Career changer at 46

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02-19-2017 | 01:12 PM

av8rdrew

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Career changer at 46

Howdy folks,

I'm interested in others perspective. I'm 46, have a commercial/multi and just shy of 400 hrs TT and am able to try and make my dream come true.

I am at a place where I can go the instructor route (though I'd rather not) or I can go to a company I read about in Belize that offers 100 hrs turbine for 5k.

I know the feelings of some about paying for flying, just as I know that flight instructing isn't for everyone.

I'm interested in constructive responses considering my age, flight time, etc. I'd be willing to do some cost splitting on an aircraft to build time as well. Just interested in some other thoughts.

Thx,

Drew

02-19-2017 | 02:19 PM

awax

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Quote:

Originally Posted by av8rdrew

So you buy 100 hours of turbine time, then what? You're out 5K and still need 1000 hours of flight time to be marketable to a 121 carrier. Where are you trying to end up as a pilot? If not airlines, where, and is that worth paying 5K to spin the wheel (and still be significantly under qualified)?

02-19-2017 | 02:34 PM

SideFlare

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Quote:

Originally Posted by awax

Drew, the 100 hours of turbine time will do next to nothing for you. Get your CFI/II or get on at a cargo carrier. Don't waste your money on some ripoff Belize outfit. Once you get to 1500 hours, any regional will hire you. Put in the work, get paid for it, and come on up. As for your age, we had a 57 year old in my AWAC class a few years back... Best of luck!

02-19-2017 | 03:08 PM

TiredSoul

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From: Paahlot

Agreed.
Find a job pipeline patrol or radar mapping or whatever it is these guys do.
PTF isn't necessary anymore.
There's enough out there.
Besides Planesense hires with 500(?) hrs.
So a 1000hrs with them, ATP then decide.

02-19-2017 | 04:58 PM

av8rdrew

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Thanks folks. Appreciate the responses. As for my end game, at this juncture, I'd be happy flying freight for one the larger 135 carriers or a fractional like Plane Sense.

02-19-2017 | 05:21 PM

SideFlare

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You could do a few years at a regional and be at a legacy by 55... Don't rule it out. Again, best of luck.

02-19-2017 | 08:29 PM

TiredSoul

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From: Paahlot

Almost forgot....best of luck to ya

02-21-2017 | 01:35 PM

Andytcsi

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Quote:

Originally Posted by av8rdrew

Thanks folks. Appreciate the responses. As for my end game, at this juncture, I'd be happy flying freight for one the larger 135 carriers or a fractional like Plane Sense.

so where do you live? It will help others in suggesting possible jobs.

02-21-2017 | 01:44 PM

rickair7777

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From: Engines Turn or People Swim

Quote:

Originally Posted by av8rdrew

Thanks folks. Appreciate the responses. As for my end game, at this juncture, I'd be happy flying freight for one the larger 135 carriers or a fractional like Plane Sense.

You probably wouldn't be happy doing that. Trust us.

It's utterly pointless to buy 100 turbine time...you don't need turbine time, you need 1100 hours.

You could try GLA. If you can pass their muster you'll get your time and be able to pick your regional. They do have a training contract though.