MAKE THE SWITCH
AN OUTSIDE VIEW
In 2020 U.S. Air Force helicopter pilot Michael Tosi wrote an article for Vertical Magazine previewing the military-to-civilian transition.
He was able to experience the hiring process from beginning to end with Metro Aviation and DHART and provide his thoughts on what civilian helicopter flying offers to military pilots.
Why Metro
Metro Aviation entered into the air medical service business in November 1983 when we agreed to provide helicopter ambulance service for Schumpert Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Today Metro Aviation operates more than 155 aircraft and has air medical transport operations throughout the United States. Our foundation of safety, quality, and customer service has remained with us for 40 years and is still the cornerstone of our company.
Our success can be attributed to several things. Our unwavering values and history of innovation have made us a leader in the air medical services industry. However, none of it could be achieved without our people. Metro Aviation is a family-owned business and has ingrained those family values into the company’s culture. At Metro Aviation, we consider our employees to be our family. We are committed to providing an environment allowing them to exercise their talents and maximize their potential.
SkillBridge Partner
Metro Aviation is a Proud partner with BreakTurn, formerly SkyBridge, providing DoD Skillbridge transition positions to service members across the country.
BreakTurn is an intermediary between active duty service members transitioning to their next job and the aviation industry. Utilizing the DoD Skillbridge program and Army’s Career Skills Program enables SkyBridge to place service members with industry partners as interns. As a DoD approved Skillbridge provider, BreakTurn can place Service Members with a partner company during their last 180 days of active duty .
made the switch
Joe’s story
Joe began his aviation career in the United States Army. During his 20 years of active duty service, he served in the Infantry as a Blackhawk mechanic and as a pilot for the CH47 Chinook, earning the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.
Upon his exit from military service, he became a pilot for the Duke University Life Flight program and took on the role of Lead Pilot in 2018.
Joe joined the Metro family in 2020 when Metro Aviation took over the operation of the Duke University Life Flight program.
made the switch
Kristen’s story
21-year-old Kristen was in Baghdad as a broadcast journalist with an Army Mobile Public Affairs Detachment during her junior year at LSU. During Sadaam Hussein’s trial, she was the sole American female in the courtroom and received national media attention for her radio show on AFN-Iraq. She deployed a second time before leaving the military and worked as a reporter and producer for a local news station, eventually joining the Metro family as the Director of Marketing in 2013.
Kristen said she loves how her career has evolved with her personal life. “I appreciate the emphasis on family and a career that allows me to be a vital part of the team, as well as a present mom for my two girls.”
made the switch
Warren’s story
Warren began his aviation career in the United States Air Force. During his 20-plus years of active duty service, he served as a B-52 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, held the role of Director of Innovation, and was part of the AFWERX fellowship program. He earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and currently serves in the Air Force Reserves. Warren joined the Metro family in 2022 as the Director of Safety Innovation.
Warren chose Metro for the family culture and the company’s desire for innovation. “Most of the employees I talked to had been with the company for many years, and multi-generations in a family are working at Metro. This longevity speaks to a high degree of employee satisfaction.”
made the switch
Fred’s story
Fred began his aviation career in the United States Air Force. After 4 years of active duty he joined, and continues to serve in, the Army National Guard. During his 20-plus years of services, he served as a maintainer and crew chief for the F-16, F-117, UH-60 Blackhawk, UH-1, and UH-72A.
Since his exit from active duty, he has held roles in maintenance and general aviation for both fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft. Fred joined the Metro family in 2021as the Base Mechanic at Augusta University Health
Fred joined Metro because it is a family friendly company that cares for its employees. “From day one Metro has been a great company to work for. The company has a safety first attitude towards every aspect of operation and a true concern for the employees and their families.”
In their own words
Mark Breton, Director of Maintenance
Mark served 6 years in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves, earning Corporal’s rank. He began his aviation career in 1988, performing air medical, law enforcement, and VIP completions on various models of helicopters. In 1991 he entered the air medical industry as an EMS field mechanic for 12 years, eventually becoming the Director of Maintenance for that operator in Dallas. He served as the Director of Maintenance for two other large air medical operators before joining the Metro family in 2014.
What is one thing you think someone making this transition should know?
“Often, experienced transitioning military aviation maintainers have to start their civilian career at a lesser level than they had in the military and work their way up. This should not detract you from pursuing your career goals as it will only be a matter of time before your skills and leadership will prevail.”
Why is Metro Aviation a great place to work?
“The safety culture here at Metro Aviation is real and second to none, making our company a great place to start and finish your career.”
Mel Clawson, Aviation Recruiter
Mel began his aviation career in the United States Army. During his 30 years of active duty service, he served as a pilot for UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, and the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon his exit from military service, he entered the HAA industry flying Single Pilot IFR. Mel joined the Metro family in 2021.
What is one thing you think someone making this transition should know?
“Civilian flying is a different world, and you won’t be an expert on the subject matter like you were in the military. Be willing to listen and take advice from those that have been in the industry and get connected to organizations that can help with the transition.”
Why is Metro Aviation a great place to work?
“Metro is a family-owned and operated aviation company that is innovative, safety-focused, and most importantly, takes care of its people. You are part of the family.”
Jerry Lingefelt, Aviation Site Manager
Jerry began his aviation career in the United States Army. During his 7 years of active duty service, he served as a pilot for the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, the AH-64D Apache Longbow and earned the rank of Captain. Upon his exit from military service, he flew helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico to log the hours required to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming an HAA pilot. Jerry joined the Metro family in 2019. He has served as a pilot and currently serves as the Aviation Site Manager for Pafford Air One.
What is one thing you think someone making this transition should know?
“Network, network, network. Aviation is a small community, and almost everyone knows each other. Connect with pilots, maintainers, and support staff at local operations. Social media groups are also a great place to ask questions, make contacts, and get guidance on the industry and the military to civilian transition in general.”
Why is Metro Aviation a great place to work?
“When I was looking into operators to work for, everyone I talked to spoke highly of Metro Aviation’s reputation for safety, training, and leadership. Metro’s vision, outlook on the future, dedication to the industry and its customers, and family atmosphere make it the best choice.”
Jack Sprague, Assistant Director of Maintenance
Jack began his aviation career in the United States Army. During his 10-plus years of active duty service, he served as an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior mechanic, held multiple leadership positions, and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon his exiting military service, he worked for a 5-ship Part 135 HAA program in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Jack joined the Metro family in 2009 and has served as Lead Mechanic, Regional Maintenance Manager, and Airworthiness Manager.
What is one thing you think someone making this transition should know?
“In almost all cases, the move is not lateral. Initially, you will have to start at a lower level because you must learn an entirely different aircraft. However, if you are willing to put in the work and learn, it won’t be long before the new skills mix with the experience and knowledge you have from the military, and opportunities open up. “
Why is Metro Aviation a great place to work?
“Everyone has a voice, and the company prides itself on taking care of its employees.”