Originally Posted by
diarmuid
Question here relates to which carriers would hire a self-funded modular frozen ATPL pilot, especially if he did not go through the few select shiny ATOs [I have a 'non-shiny ATO' nearby]? ManFlex40 Lists several carriers including EasyJet and Ryanair. My research so far suggests such carriers only like pilots from the shiny ATOs, so wondering if the situation has changed in recent times?
This is largely a myth pushed by those shiny ATOs in order to fill their courses. Yes, certain integrated schools have agreements to supply cadets to airlines, but in the current climate there is plenty of hiring of modular cadets across the industry. Finished my training at one of those modular ATOs earlier this year and plenty if not most of the guys I trained alongside now have flying jobs.
In total honesty I'd say you're probably just at the tipping point where your age may start to work against you in a hiring situation, but as long as you have the flying qualifications, a full CV and plenty of life experience to bring to the table, I'd suggest you stand just as strong a chance if not moreso than a 20 year old fresh out of flight school who's never had a job. I also came from another profession and felt fairly strong in the interviews as I was able to advertise a lot of aviation relevant skills that I would not otherwise have had. Ended up with job offers from two LCCs and got to choose between them, a combination of right place right time and putting your best foot forward whenever possible.
I'd just say be aware of the lifestyle sacrifices you will have to make for flying to be your job. There are many implications regarding time at home, unsociable and unpredicatable working hours, commuting that will impact someone with a settled family far more than a younger free spirit.