30 and going back into it

[richiedapilot]

Hi Guys
Have just hit 30 a month ago and have decided that I will take a month off to go and finish off my IR. Have already completed CPL in Australia in 2008.

Its funny. I have a very decent job (CE OScar infact) for the largest ecomm company and while I enjoy this, I know the heart lies at FL390. Who said money is everything? Not to me atleast.

How many of us are planning to leave whatever we are doing and heading back up there? I hope I am not too old to join a small charter or an airlines~! Any mixed feelings?

[Thesultanofping]

You're certainly not the only one, 29 and giving it very strong consideration! Starting from scratch though. Going to get my PPL and see where to go from there.

Gave it strong consideration a few years back but the £$£$ put me off, still bored at my job so think its time to give it a proper go.If I do it I will try and fit it around my current job for as long as is reasonable to avoid too much debt. So that should give me some motivation I hope!

Hope it goes well for you!

[Big Duke 6]

Having researched Heli flying & got my private license I have finally decided to go for it !
Had first flight in 2003 & knew I loved it, only possible to start in 2009. 5 hr round trip by car most weekends for training and nearly 2 years I got my PPL-H.
I work as a mech engineer, deliberated many times on doing this or not. Listen to your gut & follow it !
I am scraping every penny together to start my Heli training 1st May 2013 at Bristow academy.
Two years there then back to do my IR.
Am prepared for hard work & 100% focus, and also mindful of the pitfalls. If you have researched well & covered all possibilities GO FOR IT!
See ye the other side.

[taxistaxing]

I'm also 29 (getting difficult to tell people I'm in my "mid twenties" now :} ) and have decided to take the plunge. I did my PPL a few years back and revalidated it earlier this year, and have been hour building ever since. It's great to be back up there! I've loved every minute of the flying I've done, and learned a great deal this year. It's a cliche to say the ppl is a 'license to learn' but so true.

I'm about to finish off my night rating, and studying for the ATPLs through distance learning (my hour building is finished bar the qualifier). I will be doing the CPL next year if all goes to plan. I'll then either go straight into the MEIR, or take a break, maybe do the instructor rating as I'd like to instruct part time.

Where this is all going to lead, I don't know! I'm hoping that starting at the bottom of the market is a gamble that will pay off, and maybe things will be better in one or two years on the jobs front. We shall see.

[bleeke]

Wish I never did.

[phil_socata]

Exactly the same situation, although not CEO, just middle management :) ...

I'm 29, have been flying privately for 7 years and started ATPL theory in summer. Planning to do my exams in spring 2013, then all the practical training within 6 to 8 weeks.

And then the really hard part will start, finding some flying job. I'm fully aware that the job market in continental Europe is looking even bleaker now than in the past 2 or 3 years.

Had I done the full commercial rating back in 2005, I may have well profited from the hiring boom back then :{. On the other hand, now I too know that money is not everything, and that knowledge alone is worth a lot.

So yes, "just do it":ok:.

[phil_socata]

Bleeke, sorry to hear that.

Why exactly? No job, bad job ... ?

[downwind24]

Guys , I started commercial training at 34 and instruct full time now. I too had a very successful career and gave it all up a couple of years ago for the love of aviation.

Money isn't everything , something that I only discovered after leaving the stress behind.

A guy my Dad knows was offered Heli training in the 80's for free but kept in his 'safe' financial advisers job. He has regretted every day since , in his words.

[Superpilot]

I am you guys a few years on. My warning to you all is don't think the benefit of having lived a different life and healthy cash reserves leave you better suited to make a good decision about what's right for you going forward.

Been flying private since 18, CPL and IR at 27, then continued to work in my old industry whilst contemplating how to get hired whilst I watched pubescent young things from CTC and Oxford walk straight into jet jobs. In the end I had to SSTR and even buy some line training despite rejecting the idea for many years.

I also used to think money was not everything but that changed after I spent everything I had ever earned. Most of my earnings actually went on supporting the lifestyle my missus and kids had gotten used to during the good times (you can’t take it away once you give it to them). This was because I failed to make a single penny out of 1 year of being "employed" by two airlines. I used to make £350 per day and yep, I lost all my riches in the process of chasing this dream and would be in debt right now if I didn't sell my shares and car. Think wisely fellas. “Money isn’t everything” is just a cliché especially when you’re heading into your 30s with a tonne of baggage behind you.

[window-seat]

It's good to have some life experience behind you, and I know loads of guys who only started flying after several years in another profession (including myself). Aviation is a very fickle industry and far from secure. Having something to fall back on if required is very valuable in this day and age.

