NTJosh

Great points mate which are well worth taking into consideration, Im fortunate enough to have spent the last 21yrs in mining (mineral processing), worked in supervision, training and superintendent level roles and it is always a job i can fall back into very easily with my experience. Ill be continuing to work in this industry working a two weeks on/two weeks off roster whilst i build up the hrs and gain my commercial. On top of that i also have my trade as a mechanical fitter which would also see me employed very easily at the drop of a hat.

Im not one to cut corners, or work for someone that does...ill be under no pressure financially to find my first job in aviation (Or stay in it) so i wont be taking short cuts or working for someone that does. If i have safety concerns with the way a companies operating and they aren't interested in sorting them out then ill be out the door!

ikaros1990

Hi there! I started modular atpl at 29 and now this year i am close to end my training at 32. Working full time and raise a baby plus pandemic was hard but i never considered to give up! now there is light to the end of the tunnel but we have the war in europe , an other problem. Do not wait for someone to tell you that your age is good or not .Just chase your dream and fly,study and work hard an the end you will be ok with your self! no matter the outcome!

youngmd

I have been a pediatrician for the past 22 years in the United States, but I plan to switch career to become a commercial airlines pilot in three years. I would like to wait until my son goes to college before my flight training.

I have no flight experience, but I will be a third-generation pilot in my family. My grandfather was in the first Chinese air force, and both of my uncles were fighter jet pilots (they subsequently flew commercial after retirement from the air force).

I plan to complete my training by 55, so I can still fly for 10 years in commercial airlines. I live 10 minutes away from an airport in Long Beach, California.

C-141Starlifter

Doc,
you may want to punt this question over to more of a US audience. Suggest www.airlinepilotforums.com

good luck,

SoftwareDev

I think this thread is exactly what I've been Googling!
26, Software Engineer, degree in Computer Science. It's a good career. It pays well and I kept my job over the pandemic, but it's just not for me. I'm about to reach out to a local school to start working towards my PPL. Being in work, cost isn't too much of an issue. My two main concerns were around how my age would come into play if I was to make a move towards becoming a commercial pilot and what exactly the best path is for me to take. I'm aware I would be taking a huge pay cut and it would cost a lot to get there. Seems like there is a lot of information out there, almost to the point where ?I have no idea where to look. I almost feel ridiculous even thinking about it.

I guess from the title of this sticky, I'm not too old then?

Charizard90

26 is prime time to start flying, you'll be done your training by 28 and have Airline minimums by 30-32. The more mature you are the more desirable you are for an employer at all levels

Scott C

Hi all,

I'm shortly to head to Poland to complete my flying training, however, I am a bit concerned about job prospects once I finally have my licence in hand...

I am 31 years old, so getting on a bit compared to many coming out of the 'big' schools, but I have worked in the Aviation industry for 15+ years in a variety of roles, including; Ramp Agent, Dispatcher (Turnaround Coordinator), Ops, Ramp & Dispatch Trainer for a UK holiday airline, as well as in Management - Ramp Manager, Ground Operations Manager and currently as an Airport Manager, working between 2 airports for a large Ground Handling company.

Would this likely work in my favour having experience in the industry or are airlines / commercial operators preferring younger Pilots to join their ranks?

I got my PPL in 2009, but due to finance (mainly), it's taken until now to be able to afford to complete the rest of my training. At the end of it all I will have an EASA CPL/MEIR + MCC/JOC. It's been a long-term investment in terms of time and money, so whilst nothing is ever guaranteed, I suppose i'm just searching for some re-assurance that i'm not being put out to grass just yet!

Honest feedback would be appreciated.


Scott.

coolsuper1998

Trust me you are fine. Finish your training and just start applying. 30’s is still very young

tolip1

You have excellent credentials - go for it.

richpea

I have a similar story but with less of an aviation career background pre-licenses and an extra 8 years ahead of you.... it takes all sorts and any experience is good experience. What the kids have in potential career longevity and being a fresh slate to mould, we make up for in proven resilience, people skills and realistic expectations!

Good luck with it!

rudestuff

31 is old? Is this some kind of joke?

Scott C

Thank you. I definitely intend to - all being well by the end of the year i'll be submitting applications.

Great, thanks!

Thanks very much. I hope you're right.

I don't think it is - The last 15 years i've had time to learn a lot about the industry and what's goes on outside the cockpit in other departments.

The reason I asked this is because when i've talked to colleagues and others about going to Poland for 2 months to complete my flying training, i've had a few comments along the lines of "Aren't you about 10 years too old to start being a Pilot?" I suppose I was looking for some re-assurance from those within the industry that I do definitely still have as a good a chance as anyone of a flying career.

richpea

Were those colleagues pilots?

Changing career any time outside your early 20's often gets met with the "aren't you a bit late to start that" comment. Less people than you'd think have the imagination to consider a career change possible after about 27 years old... they're just trying to pass that lack of imagination on to you!

(P.S. Where in Poland are you going?)

Scott C

No, ground-based colleagues.

Although it is essentially a career change, my ultimate goal has always to be a commercial Pilot... ever since I was 5 years old. However, i've tried to stay within the industry to help my experience and personal development - I suppose it could be seen as a stepping stone to where I want to be...

I was lined up to go to Smart Aviation but i've heard some worrying things lately, so will now likely be going to Adriana. Going over in a couple of weeks to visit both and make a final decision.

A320Tiko

IF you genuinely think you are over the hill at 30ish, try at 49! I am about to start my TR and onto BT in the hope of a career in aviation.

How much I wish I had taken the step in my 30's but family commitments and constraints meant I wasn't able to but I kept that drive and determination going that one day I will...

Keep going...

P.S Check my thread I've started

FLCH

At my airline we’ve hired 60 year olds …..you’re fine airline begins with U …….

richpea

Thought as much... most of the pilots I've talked to have always been very supportive when it comes to age... the most negative thing I've heard is that sometimes it might be the case where if its a straight choice between someone like us and a young buck, the airline will naturally see a longer investment in the younger guy. But that shouldn't dissuade, if you've got the skills, you'll find something!

I went to Smart, finished at the end of May. Had a really great time. Feel free to PM me if you want a detailed opinion.

portsharbourflyer

I was short listed for selection for TUIs experienced pilot non airline background scheme at 42. Interview cancelled due to covid. Although I am not low houred it still shows 31 age wise is no issue if getting to the airlines is your thing.

Aviator172s

Hi Scott C,

I am 35 and in a similar situation as you are (although a bit older, hope not too old still) since I am going to start ground training for ATPL. I did PPL a couple of years ago, and as many of us here, have this dream job and life ever since I remember, so I decided I should try and hopefully, achieve it.

My main concerns are job prospects when I finish everything in 1,5-2 years time or so, probable recession, terms and conditions, pay to fly as potential only choice, and least important, being the "grandpa" in the theory classes compared to 18-20 yo lads. Even considering all these big uncertainties and hurdles, I decided to go for it...

Best of luck, we sure need it!

DB777

There's maybe hope for me yet then at 43 now the kids are at/nearly at secondary school.
Tho my PPL (JAR) probably well out of date now and my local school/club is now closed post-covid.
Are 'middle-aged' newbies even favoured by the airlines in this brave new world...