Non-airline jobs for the older pilot
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Hanging around Barton
Non-airline jobs for the older pilot
Just getting to the end of CPL - already have the MEIR, Class 1 medical, good ATPL scores, plus sign offs for SLOP, glass, tailwheel, .
At my age (51) my life will not suit airline rostering. I'd love to fly A330s/B737s but no one is going to offer me terms which satisfy both parties.
With the commercial ticket, I want (arguably need) a "proper" job, i.e., paid PIC hours. I'm just not sure what that job will be or how I find it.
I think I slot nicely into roles others want to move on from, e.g., younger folks wanting to move onto airlines.
If you exclude the airlines, where would you start?
Who should I call?
(I'm not entertaining the FI route….yet.)
At my age (51) my life will not suit airline rostering. I'd love to fly A330s/B737s but no one is going to offer me terms which satisfy both parties.
With the commercial ticket, I want (arguably need) a "proper" job, i.e., paid PIC hours. I'm just not sure what that job will be or how I find it.
I think I slot nicely into roles others want to move on from, e.g., younger folks wanting to move onto airlines.
If you exclude the airlines, where would you start?
Who should I call?
(I'm not entertaining the FI route….yet.)
Joined: Apr 2012
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 400
Likes: 18
From: UK
I was chatting with one of the aerial survey/calibration fellows recently and quite a lot of the work he's doing is at night and abroad. Really interesting stuff but not necessarily an easy lifestyle.
I got the impression that day trips with a short haul carrier would allow more time at home and swapping for either permanent earlies or permanent lates would make it easier to deal with fatigue.
I got the impression that day trips with a short haul carrier would allow more time at home and swapping for either permanent earlies or permanent lates would make it easier to deal with fatigue.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Hanging around Barton
Thanks folks, good ideas for the inevitable spreadsheet.
I'd take the night survey work I think if it was an option. I'm aware I'm starting at the bottom. The skills I've acquired elsewhere over the years will be useful but perhaps when I'm in the job, rather than getting it in the first place.
I'd take the night survey work I think if it was an option. I'm aware I'm starting at the bottom. The skills I've acquired elsewhere over the years will be useful but perhaps when I'm in the job, rather than getting it in the first place.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 2,901
Likes: 31
From: MAN. UK.
Demand for pilots does seem to be very high right now so don't rule out a jet job without trying. That said, I can tell you that it's very tiring and you're likely to lead a very miserable life in your early career (I spent over forty years sitting in various Boeings so please don't tell me what a fabulous and enriching job it is!) 
What I am finding in conversation with many who have qualified and looked elsewhere is that commuter turboprops have offered an ideal mix of stable lifestyle and adequate income. None of those pilots regret not going to the LoCo's. You might try the likes of Aurigny and Loganair for starters, especially as the latter have a program aimed at returning retired crew to the skies. Whilst you won't qualify for that it does show they don't have an age issue.
Loganair Returner Scheme.
What I am finding in conversation with many who have qualified and looked elsewhere is that commuter turboprops have offered an ideal mix of stable lifestyle and adequate income. None of those pilots regret not going to the LoCo's. You might try the likes of Aurigny and Loganair for starters, especially as the latter have a program aimed at returning retired crew to the skies. Whilst you won't qualify for that it does show they don't have an age issue.
Loganair Returner Scheme.
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 359
Likes: 221
From: Yorkshire
51 is not too old -- I had a 54 year-old student once who went straight into an airline (turboprop) and retired as a captain.
Have a serious look at the regional airlines. (I started in AirUK as a first officer on the Fokker 50 at 39, and thoroughly enjoyed it -- we had a good turn out at our annual reunion last month.) I actually advise all new pilots to start with regional airlines as the experience is extremely valuable, both in memories and aviation skills.
Many other good choices have been mentioned above.
Most important: Enjoy your flying!!!
Have a serious look at the regional airlines. (I started in AirUK as a first officer on the Fokker 50 at 39, and thoroughly enjoyed it -- we had a good turn out at our annual reunion last month.) I actually advise all new pilots to start with regional airlines as the experience is extremely valuable, both in memories and aviation skills.
Many other good choices have been mentioned above.
Most important: Enjoy your flying!!!
