Is it too late for pilot career?
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: South Africa
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Is it too late for pilot career?
Hi,
I'm 37y old and currently in IT. Always wanted to be a pilot and seriously thinking of changing my career path now. Is it too late at this age to pursue a professional pilot career? If not, what is the best way to start - PPL, etc.?
Really appreciate your opinions.
I'm 37y old and currently in IT. Always wanted to be a pilot and seriously thinking of changing my career path now. Is it too late at this age to pursue a professional pilot career? If not, what is the best way to start - PPL, etc.?
Really appreciate your opinions.
Join Date: May 2000
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It may be "never too late" to try, but in the current state of the industry, you'll be almost at retirement age before you make significant money as a pilot. There are way too many qualified pilots on the street right now...
Still, your chances of success are absolutely zero if you don't start at all. So, start with your PPL, but don't quit your real job...
Still, your chances of success are absolutely zero if you don't start at all. So, start with your PPL, but don't quit your real job...
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Well, I think any industry is bad at the moment. I'm no way thinking of quiting my regular job because something has to pay the bills for flight school and I also have to eat 
Is the best way to go is first to get PPL and then upgrade to CPL or go straight for CPL? How difficult are the physical and health requirements for a pilot?
Is the best way to go is first to get PPL and then upgrade to CPL or go straight for CPL? How difficult are the physical and health requirements for a pilot?
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I don't know how it's done in SA. In the US we go for the PPL first, then the CPL and Instrument Rating (in either order, depending on your specific needs/desires).
Health requirements are relatively straightforward, but you have to KEEP the eye and heart health through your career!
Health requirements are relatively straightforward, but you have to KEEP the eye and heart health through your career!
