From Tech to Tarmac: A Fighter Pilot’s Second Act in Aviation

Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You

Air Force veteran Steve Luczynski shares his remarkable journey from soaring the skies in F-15s and F-22s to navigating national security policy, diving into a cybersecurity leadership path, and eventually pivoting back to his first love—flying—in this episode of Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You. With a career that spanned Japan to Europe and a Pentagon stint that sparked his cybersecurity detour, Steve recounts how family stability and a thirst for new challenges initially steered him away from the traditional airline path post-military. He dives into leveraging military-honed skills like translating complex ideas under pressure, chairing the Aerospace Village to reignite his passion for aviation, and embracing multiple career shifts with confidence—proving veterans can pivot again and again.

Chapters

• 01:45 Steve’s 24-year Air Force Career Highlights
• 03:59 Choosing a New Challenge After the Air Force
• 06:03 Pivot #1 to Cybersecurity and the Skills that Made it Possible
• 10:32 Pivot #2 Back to the Skies
• 13:26 The Aerospace Village’s Impact on Steve’s Second Act in Aviation
• 16:14 Asking for Help and Mentorship
• 19:42 The Coffee Talk That Helped Steve Land His First Job
• 22:00 Steve’s Advice to His Younger Self

Key Takeaways

• Pivot with Purpose: You don’t have to lock into one post-service path—explore your options to align your next move with your family’s needs or a fresh passion.
• Leverage Your Military Edge: Your service-honed abilities—like leading under pressure or solving problems on the go—translate to any civilian field, opening doors you might not expect.
• Embrace Asking for Help: If you’re reluctant to ask for help, skip asking for a job and instead ask about others’ experiences and insights. This opens the door to valuable guidance that many people love to give.
• Fuel Your Passions: Seek out side projects or volunteer roles, like Steve’s Aerospace Village, to reignite what drives you and create a network that supports your next chapter.
• Embrace the Multi-Pivot Life: One career shift isn’t your limit—Steve’s return to flying proves your skills and courage can launch you again and again.

Follow us for more veteran stories to guide your transition journey, and text this episode to a fellow service member who’s navigating their exit. Until next time, keep your wings ready for takeoff!

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