When's TOO OLD?
 

I'm turning 30 soon, is it reasonable to say it's too late to even think about becoming a pilot, (read airline pilot...)?

Well LJ,

Thats a bit of a million dollar question! I'm 36 and nearly finished the ATPL course, but then I'm not necessarily looking to join the airlines.

There have been many and varied arguments on this BB about experience (through age) versus "inexperience" (read life) from the young 'uns!

It could be argued that you are stacking things against yourself by starting this late but as far as i'm concerned if you want it bad enough you will eventually get what you want.

I'd try a search and see what comes up.

Good luck with whatever you decide and Happy New Year.

D:D

I obtained my CPL at the age of 38. Within 10 years was left seat of a wide body transatlantic into JFK. It can be done and if you are under 30 then you have plenty of time.

i got my ATPL (frozen) at aged 25 and got my first job aged 30.

BB :)

Started training at 33, finished CPL/IR at 34. I am now 36 and have a full ATPL and fly B737 RHS.

30 isnt to old but dont hang about. Good luck to you

I started looking into doing my ATPL when I was 30, started course the same year, graduated age 31 and still looking for work age 32. I actually believe my age and work history will count strongly in my favour when the market picks up again, especially when compared to guys 10 years or more younger (no offence folks). My experience so far is that airlines are still quite receptive until you reach mid-30's and then it gets noticably harder, but many guys out there have proved it is still entirely possible to succeed big time.

Don't regret a minute of it, but given the current employment prospects and the slightly shorter remaining career span once into your 30's I would think twice about making the very substantial outlay involved if you are having to borrow the full cost of a course (and 14-15 months living expenses!). If you already have a wad behind you from a number of years working, then the pain may be bearable enough to give it a go.

Let's just hope things are rosier for you in 18 months than they are for some of us at present.

Good luck whatever you do.:)

Thanks guys! Some nice thoughts there, and it seems, there's still hope there, if I want to push it! Good luck to all of you, and a prosperous new year too!!

This is a very old topic (sorry!), and comes up with monotonous regularity. Do a search on this forum - and be prepared for computer melt-down with the number of hits to a query such as 'too old'!

If you're under 50 when you qualify for an unfrozen ATPL with a useful type rating, you have a future (albeit short) in this industry. As long as you match your expectations to your age, you may well succeed in getting paid to fly an airliner of some sort. Just don't expect to start training at 40 and to be flying a 747 at 45 - it's very unlikely to happen!

Good luck.

Scroggs
Virgin/Wannabes Moderator
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