Hello, everyone.

I wish you a happy new year.

I acquired my FAA Commercial Pilot License in 2013. Since then, I didn't work as a pilot. Moreover, I didn't pursue my aviation career continuously. I had personal reasons after I received the license. It was not related to my medical condition or flying capability. I had a hard time since then...

Now, I'm seriously considering pursuing my aviation career again. However, I didn't fly for a long time and my age is 40.

Did you ever see anyone who succeeded in starting a pilot job in his/her 40s or who overcame a long time of absence from a pilot career?

Please, let me know if you know about such cases.

Welcome any of your sincere advice on me.

Thank you for reading my post.

Hope your great day.

JK from Seoul

 

Yes you can pick up again at age 40, assuming right to work in the US. There are good employment opportunities here for the rest of the decade at least.

If you'd be flying in another other country, you'd need to research the state of the industry there.

 

The answer is yes wit a resouing YES!

A friend of mine started flying (first time key in the ignition) at about 41 years of age. He's now with an ACMI carrier, with 3 years to go as a wide body Captain.

Go for it.

 

I understood my current age would not be a problem if I could reach a sufficient level of operation that can offset the years I left from flying!

 

Thank you for sharing your friend's story and cheering me up!

 

Are you talking about in the US, Korea, or somewhere else??

Different markets/regions/countries have vastly different requirements and opportunities.

 

Not really. With a few exceptions... a work/residence Visa will be required. In addition confirmation from the NAA of their current nationality will be required too. Those were the basics for me from Europe, Asia, Austral/Asia, Central American, to name a few. The process and procedures ranged, for me, from benign to something tantamount to a thorough security check. Further... be prepared to pay for the permits should your carrier of choice will not.

It was worth every effort for all adventures. Airplanes fly the same, no matter their locations. It was experience living in various countries and making life long friends.

 

I'm interested in US.

Hope your good day.

 

Thank you again, for sharing your experience and knowledge.

 

I did something similar a couple of decades ago, so this doable.
The difference then was that the economy and industry were hanging out in the same toilet bowl together.

Start working on your Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings, preferably at a place that will hire you after your check ride.
You'll be able to wrap a Flight Review into the process (two birds, one stone).

Then start teaching. You'll be in the right seat of an RJ in no time, with the majors right around the corner.
Think you'll be to old for the majors by then? I'll be 54 this year and I start at a Legacy next month.

Don't waste your time with 135 (a vast majority of them suck anyway, ask me how I know), unless they offer a quick upgrade to the left seat to build PIC time, or are willing to fund your ATP, when the time comes.

Good luck, we're all counting on you.