Over 40 'Club'?
Guest
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Ohh yes this is the group for me 37 and dipping the big toe for the first time. Planning a huge expense and to start with PPL in the states. Then onwards and upwards. I have a few friends who say that FO is available to me on passenger jets at 40+ and they are there to prove it. 7 years start to finish I recon whilst fighting to keep my house and marriage together. Simple isn't it!!!!! Good luck all and lets stay in touch.
Guest
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Reading this thread has been like a nice fresh breeze blowing across my face. Great to see so much justified optimism.
I took the plunge at age 30 (I'm now 31-- I know, I know - a relative spring chicken!!) to chase my dream. A lot of my work buddies have told me I'm mad; members of my family now say they have the proof that I'm mad, but my wife is 100% certain I will get that airline job.
The thing is, times have changed in the workforce and the simple fact is this - get the required qualifications, throw your hat in the ring and in many ways your application at an older age is more attractive than the younger person's. You have (hopefully) gained some skills during your life that many younger applicants won't have developed yet, and airlines will be aware of this, and more than willing to benefit from them. Getting through your licensing requirements at an older age is a hell of a lot harder than doing it as a teenager supported by wealthy parents. Who wouldn't find the application of someone who has managed to qualify as a pilot at 30 or 40 attractive?? - the added pressures of holding down a job, marriage etc etc during your training immediately presents a person with excellent management skills. Tick number 1 in the box by my reckoning!!
Age is not an issue. Just your attitude. Be positive, always believe in yourself, and you WILL get there.
Proof of what I'm saying? I know of a 2nd Officer flying for an International Airline who was employed at age 52.
Never give up that dream!
Regards
T.
I took the plunge at age 30 (I'm now 31-- I know, I know - a relative spring chicken!!) to chase my dream. A lot of my work buddies have told me I'm mad; members of my family now say they have the proof that I'm mad, but my wife is 100% certain I will get that airline job.
The thing is, times have changed in the workforce and the simple fact is this - get the required qualifications, throw your hat in the ring and in many ways your application at an older age is more attractive than the younger person's. You have (hopefully) gained some skills during your life that many younger applicants won't have developed yet, and airlines will be aware of this, and more than willing to benefit from them. Getting through your licensing requirements at an older age is a hell of a lot harder than doing it as a teenager supported by wealthy parents. Who wouldn't find the application of someone who has managed to qualify as a pilot at 30 or 40 attractive?? - the added pressures of holding down a job, marriage etc etc during your training immediately presents a person with excellent management skills. Tick number 1 in the box by my reckoning!!
Age is not an issue. Just your attitude. Be positive, always believe in yourself, and you WILL get there.
Proof of what I'm saying? I know of a 2nd Officer flying for an International Airline who was employed at age 52.
Never give up that dream!
Regards
T.
Guest
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Thanks for all the comments on my post, even the smack on the wrist. As I said it's almost impossible to give up flying, it somehow has to give you up.
I have a lot of thinking to do now, if I was to continue it would mean borrowing again. I need to be very realistic from now on. Perhaps I'll renew the medical. What I do know is that I need a job back in aviation one way or the other.
I know it's worth the effort. I am inspired by the idea of in their forties getting the first flying job. To be honest though, the age thing was not my real concern, it's other people who judge you by your age and yes we are all guilty of it even me. It shouldn't matter just the ability to do the job, young or old.
I still don't know one way or the other for myself. I am a damm good pilot though, that's something.
I have a lot of thinking to do now, if I was to continue it would mean borrowing again. I need to be very realistic from now on. Perhaps I'll renew the medical. What I do know is that I need a job back in aviation one way or the other.
I know it's worth the effort. I am inspired by the idea of in their forties getting the first flying job. To be honest though, the age thing was not my real concern, it's other people who judge you by your age and yes we are all guilty of it even me. It shouldn't matter just the ability to do the job, young or old.
I still don't know one way or the other for myself. I am a damm good pilot though, that's something.
