Leaving everything for becoming an airline pilot.

[Ricardo72]

Hi all. I am 38 years old. I've been gathering information for a commercial pilot myself, I am in contact with aviation schools around the world and most tell me that my age is no handicap to become a pilot. could someone please advise? I am ready to quit my job and ask for a credit but do not want to risk everything for a dream. thanks

[MetoPower]

... most tell me that my age is no handicap ...and ask for a credit but do not want to risk everything for a dream. thanks

Of course, they will all provide the same answer,... they are ready to cash in your money!!!!!
Have they informed one of the criteria that companies use to hire pilots is an age versus experience (Flying hours)??? At 38 I doubt you will make it.

Buy yourself a appartment or a house, at least you have less chance to waste your cash.

[redsnail]

You are not too old to get a CPL etc but you may be too old to get a decent return on your investment. You'll be 40 or so by the time you finish and yes, you'll have approx 20 years of professional flying left but unless you have a separate source of income/savings for your retirement, there's a real risk you'll be poor into your old age.

I am sure you don't want that.

If you could do it debt free and still keep your house, why not, but you're talking about loans, so I would advise caution.

Flying schools are a business. They couldn't care less about what happens to you post training.

[captainsuperstorm]

good time to start your training(i got 6 jobs these last 3 months and all copilot I know are hired and all are very rich afterr 2 years working for us), would you be interested for CPL+A320+ line training for 190'000 euro only.

PM me for more info and I will tell you where to go after your payment.
I will be your agent! and cash 30%, ehehe!!:E

credit card? I prefer cash!!:E

[wingstwo]

Read your post and was tempted to write back with my experience till now.
I am 39 Yrs and currently hold a valid CPL (FAA- ME/IR, SE/IR and DGCA- ME/IR (India)). I had got the same when I was 37 Yrs of age in 2009 mid, with all Indian DGCA requirements met and license converted. I reside in India. Currently all airlines in India are publishing a maximum cut-off age of 35 yrs for FO intake. And so are some of the ASEAN airlines as well. You can check the same at their respective websites (Jet Airways, Indigo etc.). I had quit my successful corporate career to fly. However, given the above, I have not been invited for any of the written examinations by any airline. Pre-recession, till about 2007-08 things were different in India and anyone with a CPL would get picked up. Like any other business, it is demand and supply afterall. So I'd suggest be careful, and do fly only for the flying and not just for getting an Airline job. Rest is obviously to the best of your judgement. Wish you luck.

[Ricardo72]

Thanks for your advice, even though I'm still full of doubts. Time goes very quickly and I would not lose that valuable time in making a decision. Another question I have and I'm sure someone has already asked is: if I decide to do the pilot course which course would be more appropriate integrated or modular and why ????? thank you very much and your advice will be very welcome.

[KAG]

I am ready to quit my job and ask for a credit
This sentence itself doesn't sound too good...

The advantage to start late is to avoid a loan.

I mean, you are working and you are 38 years old? You should had saved during all this time for your training! You haven't? So forget about it, as simple as that.


becoming an airline pilot.

Your career plan looks like a dream you had last night.
You should be motivated to become a pilot, not an "airline pilot". What about small airplanes?

Get a loan and buy a second house (or appartment), do not buy a CPL.
Or, if you want to invest in your future, why not a master or MBA? What is your actual job?

I answer you: don't do it.

However I don't know you, you could be flying a wide body 5 years from now and enjoy it who knows, you wouldn't be the first one, your age isn't really a problem, so that's up to you.


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Ever heard about the oil and debt crisis?????? Think twice................

[McNulty]

Lesson number 1: Don't listen to anything the flying schools tell you - all they want is your money and will promise you the world to get their hands on it.

In my experience your age will not definately stop you from landing a job, its not unheard of for 40 year olds to get a job. However for many jobs it will be looked at as a disadvantage whether they admit it or not (equal opportunities and all that).

Can't say I recommend it to be honest, especially if you have to get a loan.

However if you do decide to go ahead with it I truly wish you the very best of luck in finding a job.

[zondaracer]

At your age, leaving a well paying job for a flying career could be financial suicide. Why don't you join a local flying club and get your private license, and maybe your instrument rating? Flying general aviation for pleasure is quite enjoyable if you ask me.

[wangus]

Ricardo,
Please read one of my earlier responses to somebody else's question.

Hello there,
I hate to say it, but you ask if you are being a little naive? I think the answer is yes. That is NOT a criticism, rather my opinion. Let me expand. I went into the aviation world with a university degree in business studies, 3 years mangement experience in the UK's 2nd largest tour operator, and 2 years in the hospitality industry in management. I then worked for an airline handling agent, and learned all aspects on the industry from check-in, to operations, ramp/ground handling, and ultimately became a flight despatcher. During my time with the handling agent, I completed the Frozen ATPL, and made numerous contacts in the industry, mainly senior flight crew, whom I would call friends today. I was then made redundant last year. I have been qualified for over 3 years, and have never secured an interview. Age now, 37.
Outside of aviation, your action plan would probably show forethought, competence, and make sense.
Inside aviation, total hours / experience are problem #1. But read the posts of 3500 hours TT type rated crew on here looking for work. Even hours cannot guarantee anything. I think the luck factor, and money to BURN if you P2F are the only things helping a 250 hours newbie (like me as well). I will not P2F, but I have a lovely wife, no debt, and realise that maybe it's not meant to be.
To conclude, read every post by WWW. It can be a brutal journey with no job at the end. I hope you can appreciate I write this in good faith......