Experiences of people who started pilot training at a late age
 

Hello all,

I am 29 years old and contemplating starting pilot training. I've always been interested in aviation but simply did not have the finances after high school, and hence went to University instead.

I applied for the Jetstar Cadet Program mid-2017 intake but was unsuccessful in the SAT. It's disappointing of course but I am not too discouraged as I don't believe it means I am unsuitable to become a pilot. With the high number of applicants and internal company politics I imagine a lot of factors could be involved in their selection process.

I'm wondering if you can share either your own experience or the experience of someone you know who started their pilot training at around the age of 30. Where they are now? How long did it take to get to where they are now? And realistically after years would you have enough experience to captain a narrow body or even a wide body jet?

As with most aspiring pilots the dream is to captain a wide body one day, at a reasonable age, i.e. before say 50-55. I'm done some extensive search online but there's very little info on people sharing their experiences.

I will also be talking to some flying schools in the Perth Area where I live to get some feedback.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Virgin is running a cadetship shortly.

Command is a very long road in this part of the world (boom over and JQ/VA have large seniority lists now). I've heard 3-5 years in the Middle East.

All the best.

Yes I do realise that my chances are better with overseas airlines, Asia, Pacific Island, or even Africa etc....

A traditional legacy airline at Qantas would be very difficult or next to impossible.

I see that Virgin is currently taking applications for Cadets but I am a NZ Citizen. I've been living in Australia for 5 years but do not have permanent residency.

The USA are also accepting Australians on the E3 visa. There are quite a number over there right now flying ERJ 175s and CRJs for the regional airlines building jet time. A few late starters as well, much older than 29. Get the minimums and head over to the US. Once you have jet time, more doors open for you when you want to move on from the US regional scene.

I'm curious to know why the US Regionals would hire Australian pilots? Surely there must be so many pilots in the US desperate for jobs?

maybe, maybe not

their big problem is how to get to 1500 hours

FAA Data Shows Airline-Ready U.S. Pilot Numbers Tumbling | Flying Magazine

Camden airport CFI recommendation
 

Gentlemen,

I am a NZ CPL license holder. For a private flight purpose I obtained Certificate of Validity from CASA and, as far as I know, before commencing my flying I have to do BFR/validation flight. I am looking for an aeroclub/CFI in Camden for this purpose - can someone recommend who to call?

Curtis aviation:cool:

Airborne Aviation have a decent range of aircraft, should get you sorted out.

I would say Curtis.

I would recommend you get off your ar$e and go and visit all the schools at Camden. Make up your own mind.

:) I will indeed - thanks for recomendations!

Jeez, Bob! What's wrong with someone asking a bit of advice first?:=

Thanks, guys - Curtis Aviation replied straight away.

For a longtime I've recommended Curtis. However received recent feedback about very poor service when making bookings at their office and on arrival for bookings on several occasions. i hope this isn't reflective.

Flight schools in Sydney
 

Hi, Im considering to enrol into diploma of aviation (cpl-a) in Sydney.

Im not an international student and im eligible to apply for VET-fee help program.

I would like some recommendations of flight schools in Sydney and it would be a great assistance if you could share your experience with the school you've attended.

Flying school in NZ
 

Hi im currently year 13 taking A level Maths, A level English, A level spanish and AS physics. Im looking for a good aviation school and currently my options are Massey University and Ardmore flying school. Just wondering how these two compare and which option is the best financially, and which option will give me the highest chance of getting me into the course and employed afterwards. I was hoping to get my Airline pilot license without depending on my parents (hopefully getting through with student loan). Any recommendations besides these two options? thanks

With the change to student loan rules now you must self fund your PPL before you can get a student loan for your CPL and the rest. The positive to this means you can do your PPL anywhere then go to the big school for your student loan funded CPL.
I'm guessing as Ardmore is one of your options you're Auckland based? Try looking around the flying clubs for getting your PPL, probably cheaper and a great learning environment which will also help you meet useful people around the industry in the process. If you are indeed Auckland based, I'd suggest giving Airline Flying Club at Ardmore a look. Email is [email protected] or phone is 09 2984747. Flick them an email and one of the instructors should get back to you reasonably quickly.

If someone put a gun to my head and told me I had to choose between those 2 schools I'd probably take the bullet.

I'm fairly certain discussing specific Schools on Prune will get a tread locked, but if I were you I'd broaden my options. There are some fantastic schools farther south who will provide better training for less money.

Ouch ElZilcho that's a bit harsh :E

I do agree there are better options elsewhere and for less money.