Getting hired at 50
04-19-2023, 02:36 PM
#11
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Joined APC: Apr 2023
Posts: 23
Originally Posted by kellendeming
I am so glad I am not the only one here that old and just wanting to start out. I am pretty much in the same boat as you . I am 47 and just started looking into applying for my PPL.
If everything goes right I should be able to gain my 1500 when I turn 50. That will give me 15 good years. I am very realistic in my choices that I will not fly for a Major which is fine by me. I just be very happy to be able to fly.
If everything goes right I should be able to gain my 1500 when I turn 50. That will give me 15 good years. I am very realistic in my choices that I will not fly for a Major which is fine by me. I just be very happy to be able to fly.
04-19-2023, 03:32 PM
#12
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,281
Originally Posted by 40yrOldRookie
Why? It is my understanding that 15 years is enough time to at least get to a major at least as an FO, am I wrong in that assumption?
04-19-2023, 04:06 PM
#13
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Joined APC: Apr 2023
Posts: 23
Originally Posted by rickair7777
Yes it is more than enough time in this climate. Historically, most folks who started that late would likely stay at a regional, but who knows if the regionals will even last that long?
04-19-2023, 05:21 PM
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2021
Posts: 562
Originally Posted by 40yrOldRookie
I plan on moving to a major after a few years in regionals, I'm planning to, not that it is a sure thing, 15 years in the regionals does not sound very appealing. Why is it that historically old timers like I will be stay at regionals? And do you think regionals will disappear soon?
But to answer you question on why older folks late to the party tend to stay at a regional, historically. As you read earlier, aviation is two steps forward and one step back... sometimes two steps back. Historically, you will build seniority faster at a regional and subsequently, a better quality of life. Remember me saying older folks tend to find ways to improve quality of life and not start back at the bottom somewhere? For those who are happy with a comfortable salary, $150k+ (even more now) and are okay with the regional business model, tend to accept the tradeoff versus what a major/legacy might offer such as potentially better work rules, potentially shorter workdays and potentially fewer workdays a month along with much higher pay, of course. And some, prefer to live in the base that a regional offers, that mainline carriers do not. But don't ever assume a particular base will always be there. Regionals close/open/grow/shrink/shift bases with some regularity, so keep that in mind if you happen to currently live near a regional base and are using that for thought.
Here is the thread that someone created to list all the domiciles for each carrier... however, the link does not appear to be working for me at the moment. (the link in the thread is on page 1)
Major & Regional Domicile Map
04-20-2023, 03:54 AM
#15
New Hire
Joined APC: Jun 2022
Posts: 3
Originally Posted by Danny Noonan
As someone who got on with a regional at 51 and now heading to a major I can attest that age won’t be a barrier on its own. I made switch from technical side of advertising/marketing so your backstory sounds familiar.
Your additional details probably require some prep. Go get a first class medical initially to make sure there’s no gotchas. You can let it lapse into 2nd and 3rd class as you go through training. Taking loan for this career switch is a big gamble. There isn’t a guarantee that high regional paydays or hiring wave will be there by the time you have the qualifications. Make a 3-5 year financial plan with exit ramps in case you have any issues including deciding the hoop jumping for ratings and hours isn’t for you. Finally talk to as many pro pilots as you can find locally. The pro pilot schedule is very different than 9-5 M-F slog. Pluses are you don’t take work home with you. Minuses are much less control of week to week schedule and irregular hours.
Your additional details probably require some prep. Go get a first class medical initially to make sure there’s no gotchas. You can let it lapse into 2nd and 3rd class as you go through training. Taking loan for this career switch is a big gamble. There isn’t a guarantee that high regional paydays or hiring wave will be there by the time you have the qualifications. Make a 3-5 year financial plan with exit ramps in case you have any issues including deciding the hoop jumping for ratings and hours isn’t for you. Finally talk to as many pro pilots as you can find locally. The pro pilot schedule is very different than 9-5 M-F slog. Pluses are you don’t take work home with you. Minuses are much less control of week to week schedule and irregular hours.
