Will airlines consider someone from a recreational background?
 

Hi all,

I am in the process of exiting my career in the oil industry. I am just about to finish up my FAA ATPL and then hope to convert to my ratings to JAA.

I am 30 years old and all my flight experience comes completely from a recreational background, i.e. self sponsored flying just for the fun of it.

If the airlines start hiring again, and if the 'looming shortage' becomes a reality, is there any chance someone from my background would be considered?

Anyone else out there?

Thanks,

-Jason

Sure! The person is the most important factor. Anybody with an unlimited budget can jump through all the hoops, but it's character that counts. Many of us who fly the line used to or still do fly light aircraft for fun.

As long as you posess the appropriate licences, your background should be irrelevant. As in all things, you are in competition for any given position and you may lose out to better-qualified applicants on the day. But don't let your flying history dictate your future; many commercial pilots began by flying for fun - and still carry on doing so in their spare time.