QF/ JQ/ VB etc...any older guys getting in??
Thread Starter
QF/ JQ/ VB etc...any older guys getting in??
Hi all,
Just curious....are there any older guys/ girls (say 35+) who have the minimums for the majors getting a look in these days?
Would be kind of nice to hear some success stories.
Happy New Year to all!
Gearup.
Just curious....are there any older guys/ girls (say 35+) who have the minimums for the majors getting a look in these days?
Would be kind of nice to hear some success stories.
Happy New Year to all!
Gearup.
Sprucegoose
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34+ you young whippersnapper...
I know a guy of 47 who has got a start with Jetstar and a 54 year old who has gotten a start with Virgin, only one had previous jet time!
I also know several who have gotten a start with both carriers in their 'mid' forties!
I know a guy of 47 who has got a start with Jetstar and a 54 year old who has gotten a start with Virgin, only one had previous jet time!
I also know several who have gotten a start with both carriers in their 'mid' forties!
Need To Speed
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Wow that's encouraging. I turn the BIG 4 OH this year and am only just finishing my CPL. I was kind of hoping that i would still have a chance in the airlines but wasn't all that positive. All of the OS airlines say experience commensurate with age!!! Also was not sure about giving up the 60K job at Boeing to get a GA job for peanuts or even REX at $40K as a first officer. I just can't afford that with a new baby. At least with my Boeing job i get to play in the 737NG sim at Alteon every few months
There is hope. I will point this out to my wife hehe.
Thread Starter
Hi Marty, I know what you mean...
I was asking because I'm currently 33, and completed most of my flight training up to CPL including ME Endorsement/ Multi CIR and happily now have the House paid off too and no debts.
The whole "experience commensurate with age" thing laid down by the likes of QF had me thinking that it probably wasn't worth trying to pursue things further.
However, the current state of the industry is making me think otherwise.
I'm having a very serious think about doing an Instructors Rating, and Instructing on a casual/part time basis whilst keeping my current work, until I have enough time (between 500- 1000hrs) to be of some use to an operator for a full time gig.
And then- who knows- anything could happen given some predictions for this industry!
The whole "experience commensurate with age" thing laid down by the likes of QF had me thinking that it probably wasn't worth trying to pursue things further.
However, the current state of the industry is making me think otherwise.
I'm having a very serious think about doing an Instructors Rating, and Instructing on a casual/part time basis whilst keeping my current work, until I have enough time (between 500- 1000hrs) to be of some use to an operator for a full time gig.
And then- who knows- anything could happen given some predictions for this industry!
Seasonally Adjusted
Also was not sure about giving up the 60K job at Boeing to get a GA job for peanuts
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Supply and demand. When the airlines are in desperate need of drivers (as seems to be the case at present), they'll take whoever they can get - within reason of course. When airlines don't need drivers, well it really won't make too much difference what your age and experience levels are.
FYI, obtained my CPL at age 27, and landed my first gig with a major airline after 11 years in G.A. But then I had the misfortune of entering the industry at a time when supply definitely exceeded demand. Timing is everything...
FYI, obtained my CPL at age 27, and landed my first gig with a major airline after 11 years in G.A. But then I had the misfortune of entering the industry at a time when supply definitely exceeded demand. Timing is everything...
Need To Speed
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Thanks guys,
very encouraging indeed. I'm only newly married with an 18 month old daughter as well and i know if i buy a house now that'll be the end of the dream.
On another note, i have a mate in the UK who got a job with EasyJet with only 530 hours total time at 38. He's been with them for just over 2 years now and is cracking up towards 2500 hours already and is loving it.
I also have a UK passport as well as Aussie (mum's Scottish) so i was thinking that it's an option to head over there also.... Who knows, time will tell.
In the mean time i have a 'round' queensland nav to finish planning before i head off on the 12 day adventure next week. Hopefully the weather clears as it's been S**T the last week or so.
Anyway, thanks again for the encouragement guys.
very encouraging indeed. I'm only newly married with an 18 month old daughter as well and i know if i buy a house now that'll be the end of the dream.
On another note, i have a mate in the UK who got a job with EasyJet with only 530 hours total time at 38. He's been with them for just over 2 years now and is cracking up towards 2500 hours already and is loving it.
I also have a UK passport as well as Aussie (mum's Scottish) so i was thinking that it's an option to head over there also.... Who knows, time will tell.
In the mean time i have a 'round' queensland nav to finish planning before i head off on the 12 day adventure next week. Hopefully the weather clears as it's been S**T the last week or so.
