To check the status as well as manage your Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits, click here.

According to RAND, a nonprofit research group, over the next two decades the commercial airline industry is on pace to hire pilots at record numbers in order to replace its aging workforce. Additionally, they found many major airlines are increasing pilots’ pay by as much as 20 percent.

They also discovered that military vets who take commercial pilot jobs earn 10 to 15 percent more than their nonveteran counterparts.

“Within five years of leaving the Air Force, a pilot could be earning more than $180,000 per year with a major airline,” said Michael G. Mattock, an economist at RAND.

Anyone who qualifies for the G.I. Bill programs (except if you’re using Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance [DEA]) can use their benefits toward flight training in pursuit of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate — which authorizes someone to be “pilot in command” on scheduled air carrier’s aircraft (commercial airliner).

Besides the G.I. Bill, What Do You Need?

You need at least a private pilot’s license, and a second-class medical certificate valid for second-class privileges, or a first-class medical certificate.

What Benefits Can You Get?

It wholly depends on what G.I. Bill or other educational program you use. For more on the breakdown, as well as a link to apply for G.I. Bill benefits, click here.