How old is too old?

[SuperGuppy]

Hi there,

How old would someone have to be to be too old to start a flying career? Obviously there is no real limit to a persons age wrt ratings etc but at what age does a new ATPL become unemployable?

Personally I'm of the opinion that this point would be reached in the early 30's but I'm sure someone out there will disagree.

[Iz]

Depends on your geographic location! I think the max age is sooner reached in Europe than in the US. Due to different flying cultures I think. In Europe, it's not uncommon to see a 20-year old 200-hour pilot become FO with a major, in the US it's much more self-improver type piloting that's going on.

[skywatcher]

I suppose it depends on supply and demand. However I know of someone how has just got a job with an airline at 50. He got himself through the ATPL stuff and went for it. He was a Flying Instructor at a local club before that. This should be insperation for the older chaps. If you want it bad, you'll make it happen.

[Mr Magoo]

Well I'm 38 and got my frozen ATPL last week. The first set of CVs went out monday and I got my first PFO letter back today!

I do expect to get a flying job - when though is anyones guess!!

[411A]

Have always wondered, what prey tell is a "frozen" ATPL? We don't have them in the USA. You either have an ATPL or you don't.

[Jim lovell]

411A a frozen ATPL is simply when you have a CPL/Multi IFR and have passed all ATPL theory examinations. It doesn't matter how many hours you got- you can have a frozen ATPL with 200 hours but it doesn't become a "full ATPL" until you reach 1500 hrs TT.