Anyway, thanks again for the encouragement guys.
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Marty, for what it's worth, I'm British by birth (thus hold a passport with all the usual EU right-of-abode/work privileges). As such, for years I copped questions from many friends and colleagues in the industry along the lines of: "Why don't you just go back home to the UK and try your luck there?" Needless to say, I think it's a prime example of the "grass-is-always-greener" syndrome. When I looked into it (which admittedly was a few years ago now), it didn't seem worth the trouble. After already having spent a small fortune to obtain local qualifications, I simply wasn't prepared to throw away more money than I already could not afford. Thus I decided it would be better to stay put and take my chances in this corner of the world. As it turns out, my Aussie qualifications eventually paid off, and I'm quite happy with my lot in life these days.
Nevertheless a word of caution (with only the best intentions) that you can either heed or ignore: Like you, I am also a family man and a late starter in aviation. It's true that I have achieved my goal of flying jets for a major airline, but at a cost. I went through a period where dogged pursuit of the "dream" almost cost me my marriage and family. These days Mrs. Bunglerat is pretty happy with life (including me), but in fairness to her and the kids, I made some decisions and put us in some situations that, quite frankly, if the shoe were on the other foot, I don't know that I would have stuck it out. How glad I am that I can now look back on it with a view to those testing times becoming a repressed memory.
So by all means chase the dream - and best of luck. It's certainly worth it in the end when your ship comes in. Just don't let aviation define who you are as a person. It's a part of your life - but not your whole life. I learned that one the hard way.
Nevertheless a word of caution (with only the best intentions) that you can either heed or ignore: Like you, I am also a family man and a late starter in aviation. It's true that I have achieved my goal of flying jets for a major airline, but at a cost. I went through a period where dogged pursuit of the "dream" almost cost me my marriage and family. These days Mrs. Bunglerat is pretty happy with life (including me), but in fairness to her and the kids, I made some decisions and put us in some situations that, quite frankly, if the shoe were on the other foot, I don't know that I would have stuck it out. How glad I am that I can now look back on it with a view to those testing times becoming a repressed memory.
So by all means chase the dream - and best of luck. It's certainly worth it in the end when your ship comes in. Just don't let aviation define who you are as a person. It's a part of your life - but not your whole life. I learned that one the hard way.
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Thanks Bunglerat,
Advice well taken.
I too often think "am i wasting all of this money?". My wife fully understands and is encouraging but i think even she is not all that positive about the outcome "even with the looming pilot shortage". I kow she would be very happy if i ever got into the airlines.
At the moment have 191 hours and am hopefully going to be able to take my CPL Flight Test within the next six months. From there, i'm not sure i can afford to do even my instrument rating or twin endorsement. Everything seems at a distance to me and i dont feel as if i'm making much progress. I also dont think my trainng organisation is very encouraging as they seem to be more involved with the 20 somethings and the Overseas full time students (I wont mention who they are) even though i've lashed out loads of money already.
I am holding onto the hope that i will make it at the moment but time will tell.
Marty
Advice well taken.
I too often think "am i wasting all of this money?". My wife fully understands and is encouraging but i think even she is not all that positive about the outcome "even with the looming pilot shortage". I kow she would be very happy if i ever got into the airlines.
At the moment have 191 hours and am hopefully going to be able to take my CPL Flight Test within the next six months. From there, i'm not sure i can afford to do even my instrument rating or twin endorsement. Everything seems at a distance to me and i dont feel as if i'm making much progress. I also dont think my trainng organisation is very encouraging as they seem to be more involved with the 20 somethings and the Overseas full time students (I wont mention who they are) even though i've lashed out loads of money already.
I am holding onto the hope that i will make it at the moment but time will tell.
Marty
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good luck with it..I know where your at
Hi Marty
For what its worth mate, I am 37 and in similar spot. Gave away flying 7 odd years ago - did most of the training for CPL but had to give it away due to lack of finances and some personal hassles.
I am back in the zone of contemplating finishing it off and having another crack, but have a wife and two young kids to consider. Its not an easy decision to make, balancing up the pros and cons. Like you I am earning a good income in a non related field Accounting / Commerce- but the bug is still there.
Best of luck with your decision - its seems like if there was ever a time to say _ _ ck it and throw caution to the wind nows the time to do it - given the supposed likelehood of employment at the end of the expense of training.
Cheers
For what its worth mate, I am 37 and in similar spot. Gave away flying 7 odd years ago - did most of the training for CPL but had to give it away due to lack of finances and some personal hassles.
