a question of age

[chock2chock]

I guess it's one of those questions that I'm afraid to ask for fear of hearing something I won't like. I'm 28 and I intend on starting with my ppl this year, with the intention of being 'commercial' within the next 2.5 years. I was talking to a pilot here in trinidad, and he told me to "forget about it" and choose another career, as the chances of getting a job in the region are slim due too my age. How true is this?

[Arturo Lan]

Hello,

I`m 28 too, I have a PPL and IFR. I am working towards my CPL.

My advise (just my personal opinion), is that you should do what you like. If aviation is your passion, go for it. I would rather do that than be miserable for the rest of my life thinking "What if....?".
I do not think you are too old. Most countries are now changing their retirement age to 65, that leaves you with more than 30 years of flying ahead.

I don`t know what your situation is, if you are married or have kids, you would have to consider that too. It`s not impossible to get a flying job, but you probably won`t get hired by major airlines and earn big money after coming out of school. It takes some time and effort to get there. The question there would be, are you willing to put your family through that situation? Would they be OK with it? Is there another income source in the meantime? etc. So take that into account. But if you are still single, no kids, then I say you should work towards your goal!!!!

Again, this is just my opinion!

Best of luck in your flying career,
Arturo.

[Panama Jack]

While I agree with what Arturo Lan has to say, I think I can also understand where your friend in Trinidad may be coming from. Keep in mind that in Trinidad, pilots of the former-BWIA have seen their careers fall on hard times, and many have moved overseas (the US for those that have the right of abode there, many more to places in Asia-- from the sands of Arabia to the Pacific coastline.

The worldwide trend foresees continued longterm growth in civil aviation, albeit in other parts of the world, however, I believe that this growth combined with a fact that not as many pilots are training (due to the high costs), less optimistic career expectations, and a continued retirement or permanent attrition of current pilots leaves for opportunities in the future even at "home." These opportunities may just not be as good as they used to be.

If it is something you really want to do, go for it, however, keep in mind that you may encounter difficult times and the "glory days" for pilots in Trinidad may well be history.

[cochise]

Here here! Well said. Even though we are living your words "glory days" for pilots in Trinidad may well be history." I would not change my career for the world!
If you want it go for it. Airlines are not really following the old thought of only hiring 21 year olds. I can only speak from my own experience and from what I have seen they have hired mature pilots with "life" experience. There have been young pilots with plenty time that have gotten turned down over an older candidate with less time and a solid professional attitude.
Trinidad is a small fish bowl! I cannot stress enough how important networking is in the Caribbean. It landed me both of my flying jobs in the region. Get out there and meet people.
Good luck

[chock2chock]

Arturo, Panama, Cochise I am overwhelmed by your quick responses! I really appreciate it. I was thinking somewhat along the same lines. While I am prepared to not look at what lies ahead of me through 'rose tinted sunglasses'. I do believe in myself and that I can do it (sounds corny eh?). I was led to believe - no, no, - i shouldn't put it that way because I didn't really believe anyway (was a little troubled though), that here in Trinidad we are still living in somehat colonial times, and that the attitudes of the days of old are still very much alive in aviation. He went on to tell me that as a (not so young) black man like myself, here it is very hard to get into aviation- especially BW. In short he said that I had it all going against me- age, race and where the industry is heading (he said down obviously:suspect: ) with the current situation with CAL and LIAT/Star. He also went on to tell me that if i couldn't afford to go staright through to commercial training from the start, that it didn't make sense --forget about it!

But is T&T the be all and end all of aviation in the Caribbean? Do my options start and end here. I was under the impression That there was more commercial aviation in OECS states together than in Trinidad alone (not including Helo ops). Anyway, though I was troubled for a short time by what he said, It only made me want it even more.

P.S. I'm not married nor have children---yet:uhoh: .

[Arturo Lan]

Chock2Chock,

What this guy told you kind of reminds me of a quote from the movie "Pursuit of Happiness" with Will Smith. He says to his son something like: "Don´t ever let anyone tell you that you can´t do something. When people can´t do something themselves, they will try to tell you that you can´t do it". I think it´s so true!!!
Probably this guy you talk about was not able to get what he really wanted and now he´s bumming other people out.
Maybe he is trying to help and his intentions were not to bum you out, but I would not listen to those comments :-)

So I say, go for it. Don´t listen to people who try to tell you you can´t do something. Yes, it will be tough at times, but if you really want it, you should work to get it!!!!! And since you are not married yet, you´re in a good position to go through the tough part now without affecting your partner.

Best,
Arturo

[GlueBall]

. . . And just be reminded that Colonel Sanders [KFC] didn't get started until age 66 :8

[Gooneyone]

Go for it. An update as to the situation here in the OECS. Even though the LIAT/Star "merger" will seemingly put quite a few pilots on the job market, there is a strong suspicion that the new entity will be forced to recruit by about July. This is based on the number of pilots leaving the region for Japan / Africa etc.
The situation is very fluid and only time will tell.
Get your resumes in now!!

[chock2chock]

Cheers for the thumbs up everyone, It may just be what I want to hear, but anyway to hell with that! That was actiually my first attemt at networking, well, I guess that you don't always hear what you want to hear. Like they say- "plenty more fish in the sea" or should I say "birds in the air"

cheers
chock

[tropical wave]

chock2chock,
I'm afraid you're out of touch in your own country.A black man has a better chance in getting a flying job than any one else.Keep trying and it will all come together, and most of all, keep your ears to the ground.We all went through the same, trying to get a job.Cheers.

[chock2chock]

A bit, out of touch? Probably. I haven't lived here for most of my life. That was spent about 90 miles furher north in Grenada.(which shouldn't be that much different anyway) It can be a little disconcerting when you hear this sort of advice from a "Professional". Well, like you said, no reason to dwell over it-- pinch of salt in the jetwash;)

thank you

[Doc 4]

Started my PPL when was 38, its all possible. Will be harder to find a job, i am flying as freelance ferry pilot, not the best, but a lot of adventure

go for it

[meaw]

chock2chock,

I fly for a major airline and I have friends and co-workers that used to be engineers,doctors,lawyers,construction workers,flight attendants,mechanics,dispatchers and all decided in their early to to even late thirties to follow their dreams of being pilots.All fly jets for major airlines today.
As for that pilot that told you it couldn't be done...just remember to surround yourself with like-minded positive people and never give up.
I have seen it done successfully many times before.
I say go for it and good luck.

[chock2chock]

Wow! the encouragement just keeps on comin' thanks guys:ok:

[Nubboy]

If you want it enough, go for it.

Its YOUR life. YOU call the shots.

I didn't start til I was 34, then took me 4 years to get my first commercial job.
The Gulf war (first) completely killed recruiting in the UK for several years. From there it took another 4 years to get a UK major airline, then jet command in 2 years.

But the man's right. Networking and seeking out the jobs is the hard part. Getting the licences were relatively easy (though expensive) in comparison to getting that first job.