The other thing which it does do, is make you appreciate your flying job alot more. I'd hate to go back to the Mon-Fri 9-5 rat race, but at least I could to keep a roof over my head if I had too! Theres an awful lot of pilots who no nothing else other than how to get an aircraft from A to B.

[B200Drvr]

I got my Comm at 32, gave up a 13 year career in casino's at management level and never looked back, now 13 years later, I am a G550 Capt. All I can say is don't follow the trend, think outside the box a little and be prepared for a few sacrifices that are well worth the pay off!!
Good luck.

[richiedapilot]

Fellas
Many thanks for the reply.

Agreed with all the comments. Joined pprune 10 years ago and am surprised to see the change in my own tone. Yes, age does play a factor and being a well rounded person is an important trait for a pilot with life experience behind. Dont get me started. Wife left 2 years ago coz I was too depressed not flying etc etc.

How was the change? Leaving desk job behind to head back to training and in the hunt for a job? I am planning to take a month off early next year for the IR module and no way am leaving work. Not that stupid anymore. Even 2 years ago I would have done it but money is everything, I agree :}

[Flying Mechanic]

I got my CPL when i was 26， but first flying job at nearly 31.
My advice to anyone is to knock on doors, and don't give up! Perseverance pays off, and be ready for knocks/setbacks.

I knocked on doors in 3 countries, each time I got a jobs, after hanging around.I had my first formal interview when I was 37 and 4500 hours TT, that was for an airline, never got it, it took 4 more airlines, before i got in.

Be prepared to network and make friends, don't make enemies, it's too small of a world.

My goal was to fly a heavy jet and I achieved that and ticked the box, a few years ago I went corporate , and really enjoy the job/lifestyle/people, everybody finds there niche.

[factor-x]

I've read the topic and also all the answers you guys posted and I want to share a little bit of my own personal story with aviation.

I started flying back in 2006 at the age of 22 and got my PPL in Jan. of 2007. Then I started doing commercial but had to stop for financial reasons since I started having problems with my dad who was funding my training. In 2008 after making up with my father I managed to go back and complete ground school for commercial and instruments, and I finally got the CPL with IR on March 1st of 2010 at age 26.

Main problem was that now my dad was under major financial woes and could no longer help me further my training. So I started working a call center job (since it requires no skills and they provide new hire training) to help out around the house and to support myself, because our financial situation was not good, even though in the previous years we did enjoy a pretty good quality of life.

So fast forward to 2012, and I was still working the same job, doing the best I could and showing up everyday on time, and even though the situation was hard and the job was tedious I kept my mouth shut and didnt complain, for I new that I was able to ride it out and I would spread my wings again. My performance was so good that I was promoted within the company, and started making a good salary that gave me access to credit and now this current month of November 2012, I got myself current on instruments and I started doing some time building and I'm also getting my Multi Engine rating.

Going back to the airport and getting back on an airplane and to be able to be at 6000 feet looking down is priceless. Like Da Vinci said "for once you have tasted flight you will walk with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you will long to return."

Now that I look back and I am able to see all the obstacles I've had to overcome and the effort I'm putting into this I can tell you guys that its well worth it to pursue your dreams.

I'm currently 29 and yes I do get that feeling that I'm falling behind all those kids who have had the good fortune of being able to undergo flight training without stopping due to family or financial reasons. But I cant be that hard on myself, the circumstances will be different for each and everyone of us. I do belive that things are what you make of them. I'm out there trying to make my own opportunity. I'll keep you guys posted to let you know how I'm doing. Maybe this story can motivate some of you folks.

[richiedapilot]

factor,
great post.

with you on that about everyone's circumstances being different. i just wanted to hear from people who have fought it all the way and whether they ended up with a flying job or not is irrelevant. I don't think not being able to fly is going to kill us (perhaps mentally ) , but as you said, "for once you have tasted flight you will walk with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you will long to return."

Guys, out of topic, but what do you think is a good place to go and finish off my IR? South Africa/Canada? Australia is where i did my CPL from and it's bloody expensive. Also, not really keen on heading back downunder.

Basically need to do some remedial (out of action for 2 years) + IR + license conversion.

[clunk1001]

my dad who was funding my training

my dad was under major financial woes

in the previous years we did enjoy a pretty good quality of life

I am able to see all the obstacles I've had to overcome


Factor-X, your post makes it pretty clear who overcame the obstacles.


Flying isnt hard, paying for it is hard.

[factor-x]

Factor-X, your post makes it pretty clear who overcame the obstacles.
Flying isnt hard, paying for it is hard.Agree with you clunk1001, paying for training is the hardest part. But if we really want it then I'm sure we will find ways to make it happen like I did.

