Glorified

Hi there people,

I know that this question has been asked a fair few times, however, most of the other "potential" pilots asked this question in their 30s and 40s. I am in my mid fifties, I'd like some advice on taking a path to a pilot's job. Give it to me straight, am I really too old?

Before you answer that, I am not interested in any ATP job as that is definitely beyond my reach. In fact I am looking at attaining a CPL IFR ME, not much further than that. If I do reach that goal, then I would be looking for any position that would build up my hours to (hopefully) get into a more stable small regional flying job.

I am an Australian English teacher in Thailand looking to make a major change in my life in order to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a pilot.
I will be doing my training in the U.S., as the prices for flight training in Australia are exorbitantly high.

I have a final question which might be a bit difficult to answer.
Once I complete all the training in the U.S. will I be able to get a job in the States as, say, a Flight Instructor, and later on, hopefully into a regional flight position. I realize this question is a bit beyond the scope of many people in this forum, as it's more of an immigration question, green card, and all. I'm hoping someone here would have some knowledge about this.

Thanks very much.

Ted

Rama

There is a 135 Caravan operator where I where a right seat job can be had for 250 hours commercial etc.
Have no real insight, but will say that some guys jumpseating on us appear to be retired guys in their second career. A sixty year old fo who wants to jumpseat is where I get this idea.
Nothing wrong with it, good luck.

rickair7777

Not too old to retire as a regional CA.

Do you have permanent US right to work? The current visa program for Australian pilots is likely to continue long term, but that's not guaranteed.

You'll definitely want to live in base as a regional pilot for QOL, since you won't have long to build seniority... don't want to spend ten years paying dues and then retire before you get to enjoy it.

galaxy flyer

Anyone concerned about a pilot shortage should read this and other similar posts. There are no shortage of people willing to fly even when it requires overcoming huge hurdles for little gain.

GF

rickair7777

Outside the US, where opportunities are relatively rare, this is true (Exhibit A: Ryanair). But very few nations have a surplus of qualified pilots and a fast-track US visa program. Australia is it to my knowledge, and that's not going to change much. The Fed is going to be very leery of fast-tracking pilots who may come from who-knows-what background... and that includes the EU unless they tighten up their borders.

Most of the available pilot pool is here in the US, and they are largely holding out for money. That's why the regionals are raising pay, and why 135/91 types are starting to come out of the woodwork, as well as ex-regional pilots returning to aviation.

galaxy flyer

Don’t disagree with one word of that, Rickair777.. My point being there will always be those trying to get in when industry hiring is booming because it looks like a glamourous gig. Second, the days when the eligible pool was somewhat artificially restrained are gone. At one time, being white, ex-mil, age 32 and under, astronaut medically qualified created a limited pool and even then there was plenty of applicants and carriers were picky.

GF

rickair7777

That's true. But some airlines who have taken advantage of the wider pool are now having second thoughts. I was told by one LCC recruiter/CP that they now needed some older guys with TPIC to babysit all the 20-something RJ FO's they hired over the last 5-10 years who were now upgrading. I passed on that one, didn't care for the philosophy among other things. I think the pendulum may be swinging back just a bit... even though this is worst possible time for the airlines to tighten up standards.

I think over the next decade some majors may have to decide whether to sacrifice growth or even retreat, vs. exploring new lows in pilot standards.

galaxy flyer

Yikes, I hate that idea. In my long experience, having an “strong F/O babysit” a “weak” or “inexperienced” captain is a potential disaster. The crew tends to go to the level of its leadership. I’ve faced that decision, both as a commander and chief pilot; always said, “get another captain or A/C for this mission and get the less experienced captain experienced or trained elsewhere”. That said, strong pilots should be trusted, when they have demonstrated good judgement, with more difficult trips.


GF

Edgewoodrx

In answer to the original question: I renentered flying at age 58 (1 year ago) after a 15 year hiatus after 9-11. I did have plenty of hours but with no recent experience I was forced to take an entry level job flying freight in recip freighters. I have since moved on to pic in a kingair and life is great. I'll never be a wide body airline captain at this point but that's ok. I'm Having a blast and I'm not a threat to any younger guys climbing the ladder. Trust me, any operators trying to fill the left seat of a king air (non type rating airplanes) or below is begging for help because these are stepping stone jobs once again for the folks who are able to move on.

A a guy flying the lower end stuff, in my opinion you should go for it. Get your tickets, then get your time any way you can and you will be able to fly stuff you only dream about now even if it is only a Kingair or something.

I respect the folks saying we don't need to water down our leverage during this pilot shortage with more pilots but I honestly don't think a guy pushing 60 is ever going to threaten that. Most people agree the pilot shortage is not a real problem at the airline level and I agree with that. Airline recruiters may not have the luxury of astronauts waiting in line for a job but they have scores of qualified people to pick from. I can tell you absolutely for sure, there is a real pilot shortage at the flight instructor and entry level Part 135 side. Anyone with average pilot skills and a pulse gets a chance on that side.

MadmanX2

First things first. How is your health? Are you familiar with the FAA medical certificates? You will need to have at least a second class medical. Get that checked out before making any big changes.

Good luck to you.