Started flying too late
 

Question, Just wondering about some opinions on this. I am 28 and a current FO with an airline. On various occasions fly with captains in their 40s or there abouts who have been flying on airlines since they were 20 etc and so if they were 44 they already have 24 years of experience mainly as captains.
A lot of them also have varied experience on different types through out the years. Also looking at young lads coming into the airlines at 19-20 who in the right airline will make captain prob before they are 25. Have to say I am quite jealous of them.
At 28 I only have a year flying on airlines. I did enjoy the job I did before aviation but I some how feel I have missed out on something by not starting out so young. I really want to make captain as soon as I can but I would still love to fly different types experience different aircraft/go long haul but, I’m probably going to be in my 60s at that stage, Any opinions. Just a thought.

yeah mate, my opinion is your still in the airlines much quicker then most before the recent boom of pre 2008. Be happy and enjoy the opportunity you have, many start out much later. No stress buddy..... Youll be Capt yet! :D

I started airline flying aged 36, and regularly fly with captains younger than myself. Personally, I am very happy to have had the experience of a previous career. It gives me perspective and keeps my feet on the ground, as well as being a useful 'Plan B' in case I ever lose my medical. Of course, starting 10 years earlier would have meant considerably more career progression and seniority, but as I said, the life experience is compensation.

One thing I have noticed is that when I meet the occasional "woe is me", jaded, bitter and twisted individual, they have invariably been flying all their working life, and have no experience of anything else. To them, the world outside is a special place, where doctors, lawyers and accountants all earn far more money for far less work. Their lack of real world experience is quite obvious.

Rather than envy your colleagues who are further up the seniority ladder, I'd celebrate the fact that you have done something else before coming to flying. At 28, you still have a mere 37 years of flying to look forward to. Put like that, it's difficult to argue that you've missed the boat. ;)

Look back on your old occupation and the job you enjoyed as part of life's learning experience. You have plenty of time and opportunity to expand your experience. Also can you use your past experience in aviation? Would it help you if you wanted to move into airline management eventually?

Before flying I was an army officer, but I always wanted to fly, now I fly a desk as well as an aeroplane. I gave up my military career when I received a sponsorship scheme from an airline, I was the oldest on my course at 25. I look at potential recruits and see what they did before aviation. Those who have done something else first often have useful "life skills" (I hate that phrase), and if they have put themselves through the system they are, and should be prouder of their achievements, and often make the better option for an employer.

You have joined the industry in a time of pretty stagnant recruitment. Many pilots are looking at the greener grass elsewhere, but staying where they are because the devil they know is offering a reasonable level of security. Eventually things will start to move and other opportunities will come your way.

Lastly, if God forbid you lose your medical you have knowledge of a career you can return to, or even keep up in your spare time. (One of our pilots was a lawyer and he still works part time for a practise to keep his knowledge up to date) Enjoy your new career, aviation changes so much and often at high speed, The last 24 years have shot by for me and I wouldn't have missed a minute of them.

FF

P.s G-SXTY is spot on with his opinion (Well, I think so anyway, doubtless others will be along to disagree!)

My first airline job was at age 32; I'm now 42, flying as an FO on 757/767. I've still got upto 23 years left, a few less then you.

I would probably have had a jet command by now if I had made different choices over the years (such is hindsight!); but by the same virtue I could also have been made redundant twice (as opposed to only once).

Honestly, you're worrying over nothing. In the right kind of airline someone like you can still become a captain by the age of 35. Flying isn't everything. What you did before your flying career in some ways makes you a more astute individual than Mr 20 yo hotshot. If things went pete tong, at least you'd have some decent job to go to. Mr 20 yo hotshot would only gain employment flipping burgers!

I've been chasing this career since 18 when I first did my PPL, finally completed professional training at 27. I turned 29 this year and still no jobs coming my way. You're worrying over nothing. Be grateful for a job

What a luvvy you are.

I started my PPL at 32. Got a Job at 36.

Now a Regional jet Capt at 49, but been so for many years....

Get over yourself.......;)

OH Crikey ... im 42 and just looking into doing the ppl.

i've wanted to fly for years and now i've the money ... it seems im too bloody old

having said that the flying schools are telling me that im not to old and "of course you'll get a job, that'll be 70K please"

once you've paid, completed the necessary courses then ill be 44?

Will anyone look at me twice?

Does it matter that i've had a great education and career? Not sure it does reading these forums:rolleyes: