28 too old to go into flying?
 

Hi all,

I have always thought about becoming a major airline pilot since I can remember. I have always been talked out of it because of how competitive it is. I currently have a great job as a teacher, which I have done for several years now, but I am looking to go into a more exciting career field. Do to me working full time the past few years I have enough money to go to flight school, so that is not an issue. Below I have a few questions about the field.

1. Is 28 too old to become a major airline pilot?

2. Is there a pilot shortage and how long do you think the shortage will remain?

3. How long does it usually take to obtain 1500 hours to become ATP certified?

4. And finally how long do most pilots work on regional airlines before switching to major airlines?

5. Are there any flight schools you recommend?

Please feel free to add additional information about the field that you think is worthwhile to know.

1. No
2. I wouldn’t call it a pilot shortage as much as a constraint. AA/DL Retirements peak about 2023-24. UA in 2027-28. SWA steadily climbs to about 400 a year and levels there for a few years. I’m not sure about the others. This hiring wave should last about a solid 15ish years.
3. If you could devote 100% of your time to it, you could have all your certifications(minus ATP) in a year and then the remainder of the 1500 in another year. 2 years total.
4. 2-7 years at a regional currently depending on the major. While your there continue to build your resume and don’t just fly the line and go home.
5. ATP for a fast track program. I assume you have a 4-year degree given that you are currently a teacher? If not, get it ASAP.


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1. Nooooo. I'm in my late 30's and just getting going. You're in good shape.

2. Look at retirement numbers in the "Airline Profiles" section of this website (for the major airlines) to get a sense of what's coming and the demand that will be there.

3. I'm planning on having my commercial pilot certificate (while working full time in my day job) by February of next year (that requires 250 hours minimum). While working I'm aiming for 3 years until I hit 1500 hours overall.

4. It's all over the place, but I agree with the prior post above re: 2-7 years.

5. Pick one that is close. I'm doing a part 61 flight school vs a part 141 (Google the difference). It'll be about 50% cheaper in my estimation. You pay a premium for speed (i.e., the part 141 schools are probably a faster way to go by anywhere from 6-12 months probably, but I'd rather save the money).

Other info to seriously consider: stay out of debt and don't borrow to get through training. You'll thank me later. Good luck!

Generally yes, only younger pilots, with newer wings and feathers, can flap quick enough to provide sustained lift.

No, but there is an airline and airplane surplus.

It takes more than 1500 hours, it takes the ATP CTP and passing a test. It takes a few years usually to get 1500 hours.

Usually 14hrs, but it can be extended.

On March 3, 1969 the United States Navy established
an elite school for the top one percent of its pilots.
Its purpose was to teach the lost art or aerial combat
and to insure that the handful of men who graduated
were the best fighter pilots in the world.

They succeeded.

Today, the Navy calls it Fighter Weapons School.
The flyers call it:


TOP GUN

I feel like I'm helping.

At the majors extensions are voluntary, and duty days are often capped lower than 14 hours.

In all fairness and seriousness, if you do graduate from SFTI you are almost assured a job at a good major.

No, you are not too old.

I'm 46, married, 2 kids, mortgage... I have about 8-12 months of CFI'ing left before my 121 apps go out. I was in flight training when the towers got hit, then the came the lost decade... I returned to aviation 15 years later (kids are not cheap! :) ) I'll likely never see WB Captain but will most likely hit NB Captain with some seniority...

You are young.

I didn’t grow a brain till 28 so I think you’re ok....and it takes right around 1500 hrs to get to 1500 hrs. if you got your game on together.
If you don’t it could take 10 years or more.

On March 3, 1969 the United States Navy established
an elite school for the top one percent of its pilots.
Its purpose was to teach the lost art or aerial combat
and to insure that the handful of men who graduated
were the best fighter pilots in the world.

They succeeded.

Today, the Navy calls it Fighter Weapons School.
The flyers call it:


TOP GUN




Yes because aerial combat fighter pilot is exactly the skills needed for a crew member on the 737.
Just don’t hold on too tight or you’ll be flying rubber dogs#!¥ out of Hong Kong.

Right? You need to have those stick-pushing skills from keeping up with Mig-28s in -4G inverted dives.

(no, it's not too late to start at 28, especially if you can fund training without debt).