Rotary To Airline Group – RTAG
Introduction
RTAG is the world’s largest charity dedicated to helping veterans transition to aviation careers. They support all veterans, in jumpstarting their post-military careers in aviation.
The organization has the mission to bridge the gap between veterans and the aviation industry, ensuring that both veterans and employees benefit from this valuable connection.
Additionally, RTAG assists their corporate partners by providing access to the largest community of skilled aviation professionals in the United States. This includes pilots, maintainers, technicians, dispatchers, and more.
Purpose of the best practice/guidance
The RTAG’s practises are a crucial tool to facilitate the transition of military pilots to civil aviation, acting as a link between the experiences gained in the armed forces and the requirements of the commercial airline sector.
Intended audience
The target audience for this program is veterans who want to transition into careers in aviation. Initially focused on helicopter pilots, nowadays RTAG also includes mechanics, technicians, dispatchers and other aviation professionals.
About the opportunities
Beginning in 2017 as a campaign to address the national pilot shortage, the organization has since evolved to place veterans regardless of their experience in the airlines.
In this context, RTAG offers some opportunities for veterans such as:
- Scholarships: RTAG assist in funding fixed wing flight training and A&P certification for U.S. Military veterans.
- Mentoring: RTAG provides mentoring programs to guide veterans through their transition to aviation careers.
- Face-to-face Meetings: RTAG organizes their popular annual convention to connect veterans with industry professionals and peers.
- Networking opportunities: RTAG facilitates networking opportunities to help veterans build connections within the aviation industry, through partnerships with airlines and promoting recruitment events.
Impacts / Outcomes
RTAG has created a strong community of ex-military personnel who have already gone through the transition and are willing to help new ones. Promoting a very valuable environment for sharing opportunities and exchanging experiences.
The organization’s impact also reveals the power of communities that help each other, especially those united by shared life experiences, like veterans.
Furthermore, RTAG teaches that the industry must be more inclusive and diverse. By supporting people who traditionally face difficulties in entering the civilian market, the NGO contributes to a more democratic, representative and connected aviation with society, as the military suffers from a strong social stigma in American society.
Lessons learned
RTAG was initially designed to help helicopter pilots (rotary wing) transition into fixed wing aviation but has expanded its scope to support veterans regardless of their previous experience. The organization provides mentoring and training opportunities to facilitate this transition, enabling mentees to find meaningful careers in civil aviation.
The organization also holds annual conventions that serve as important job fairs, connecting professionals with recruiters. These events have been crucial in facilitating the professional relocation of participants.
With significant growth, RTAG now has more than 15,000 members and continues to expand its network, positively impacting the lives of thousands of people, benefiting both individuals and entire sectors of the economy.
Web link
https://www.rtag.org/
Contact
Authors and Contributors
Joshua Lee – President
Tim Kirschbaum – Executive Vice President
Jim McClung – Executive Vice President of Communications
Becky Lee – Director of RTAG Spouse Engagement
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