Guest
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Fellow oldies.. It is a pleasure to join your esteemed company. I am a Brit living in USA for the past 11 years,green card etc, and I will turn 42 in June. I quit my "real" job in February, and embarked on my dream to fly for a living. So far I have 235 hours TT and an Instrument rating. I plan on taking Commercial, Instructor and Multi checkrides within the next 2 months. I have not regretted the decision for one moment, especially when I look at the poor commuters stuck in traffic down below.
There are times when you look at the various threads on this site and get a little nervous seeing folks with 000s of hours of seemingly good experience, yet without jobs. While I am certain that many or most of them have just been plain unlucky, I am also sure that we all need to be realistic in realizing that building the required hours is but one piece of the puzzle, and that prospective employers are looking for additional "life" qualities, e.g. demonstrated teamwork, persistence, attention to detail, personability and even a sense of humour!! I think we'd all be well advised to to get so obsessed with time building that we forget to balance our lives a little. Anyway, enough waffling. We can ALL be successful at this given the required application of effort and a little dose of good fortune.
This is a great support network, and I will be happy to help anyone with questions relating to flying in the US.... or anything else for that matter.
Never give up, never surrender!!!! Keep the blue side up.
There are times when you look at the various threads on this site and get a little nervous seeing folks with 000s of hours of seemingly good experience, yet without jobs. While I am certain that many or most of them have just been plain unlucky, I am also sure that we all need to be realistic in realizing that building the required hours is but one piece of the puzzle, and that prospective employers are looking for additional "life" qualities, e.g. demonstrated teamwork, persistence, attention to detail, personability and even a sense of humour!! I think we'd all be well advised to to get so obsessed with time building that we forget to balance our lives a little. Anyway, enough waffling. We can ALL be successful at this given the required application of effort and a little dose of good fortune.
This is a great support network, and I will be happy to help anyone with questions relating to flying in the US.... or anything else for that matter.
Never give up, never surrender!!!! Keep the blue side up.
Guest
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Jigsawblue: Looks like we are in very similar boats. If you're interested in a very small (for now!) mutual support group, then e-mail me at [email protected].
I won't insult you by taking either the "Carry On Regardless" OR the "If that's how you feel, just quit" line... But I do know what it's like.
Please get in touch!
I won't insult you by taking either the "Carry On Regardless" OR the "If that's how you feel, just quit" line... But I do know what it's like.
Please get in touch!
Guest
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For whatever it's worth; I've been working with a lot of "over 40" pilots who started their flying career "late". As member of an interview board, I have also hired some. Being "old" is not necessarily negativ as long as the rest of your CV make you qualified for the job. By the way, you are all invited to visit www.cockpitforum.com
[This message has been edited by P. Jacobsen (edited 29 April 2001).]
[This message has been edited by P. Jacobsen (edited 29 April 2001).]
Guest
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(Gets out megaphone, and stands where you can all see me)
OK Peeps, I said I'd ask about getting you your own forum (and I don't care what the correct plural is - OK?). As I said in my last post on page 2, I wasn't optimistic, and I was right to be so. Capt Pprune has decided that the current total of 64 forumunums (see?!) is quite enough for him to deal with, so there won't be anymore anytime soon. Sorry, and all that!
As an aside, there does seem to be an expanding number of 30-somethings who have decided that they qualify for membership of the Over-40 club. What's wrong with you people? Life not short enough for you, that you have to wish it away? You've only just got into the swing of adulthood; go away and come back when you've got some wrinkles and grey hairs, and your kids buy you walking sticks, wheelchairs and hearing aids for Christmas!
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Scroggs
Wannabe Forum Moderator
[email protected]
[This message has been edited by scroggs (edited 29 April 2001).]
OK Peeps, I said I'd ask about getting you your own forum (and I don't care what the correct plural is - OK?). As I said in my last post on page 2, I wasn't optimistic, and I was right to be so. Capt Pprune has decided that the current total of 64 forumunums (see?!) is quite enough for him to deal with, so there won't be anymore anytime soon. Sorry, and all that!
