28 too old to go into flying?
06-13-2019, 02:13 PM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2019
Posts: 1
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.
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.
06-13-2019, 02:54 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,022
Originally Posted by shaitown19
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.
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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06-13-2019, 03:13 PM
#3
Fly or Die
Joined APC: Jan 2019
Posts: 484
Originally Posted by shaitown19
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.
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.
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!
06-15-2019, 08:27 PM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2011
Position: Volleyball Player
Posts: 3,978
Originally Posted by shaitown19
Hi all,
1. Is 28 too old to become a major airline pilot?
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?
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
Please feel free to add additional information about the field that you think is worthwhile to know.
06-16-2019, 08:56 AM
#5
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,210
Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes
Usually 14hrs, but it can be extended.
Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes
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
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
06-16-2019, 02:40 PM
#6
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2018
Posts: 75
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'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.
06-17-2019, 06:23 AM
#8
whatever
Joined APC: Sep 2015
Posts: 421
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.
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
Originally Posted by rickair7777
In all fairness and seriousness, if you do graduate from SFTI you are almost assured a job at a good major.
Just don’t hold on too tight or you’ll be flying rubber dogs#!¥ out of Hong Kong.
06-17-2019, 06:31 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2011
Position: Volleyball Player
Posts: 3,978
Originally Posted by Vital Signs
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.
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