And yes alot of credit has to go to my dad for funding a huge chunk of my flight training, practically all of it. However one thing that I learned from the old man is perseverance and to be proactive.

He said to me one day: "son, yours is what you have in your pockets. Stop thinking with my pockets (his money) and start thinking about your own pockets."

The point I was trying to make by mentioning that I started working a call center gig (which is my current job) is that unless you go to college (which I did once I started working) then flight training on its own will not give you any really marketable skills.

Before flight training I had 2 years of college but no degree. So when I was out there on the job market I had aviation industry specific training but nothing that could give me a decent paying job in the aviation industry or in any other industry either. So the only jobs available to me were "customer service jobs."

Its also really ackward to submit a resume and list pilot ratings for something totally unrelated. As a matter of fact my current employer was reluctant to give me a chance. He said "why are you applying for a job here if the airport is right across the street" and "are you sure you will be happy here?"

So needless to say I had to explain in detail my current situation for that moment in time, and after stopping to think about it the guy shook my hand and told me to come in next monday for new hire training.

I've learned alot from this experience, and while I was away from flying I decided to go back to college to complete a degree, I decided for a 4 year degree in "Transportation & Logistics Engineering". So far I've completed my freshman year. Logistics is a pretty huge field down here in Panama City, Panama.

So the thing I learned is that there will be ups and there will be downs, you never know when life will take an unexpected turn on you, we just have to roll with the punches, smile and look at things on the bright side, even though some situations are extremely difficult and very painful to digest.

If something should happen like the airline or company you're flying for shuts down for whatever reason, or suddenly you fail a medical test and you cannot fly anymore then you really want to have something to fall back on. I can just imagine how difficult it must be for someone who only knows how to take an airplane from point A to point B not to be able to do it anymore.

[factor-x]

I just wanted to comment that I succesfully passed my multiengine checkride on a Piper Seneca 2.

Best wishes to all!

[Langeveldt]

I enjoyed your posts Factor.. I'm in a similar position, basically through being a bit of a tool and partying too hard in my early 20's it's taken me ages to get my hours done.. Now I find myself without a degree, working a job I hate to get my MEIR.

I don't have too many regrets though, I feel that once employed and having tasted a job that I absolutely loathe every day to get to where I am I'll value that first flying contract a lot more..

[portos8]

Richiedapilot,

I have been battling to get funds together to do the ATPL theory in Europe, let alone the actual flying:ugh:

Managed to get current and do the MEP by going to Eastern Europe. You might want to have a look there too. Maybe best to wait till April as all countries will be EASA as then there should be no discussion anymore whether training is approved or not, just check the approval of the FTO.

Know for sure though that the UK accepts training and testing done there for ratings and recurrency training:D

[factor-x]

I enjoyed your posts Factor.. I'm in a similar position, basically through being a bit of a tool and partying too hard in my early 20's it's taken me ages to get my hours done.. Now I find myself without a degree, working a job I hate to get my MEIR.

I don't have too many regrets though, I feel that once employed and having tasted a job that I absolutely loathe every day to get to where I am I'll value that first flying contract a lot more..

Langeveldt, I totally relate to the way you feel.

I'm getting closer to the moment in which I'll take the plunge and quit my current job. I'll start CFI and CFII training sometime in January, so most likely as soon as I get those ratings and after securing my instructor job I'll just bid my current job farewell.

I currently feel like a bird in a cage, but that will come to an end soon. :)

[Cwmbranman]

hi ( wow new to this forum stuff) hope someone can supply soem honest advice !!
I had to pullout of a fulltiem triaing course in Jerez 10 years ago (family ill etc) and 42 now/ Still got the desire to do it and just renewed class 1 medical .
I woudl also be giving up work/salary as a surveyor !!!!
I went to the recent Training seminar in london But was advised :-.
Oxford - past 36 yrs old theycould not get me a job anywhere:=
CtC were a bit less abrupt and advised it was possible to get employment and they had a trainee who was over 40 currently !
(but first child on the way tho and not sure aboutgoing to new zealand for 7 months!!)
The CFI at my local flying school said dont do it full time and do it modular as it leades to same qualification and i can keep working part time!!
and got Gloucester aeros and bristopl ground school nearby

My concern is that it may take longer and i wont be back in the classroom which i think would be better for me!

Could anyone advise if they know of anyone over 40 who has completed fulltime school or done it modular etc ? thanks:sad:

[119.35]

With some dedication, you can qualify quicker by going modular than you can integrated. But if self study away from a classroom environment is a problem eg Bristol GS etc, then you are reducing your options.