As an aside, there does seem to be an expanding number of 30-somethings who have decided that they qualify for membership of the Over-40 club. What's wrong with you people? Life not short enough for you, that you have to wish it away? You've only just got into the swing of adulthood; go away and come back when you've got some wrinkles and grey hairs, and your kids buy you walking sticks, wheelchairs and hearing aids for Christmas!
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Scroggs
Wannabe Forum Moderator
[email protected]
[This message has been edited by scroggs (edited 29 April 2001).]
Guest
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Guest
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well spoken Scroggs!!
And you all, life greenhorns, get the hell outta here and quick!
This thread is reserved for mature and experienced people, e.g. >40 and that's it
As for all the guys who think they cannot make it, they're too old or whatever f....... reason, hold on tight and believe.
I still remember too well all those years I thought I could never make it, lack of self confidence I suppose ... but ... I would not die without a try would I? ... Will you?
I can promise you only one thing: ALL SACRIFICES WILL BE WORTH IT!
Still remember the greatest pleasure of my life:
- 1st women (well no details on this site...)
- 1st drive with my car (hey I'm free)
- 1st flight on my fresh PPL (hey I'm free as a bird!)
Now the real big ones (smile all around the head for each one )
- News from airline that I was hired (best day of my life, all my efforts and years of dreaming rewarded)
- 1st time seated in the sim for the type rating
- 1st time seated on the right seat in the real aircraft, starting engines for the flight towards the flight training airport
- 1st flight with "real pax" o/b
And now, almost 2 years later, the pleasure is even bigger. Beginner's stress has given way to some routine in the checklists handling and turnarounds, but I'm still elated by the sheer pleasure of flying, the challenges of managing a good day's flying (aiming for THE (elusive) PERFECT FLIGHT).
To sum it up, F A N T A S T I C !!!
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... cut my wings and I'll die ...
And you all, life greenhorns, get the hell outta here and quick!
This thread is reserved for mature and experienced people, e.g. >40 and that's it
As for all the guys who think they cannot make it, they're too old or whatever f....... reason, hold on tight and believe.
I still remember too well all those years I thought I could never make it, lack of self confidence I suppose ... but ... I would not die without a try would I? ... Will you?
I can promise you only one thing: ALL SACRIFICES WILL BE WORTH IT!
Still remember the greatest pleasure of my life:
- 1st women (well no details on this site...)
- 1st drive with my car (hey I'm free)
- 1st flight on my fresh PPL (hey I'm free as a bird!)
Now the real big ones (smile all around the head for each one
) - News from airline that I was hired (best day of my life, all my efforts and years of dreaming rewarded)
- 1st time seated in the sim for the type rating
- 1st time seated on the right seat in the real aircraft, starting engines for the flight towards the flight training airport
- 1st flight with "real pax" o/b
And now, almost 2 years later, the pleasure is even bigger. Beginner's stress has given way to some routine in the checklists handling and turnarounds, but I'm still elated by the sheer pleasure of flying, the challenges of managing a good day's flying (aiming for THE (elusive) PERFECT FLIGHT).
To sum it up, F A N T A S T I C !!!
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... cut my wings and I'll die ...
Guest
Posts: n/a
Polar S, yes, was 41 1/2! Had about 800+ single engine stuff.
The airline is LX. Ok, low wages, but the flying is great!!
For conditions, check www.crossair.ch
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... cut my wings and I'll die ...
The airline is LX. Ok, low wages, but the flying is great!!
For conditions, check www.crossair.ch
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... cut my wings and I'll die ...
Guest
Posts: n/a
OI Scroggs !
You can't be telling me that he of the John Travolta white sox, woman charmer extraordinaire, and giggler of the first order is turning up for his bus pass ?
Can't be the same bloke.
And what's this about flying professionaly ?
Have they been paying you ?
[This message has been edited by PaulDeGearup (edited 30 April 2001).]
You can't be telling me that he of the John Travolta white sox, woman charmer extraordinaire, and giggler of the first order is turning up for his bus pass ?
Can't be the same bloke.
