FTE - Practical max age on entry
 

I'm trying to make some life choices, and would be interested in the opinion of some of the experienced flight test people on here.

To give some background: I originally qualified as an aeronautical engineer, and worked in the industry for a few years. During a major downturn I could not get work, and ended up requalifying in the financial world. I worked in corporate finance for several years, but always felt a passion for aviation. About 15 years ago I resigned from a lucrative position in order to return to aeronautics, with the particular aim of qualifying as a flight test engineer. Lacking the funds for a formal training course, I took positions with various companies that promised on-the-job training. Sadly these have proved empty promises - and although I now have a lot of aeronautical engineering experience, I am also about to turn 50.

I am now faced with life choices - abandon aviation, or persevere. One does not succeed by giving up, but there is also the reality that in 15 years I have yet to even get a real entry level position. Being in Australia the options are somewhat limited, but even overseas I believe that my age is now going to count against me.

Realistically, am I going to find an entry level FTE position at 50?

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