-check pilot at a 14 CFR 121 Certified Air Carrier and Aircraft Type Rating in aircraft operated by Delta Air Lines or other DPS clients.
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