And what's this about flying professionaly ?
Have they been paying you ?
[This message has been edited by PaulDeGearup (edited 30 April 2001).]
Guest
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What a pleasure to find a site where there are people still interested in flying, instead of the usual how much can I earn,whats the roster like, he's earning more than me etc etc.
To all you guys nearly forty and over I would say don't give up, if I was in the hiring department I know who I would hire.
Besides sitting next to one of you guys or girls in the cockpit I might have something to talk about.
To all you guys nearly forty and over I would say don't give up, if I was in the hiring department I know who I would hire.
Besides sitting next to one of you guys or girls in the cockpit I might have something to talk about.
Guest
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I have been following this with some sincere amusement.
I wonder how many others in this discussion
are over 40 (under 50 !), who have a wife, kids and mortgage.
Personally, with just over 700 hrs and CPL,
wife, child and mortgage, I have stopped "yearning" and I have resolved to part-time
instructing until instructor pay becomes
decent enough to leave my day job (still holding breath.....)
Happy days to all of you.
I wonder how many others in this discussion
are over 40 (under 50 !), who have a wife, kids and mortgage.
Personally, with just over 700 hrs and CPL,
wife, child and mortgage, I have stopped "yearning" and I have resolved to part-time
instructing until instructor pay becomes
decent enough to leave my day job (still holding breath.....)
Happy days to all of you.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Don't give up!
I started out at 36 doing the upgrade at Prestwick.Despite being told I was too old to fly jets,6 yrs later I'm with Virgin.(I joined just after my 40th birthday.)
There were several oldies on my course and I dont know of any who didnt make it into the big time.Theres one FO at VS that I know who started out in his mid 40s. It all depends on the market for pilots and what experience level is floating around. Providing you have the ability there is no reason why anyone shouldnt do it.
Good luck
I started out at 36 doing the upgrade at Prestwick.Despite being told I was too old to fly jets,6 yrs later I'm with Virgin.(I joined just after my 40th birthday.)
There were several oldies on my course and I dont know of any who didnt make it into the big time.Theres one FO at VS that I know who started out in his mid 40s. It all depends on the market for pilots and what experience level is floating around. Providing you have the ability there is no reason why anyone shouldnt do it.
Good luck
Guest
Posts: n/a
PaulDeGearup,
20 years to go to the bus pass yet! As for the white suit etc, that was consigned to the great Oxfam shop in the sky many years ago. OK, last Thursday.
'Women charmer extraordinaire'. That's a new one on me - and most of the women I talk to! Too busy flying. And was someone supposed to pay me for it? I thought profeshnial meant that I got to pay the women, or something.
Will be at the June 9 Gatbash for further details!
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Scroggs
Wannabe Forum Moderator
[email protected]
20 years to go to the bus pass yet! As for the white suit etc, that was consigned to the great Oxfam shop in the sky many years ago. OK, last Thursday.
'Women charmer extraordinaire'. That's a new one on me - and most of the women I talk to! Too busy flying. And was someone supposed to pay me for it? I thought profeshnial meant that I got to pay the women, or something.
Will be at the June 9 Gatbash for further details!
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Scroggs
Wannabe Forum Moderator
[email protected]
Guest
Posts: n/a
Great topic, plenty of interesting replies.. could go on for ever. Seriously, it's good to see that in such a competitive profession, the 40 plus person is not always at a disadvantage; indeed in some cases, they have the upper hand.
DEFINATELY merits its own forum !!
ariel
DEFINATELY merits its own forum !!
ariel
Guest
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You have my vote. And by the way, where is the Cargo-Forum ? Maybe we can combine that, to save space on the hard-disc ? The "40+ Club" would be a good name... appropriate for most of the cargoplanes as well... Uaah HELP ! The airplane I am flying is older than me and I am 29 
Uaah HELP ! The airplane I am flying is older than me and I am 29 Guest
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If you want an "oldie" forum then sign up for the below. Pretty good.
http://www.boardhost.com/
Simon W
http://www.boardhost.com/
Simon W