I am back in the zone of contemplating finishing it off and having another crack, but have a wife and two young kids to consider. Its not an easy decision to make, balancing up the pros and cons. Like you I am earning a good income in a non related field Accounting / Commerce- but the bug is still there.
Best of luck with your decision - its seems like if there was ever a time to say _ _ ck it and throw caution to the wind nows the time to do it - given the supposed likelehood of employment at the end of the expense of training.
Cheers
Gidday The Bunglerat.
What a true and very familar story. Thanks for sharing it with us. The road to a career in aviation has never been easy. Unless you, (and your family) have been through it, people have no idea of the sacrifices that we have made. Some sail under a lucky star, but I believe them to be in the minority.
The problem of course is that our profession has fallen behind others in terms of pay and conditions. Earlier last year in an outburst of surpreme optimism, (read all fingers and toes crossed and head buried tightly up his a.....), our Chief pilot told me, "Krusty, supply of pilots will never be a problem as people will always be driven to learn to fly no matter what they are ultimately paid"!!!!!
Well, despite such nonsence, the penny will finally drop. We may see a resurgence in the numbers learning to fly, but only after the industry starts to truely compete for labour. Such are the changed attitudes to aviation as a career today.
So marty, jump in and make sure you are a part of it. Because when these characters (airline management) eventually see the light, all your sacrifices will be worthwhile.
What a true and very familar story. Thanks for sharing it with us. The road to a career in aviation has never been easy. Unless you, (and your family) have been through it, people have no idea of the sacrifices that we have made. Some sail under a lucky star, but I believe them to be in the minority.
The problem of course is that our profession has fallen behind others in terms of pay and conditions. Earlier last year in an outburst of surpreme optimism, (read all fingers and toes crossed and head buried tightly up his a.....), our Chief pilot told me, "Krusty, supply of pilots will never be a problem as people will always be driven to learn to fly no matter what they are ultimately paid"!!!!!
Well, despite such nonsence, the penny will finally drop. We may see a resurgence in the numbers learning to fly, but only after the industry starts to truely compete for labour. Such are the changed attitudes to aviation as a career today.
So marty, jump in and make sure you are a part of it. Because when these characters (airline management) eventually see the light, all your sacrifices will be worthwhile.
Need To Speed
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Thanks heaps guys. I am definately going to keep going, bit by bit until i finish and hopefully it all ends up well and i get that coveted job flying.
best regards to you all and good luck with your own flying dreams.
Marty
best regards to you all and good luck with your own flying dreams.
Marty
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You guys are such spring chickens. I've just turned 45 and am giving it another go. I gave up 7 yrs ago but my wife has pushed me back towards aviation as she can see it is still my "love".
I know it will be hard but if we don't follow our heart, we may be in that rocking chair thinking....what if?
I'm not going to try Qantas as I don't have Oz HSC only NZ which they dont accept
good luck
I know it will be hard but if we don't follow our heart, we may be in that rocking chair thinking....what if?
I'm not going to try Qantas as I don't have Oz HSC only NZ which they dont accept
good luck
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Thanks to all the positive feedback outthere. I admire all those that have bitten the bullet and taken all the hard times and sacrifices in their stride like Bunglerat and others and have finally hit their goals.
One of the the things I like about aviation is the characters that you meet - there are some very inspiring and humurous individuals out there.
My flight instructor a few years ago was one inspiring lady , never flown until she was about 40 and then got a flight for b'day present. She then decided this was her career, so went for it and became instructor. Best teacher I have ever had..............
Good luck to those on this post that are giving it a crack............I reckon late 30s is a good age..........bit of life experience compared to the young ones ..................and you can never be accused of not being committed given the cost and struggles of qualificagtions and work in Aviation.
One of the the things I like about aviation is the characters that you meet - there are some very inspiring and humurous individuals out there.
My flight instructor a few years ago was one inspiring lady , never flown until she was about 40 and then got a flight for b'day present. She then decided this was her career, so went for it and became instructor. Best teacher I have ever had..............
Good luck to those on this post that are giving it a crack............I reckon late 30s is a good age..........bit of life experience compared to the young ones ..................and you can never be accused of not being committed given the cost and struggles of qualificagtions and work in Aviation.
Seasonally Adjusted
My flight instructor a few years ago was one inspiring lady , never flown until she was about 40 and then got a flight for b'day present. She then decided this was her career, so went for it and became instructor. Best teacher I have ever had...........