Originally Posted by LAfrequentflyer
CLRS,
Whats a good age to start up at the regionals? 135 Freight? I'm 34 now and not looking into aviation as a second career after I leave the military / government at 42. I'm I too far behind? I have a clean record - clean enough to have been nominated to work at the White House. I had to decline due to the hours I would have been away from my wife and family.
Thanks,
LA
Assuming you'll have a military retirement, 42 is not too late for the regionals, you could upgrade at say age 45-47 and have 15 years or so as a captain.
If you're thinking of taking taking the next jump to the majors, it's possible (airlines don't really mind if pilots never reach the top of the pay scale), but at your age the dues-paying to payoff ratio wouldn't be good at a major.
One thing you could do is try to get all your ratings before you retire, and as much of your 1000/100 as you can. You have plenty of time to do it...I have plenty of military buds who CFI on the side.