Over 40 'Club'?
 

Are we a special type of wannabe?
Should us oldies be supporting each other?
Any value in us networking?

Comments?

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London Tower this is Skyflash...

Cron - excellent idea. I've still got a few years to go until the big 4 0 but would be interested to see how your thread developes

ariel

Sounds like a good idea.

I'm just over the big 40 and would like to know what would be open to me as most airlines retire pilots at 56 ish, so if anyone has any positives they can give us Wrinkly Wannabes please let us know. :)

I'm not sure I want to admit to being old enough to join :)

Cron, should we have a sub-group for elderly rotary wannabes? :) :) :)

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Whirly

To fly is human, to hover, divine.

As a 48 year old wannabee I think I qualify.
Great idea!
Let the youngsters do a proper job first!
Only joking :-)

don't qualify for over 40s club but it's by a whisker. Wannabegonnabe

I am over 40 (just) and fly for Emerald.
I would interested in an 'old farts' network
and happy to answer any questions etc

I'm just 46, Frozen ATPL, Perf. A, MCC and 950 hours. Been trying to get that first airline job for twelve months. Not even an interview yet. Still, instructing part-time keeps me sane. Airlines say I'm not too old (then they would say that wouldn't they) and every professional pilot I meet tell's me I will get a job.

Turbo-prop hauling freight at night, where do I sign.

I guess us youngsters in our early 30's can't join this elite club?

By way of inspiration I got my first airline job at 41 (737-200) and I wasn't the oldest on the course. I'm still in training so a bit early to start counting chickens.

Keep plugging away. Best of luck to you all.

I am 47, about to do the full monty for 30K plus at SFT.

Cron
Yes! All power to your elbow, or whichever joints still work.

How many flight decks could do with exactly the kind of world-weary cynicism that we oldies would bring? All, I suspect.

I'm 39 and have the X-country qualifier and the Skills Test to go, for my PPL. After that, the Grand Plan is to head for Jerez for the integrated course.. purely to save time. But I do have the advantage of having had the prudence never to marry or breed...

(CUE ROTATING SMILEY.. BUT THEY NEVER WORK FOR ME. WHICH WILL ALSO BE MY EXCUSE FOR THE A/P)

RichT: Thanks!
CloudedYellow: Good Luck!

Let's think of a brick wall and stop the Midwych Cuckoos ---- NOW!!

- catswhisker

I'm up for it.....I see that some airlines are now asking cadets to be able to develop acne as a requirement for interview..! Just kidding....Us older chaps have skills to offer....its just finding someone to pluck us from obscurity and our oncoming senility and dotage....

Zimmer frame down and locked, I have control!

Tailwinds

Not yet forty but approaching fast. Count me in 'cos I reckon old age and cunning will overcome youth and exuberance anyday.

It ticks me off to think the older guy/girl is overlooked because of some industry hokum that says they're "over-the-hill". I'd really like to get hold of the Human Performance geek that put the theory out that older people assimilate information slower and..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I might have missed something here (distracted by the "Muffin the Mule" re-runs.. But isn't that an illegal activity now?) and someone may already have aired this. But: Might it be worth putting the case for part of the PpruNe Wannabe fund to be set aside for us Undead? After all, the Acne Mob are provided for elsewhere, and then some.
Just a thought.

Seems we have a quorom (I think that's how it's spelt).
Rotory definitely included!
What to do next?
Let me have a think. I'll grab your email addresses - where appropriate and available (in case of developments). Email me to make this easier if you wish.
Anyone any ideas?

I'm 42 (and can still read, just) and recently phoned several companies to ask their view on age. The reply from 90% was that it was hours they wanted, age was of no concern - and being over 40 could be an advantage at times because for the turbo prop companies we're less likely to bugger off at the first airline opportunity.
I reckon go for it.
Anyway, who would you rather employ - an over 40 or a spotty youth with attitude?

Been reading this with interest.

We're not a special case.....just too bl**dy old!

I'm up for it anyway!

JWF :) :) :)

Hi guys!
I will be 44 (gosh!!) in fall. Been lucky enough to get a driver's seat (for the biggest regional in EU) on the ARJ at age 42. Ok, I already had been working 20+ years as grease monkey on the big ones. And had 800+ hours, mostly singles.

In conclusion:
Airlines are looking for pilots!!
Now is the time!!
Get qualified!!
Get practice (buy yourselve an Elite or similar flight sim)!!
Get your CVs going!!
Don't forget business aviation!!

And all the best ;)


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... cut my wings and I'll die ...

CRON

Count me in, I'm 41 and just about to complete the CAA ATPL's, with just Navagigation to pass (hopefully !) a week on Wednesday. I have PPL/IMC/Night/Multi and will take the FIC course in June/July, to then hour-build towards the 700 hrs for CPL issue.

Like "AGED" I think the best opportunities for us "oldies" lies with the Regionals for all the reasons stated. I know a couple of guys in their late 30's/early 40'S who have started with UK Regional's with 800 hrs and frozen ATPL, so there's hope for us all !!!!!!!

RICH T - thanks for the inspiration, it's good to know it's possible, good luck on the 737

Finally, I think it's a great idea CRON to start a network for the "fortysomethings" we need just as much mutual encouragement as the younger guys, maybe more. As I said at the start of this post "count me in"




[This message has been edited by Letdown (edited 22 April 2001).]