Hi All,
I wanted to ask this question, predominantly aimed at those who have recently completed ATPL training and those who have recently gained employment, as well as those who have been flying on the line for a few years now.
Background: I'm 30, turning 31, have a good amount of aviation experience since uni (Aero Eng & Airline Management), PPL, currently employed in a very interesting role within the airline industry and have saved up enough money in order to commence full-time Integrated training at one of the home flight schools.
Why integrated? I live abroad, outside the UK and any such flying training is not available here and because of work, I don't have adequate time to study for the ATPL groundschool in my spare time.
Situation: I've wanted to fly (as a career) my whole life. I still do. Finances and a medical "blip" a few years ago (all clear by EASA/CAA now) held me back, else I would have ideally started out on this career path 10 years ago.
I'm well aware that it's not easy at all getting a first job in the RHS of a jet. I'm also acutely aware of the major change in lifestyle that comes with changing career, going to the bottom of the ladder, salary 1/5 of what I get now etc. However, flying really is my passion and it's difficult to consider anything else as a career in the long-term. I'm also aware that at 31, age may cause an issue at some point, so don't want to leave it much longer to get going.
Advice Needed: I know none of us have a crystal ball and able to predict what the future may be, especially in this industry, but my mini (personal) dilemma now is whether to commence training this summer, or hold off a year. I've just been offered another position in the airline which is really interesting (and very related to fleets/flying) and I think I'd really enjoy it, so don't know whether to do this for a year and commence training when the economy has had a little longer to pick up, or just start training now. If I start now, I'll be completed by end of 2014 and 32 years old; if I wait a year, end 2015 and approaching 33.
So my question: What would you recommend, considering age, economic (hiring) situation etc? Will another year old be a big problem (I want to make this a career...shorthaul FO - Capt - longhaul FO - longhaul Capt - shorthaul Capt
)
Cheers. Appreciate there are many unknowns, but don't want to let my heart make too many uncalculated risks, that's all.