rickair7777

No, but I already had a part time job that paid better than that. But two of my students from CFI days were major airline FA's, I know two FA's at my current airline who are working on pilot ratings, and I have flown with two former FA's who are now airline pilots.

In your case, you would actually want to keep your real job and train on the side. Once you get your instructor ratings and the job market looks good, then take the plunge. You can work as a part-time CFI while waiting for a better job market if needed.

But think about the FA concept...if you think you would hate that lifestyle, you might want to reconsider the airline business. The only difference between the two is that the FA's get paid less and work harder during cruise flight. Flying airplanes is fun, but you really only get it to do it for 5-10 minutes on each leg.

Oh, looking back it seems you are female. I didn't know that when I made the other post.

EMC2

I NEVER said it was beneath me. But why on earth would I do that? I already have a good job using my degree. This whole thread started because I asked how old is too old to consider a career in flying. That was all.

Son of Chuck

You're never too old. Started flying again 6 yr's ago at 48 and I'm doing what I love and have never been happier. I started flying single pilot freight with 1300 hr's 4.5 years ago and now have 5300 hr's, and once the economy turns around I should have a lot of options. There is much more to flying than just working for an airline. Good luck and don't give up on chasing your dream, what ever that is.

EMC2

I appreciate that! Thanks.

rickair7777

You're never too old to do it as long as you can hold the required medical for what you want to do.

But you either need time to make enough money to live a decent life (and retire on), or already have the money in hand. Most 48 year-olds who get into this are already retired from military or law enforcement or made a bunch of money doing something else first.

Son of Chuck

Nope, very broke and very very happy! You can't take it with you, so do what ever makes life worth living.

ciceroes

I like this!

Yes, I am a DL FA, but have never been satisfied in the back. I've only had jobs in the aviation sector since I could work. Not sure why I waited so long (oh, right, kids, family ). And I'm broke as an FA anyway, may as well be broke doing what I want!

EMC2

I completely agree. But still I know I have a lot to consider.

SaltyDog

EMC2,
In your current field, is it possible to get hired on at a few places as a consultant? i.e. something that allows you to do your current skillset and earn a respectable living while you indulge your aviation addictions?
If you have the security clearances I suspect by your job title, you would still have the ability to work for some folks that would like the flexibilty (2 way street). You still earn money that is decent while learning the flying profession, and if it ever goes south for whatever reason, you can then return (since 'current') to your previous field of expertise. You certainly will be all the more satified you gave it the best effort, You live with no regrets. Know people who have taken these routes, reason I throw it out there. Not easy, but a rational and entirely possible path for you.
Best of luck, forget your age, it is the regret factor you are really squaring with your aviation disease <g>

EMC2

It is absolutely possible for me to be a consultant for a defense contractor. Not my cup of tea but I hadn't even thought of that! So that is certainly viable. Actually contractors get paid much better than us Feds anyhow. That being said with the current administration I'm not sure where defense spending is going to go. I have enough clearances to make me quite valuable inside of or outside of the government. They are not always easy to come by so they are a great asset to have.

Thanks for that thought! And yes regret is really what I am dealing with. I started down this path once before and I feel like I am missing out. So I'd like to get back to it. Somehow.