04-20-2023, 03:59 AM
#16
New Hire
Joined APC: Jun 2022
Posts: 3
Originally Posted by 40yrOldRookie
Why? It is my understanding that 15 years is enough time to at least get to a major at least as an FO, am I wrong in that assumption?
04-20-2023, 05:19 AM
#17
On Reserve
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Joined APC: Apr 2023
Posts: 23
Originally Posted by QRH Bingo
My only comment on your question about why some think regionals will be gone soon is that who knows what will happen, but it does appear that things will change. At a minimum, they will shrink and consolidate. Maybe some go under, maybe some get bought out, maybe some get brought under the operating certificate of a legacy. At this point, it's all speculation.
But to answer you question on why older folks late to the party tend to stay at a regional, historically. As you read earlier, aviation is two steps forward and one step back... sometimes two steps back. Historically, you will build seniority faster at a regional and subsequently, a better quality of life. Remember me saying older folks tend to find ways to improve quality of life and not start back at the bottom somewhere? For those who are happy with a comfortable salary, $150k+ (even more now) and are okay with the regional business model, tend to accept the tradeoff versus what a major/legacy might offer such as potentially better work rules, potentially shorter workdays and potentially fewer workdays a month along with much higher pay, of course. And some, prefer to live in the base that a regional offers, that mainline carriers do not. But don't ever assume a particular base will always be there. Regionals close/open/grow/shrink/shift bases with some regularity, so keep that in mind if you happen to currently live near a regional base and are using that for thought.
Here is the thread that someone created to list all the domiciles for each carrier... however, the link does not appear to be working for me at the moment. (the link in the thread is on page 1)
Major & Regional Domicile Map
But to answer you question on why older folks late to the party tend to stay at a regional, historically. As you read earlier, aviation is two steps forward and one step back... sometimes two steps back. Historically, you will build seniority faster at a regional and subsequently, a better quality of life. Remember me saying older folks tend to find ways to improve quality of life and not start back at the bottom somewhere? For those who are happy with a comfortable salary, $150k+ (even more now) and are okay with the regional business model, tend to accept the tradeoff versus what a major/legacy might offer such as potentially better work rules, potentially shorter workdays and potentially fewer workdays a month along with much higher pay, of course. And some, prefer to live in the base that a regional offers, that mainline carriers do not. But don't ever assume a particular base will always be there. Regionals close/open/grow/shrink/shift bases with some regularity, so keep that in mind if you happen to currently live near a regional base and are using that for thought.
Here is the thread that someone created to list all the domiciles for each carrier... however, the link does not appear to be working for me at the moment. (the link in the thread is on page 1)
Major & Regional Domicile Map
04-20-2023, 05:57 AM
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2022
Posts: 856
Medical medical medical
That is THE key question here.
Find an AME (aviation medical examiner) and book a consultation
DO NOT APPLY FOR A MEDICAL
discuss your previous arryrhmia. Find out the steps required to get a medical. Get all your ducks in a row and then if you can get a Medical, you can think about the rest of the questions.
An answer to the rest of your questions, I think there are lots of good opportunities available for you in the next 20 to 30 years.
That is THE key question here.
Find an AME (aviation medical examiner) and book a consultation
DO NOT APPLY FOR A MEDICAL
discuss your previous arryrhmia. Find out the steps required to get a medical. Get all your ducks in a row and then if you can get a Medical, you can think about the rest of the questions.
An answer to the rest of your questions, I think there are lots of good opportunities available for you in the next 20 to 30 years.
04-20-2023, 07:19 AM
#19
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,281
Originally Posted by kellendeming
All i was stating was for me if I make it to a Major Great! but if I dont I will be happy to stay as a Capt. in a Regional
In this climate there is so much uncertainty about the future of the regional industry, to say nothing of specific regionals, that lifers risk getting the carpet pulled out from under them at a critical time as they save for retirement. MANY senior regional CA's are going to majors right now not because they *want* to, but because they're scared for their future.
Originally Posted by kellendeming
or go to Spirit
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