Another question you have to ask yourself is if you are lucky and get a job at some point after qualifying, can you support your family on an annual income that realistically will be circa £15k to £25k? A jet job is unlikely and Ryanair is a no go. What sort of flying job / companies would you target post qualification?

Can you go back to surveying post qualification whilst job hunting?

[Cwmbranman]

hi ther e
im new to thsi forum thin g
but saw your post
please cna you advis e
as ive ben told be some flying schools that im too old to go to a flight school and wont get any job?
ctc did however diasgree with this ! and my cfi in cardiff advised do it modular save money but also im confuses as aslo then told i stand more chance of job if i do a full residential course!!!:ugh:

I would be int in heavy jets/OR CORPORATE

is ok ?
many thanks

[richiedapilot]

Hi Langeveldt
Same bloody story. Bit of a party animal in my 20s, then saw the harsh part of life, toughened up and am now okay job and cash wise.

Now, the missus doesnt want me to fly, I have the cash to finish my IR and have 4 businesses that are operating successfully....HELL!

Anyway, see you guys up there someday. Thanks for all the good stuff guys. Happy landings.

[factor-x]

Ok guys, so just to keep you updated, today I went to my local CAA office and picked up my license with my multiengine rating add on printed on the back of it!

I cant tell you how happy I feel. I'm trying to figure out what to give myself to celebrate!

[Halfbaked_Boy]

factor-x, I think you should take your dad out to the local and get pi**ed :ok:

You're definitely not alone in your conquest to date, if that offers some solace!

[richiedapilot]

factor, great to hear that buddy!

[factor-x]

Already secured my first interview this upcoming Thursday, December 13th. I'll let you know how that one goes. Its to fly Senecas and C-172's.

[factor-x]

Thanks for your support guys it really means a lot to me!

[factor-x]

I have decided to go the flight instructor route to build up time and make the career change that I need.

Already paid for the groundschool and I'm reading through the Instructor books to take the exams and then do the right seat hours and the flight instructors practical test.

I'm doing CFI and CFII.

The local flight school will give me a job as an instructor so I'll be able to bid farewell to my current job and focus on my flying career. I'll also be able to build up the time that the airlines require.

It's all happening guys!

[fwjc]

I did the ATPL theory part time whilst working two jobs (one full time and the other around 5-10 hours per week). I started studying in my late thirties and completed the whole set start to finish in about 13 months. Clearly this is longer than sitting them full time, but there's no way I can afford to be without an income for 6 months.

It is entirely do-able distance learning, but it isn't easy. I would like to have had the luxury of being able to have the knowledge spoon-fed to me, so if you can afford to do things that way, then go for it. If not, it's not the end of the world; you just have to work that little bit harder.

There's no promise of a job at the end, though, so be sure you really want to do it and don't burn any bridges on the way.

[GuilhasXXI]

I started my ATPL course in September and there Is a guy in my class who is 32 and has a child, I doubt it can´t get any harder than that, he works at the Portuguese Air Force as the F-16´s chief of maintenance, leaves the hangar just before ATPL classes start (our classes go from 6p.m. to 9p.m.) leaves at 9 o´clock, gets home and still has a child to take care of, goes to sleep and he starts the next day at 6 a.m. back to the hangar. I´ve been told that unless he´s really into it and just don´t get tired, he´ll will either take a lot longer than us (other ATPL collegues) or won´t make it... Oh and btw, we´ve got another 29 year old ladie and a 30 year old dude at our class...
But back to your case, I´m sure your perfectly in time to become a airline pilot, don´t give up :)

[b.a. Baracus]

I don't think training at late twenties / early 30s is that uncommon. Reason being that it is only usually at that age when most people have gathered the sufficient funds. Regarding distance learning ATPL ground school, it is very do-able but does require commitment.

[taxistaxing]

I don't think training at late twenties / early 30s is that uncommon. Reason being that it is only usually at that age when most people have gathered the sufficient funds. Regarding distance learning ATPL ground school, it is very do-able but does require commitment.


I would completely agree with that. At my DL school I've been pleasantly surprised by the mix of ages of ATPL exam candidates. I had expected to be one of the oldest at 29, but many are in their 30s and some even in their 40s/50s.

I think it's a combination of getting the funds together, getting a bit cynical about your current career and realising that if flying is what you want to do you need to act, rather than just dreaming about doing it in the future and putting it off.

[Feedmemore]

Whatever your age, join the line of unemployed pilots....
And be ready to feed the bank the rest of your miserable life by working at tesco


Go head with your childish dream...:D