Getting in at 30?
 

Hi guys

I´ve been following these forums for about 9 years now but decided to register today.

I have the dream of becoming a pilot since I was a kid and all that, you guys know the story. Fact is, I was not able to do it when I "should have" (after high school in 2002). Instead I attended college, got my Business Administration degree and now hold a decent and stable job making 45k.

Lately I am feeling kind of fed up and would like to have a change in my life. At 29 I have had time to save some money so if I decide to pursue this career it would be with 0 debt and with my college degree already paid for.

All I need to know if you think it would be a smart move. As I said, I have been following APC and the industry for the past 9 years and when I take a look at it (1500 hours, still low wages, no shortage) I feel that my chances have passed by already...


THANKS :),
mm&i

It is never too late to start flying. I would go to an FBO, and start by getting your PPL. By the time you get to CFI you should have a better idea of what the market is like. Who knows something might change with your current job, and you CFI on the side for fun.

30 is not too old. Having no debt and some money saved really helps a lot. That being said, you may spend years at low paying positions and have to move more than once to follow this career.

If your concern is your age, you are young! What are worried about? :). It's not too late.

P.S. It seems there is a lot of the grass is greener on the other side syndrome....I'd definitely encourage most people to learn to fly for fun...it is harder for me to say "jump" as freely to someone who has a decent career and life already going...

I got my Private Pilot certificate when I was 27, and was flying professionally when I turned 30. That was a few years ago, and I don't have any regrets. I've done ok, and my age has certainly not been an issue. With the economy, there are lots of people older than me with the same or less experience.

When I made the jump to professional aviation, I had no debt and money saved up for the lean years. At the very least, I would attempt to start this career with no debt (which you stated is the case, well done!). It will make your life MUCH more pleasant. Also, make sure you get a Class 1 medical and a very thorough checkup (from a different doctor than the one that does your FAA medical).

Before making the jump, I'd highly recommend getting your private pilot certificate at your local airport. You may find out it's really not for you after all... When I was a CFI, I saw plenty of people that just knew they wanted to be professional pilots and never even made it past soloing.

Regarding the ATP/1500 rule, I wouldn't sweat it. By the time I flew at a regional, I had my ATP, over 2,000 hours, and was type rated in a business jet. The point is, there are LOTS of other opportunities out there if you're willing to move where the work is (very important requirement!). If you're not willing to move, then I would reconsider this career.

Agreed. I started comm aviation at 37 and havin a ball-prob because its a second career. Go for it or at least check it out before you borrow an excuse like age. You're young bro- Good luck.

Only do this if this is your absolute passion. If it's not, run screaming from the thought of becoming a pilot.

The only reason I'm here is because I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I wasn't able to start right after high school, I spent a lot of time in the military, so I guess you could call me a late starter. I'm here doing corporate aviation and with the economy, every move up is agonizing if you don't have a positive attitude and passion.

Look at it as a hobby. Keep your day job to support your hobby, get your private license, instrument, commercial, CFI, CFII, MEI, etc. See how you feel about it after each license or rating and go from there.

I worked a fulltime position and flew in the evenings and on weekends, within the first year as a part time instructor I logged over 500 hrs. Take it one license or rating at a time.

I was an Adjunct Faculty Member within an Aviation Program at a local Junior College and the biggest impediment that prevented students from completing their training was the lack of funds.

I would say if you haven't already, go do a discovery flight at a local fbo first. Talk to the instructor about local training opportunities, etc., but mainly, just determine this is something you really want to do, and can do. I had a student who was probably more in to aviation than I was, but he had a really hard time getting over a strong fear of turbulence, and that really held him back. Flying a small plane is nothing like going for ride in a 737.

Then make sure you can qualify for a first class medical. It would be a shame to dedicate yourself to a career your not medical capable of doing.

If you decide it is something that you want to do after all that, I would recommend trying to get your ratings as fast as possible even if that means incurring some debt. Not crazy stupid debt!! But with the ATP/1500 rule you are going to have an additional hurdle that a lot of us didn't have.

Try to cut as many corners as you can, (financially), and work as much as you can to limit debt. I went from zero time to my first regional job in exactly 3 years with about 35 k in loans. My training was completely self financed, but at one time I worked 3 jobs and literally got up in the morning, got in the shower turned off the lights and slept for another 5-10 min. because I was so exhausted.

It took me about ten years to pay off the debt, but the payments were manageable even on regional fo pay, and I'm convinced I did it the right way. I know guys that took a lot longer and spent a lot more, and I'm sure there are guys on here who did it quicker and cheaper. It's a spectrum, it's just better to be on the low end especially if your starting a little later.

Conceivably you could be back to your current pay in 4-5 years and shortly thereafter doing much much better. But the most important thing, you may very well love your job!!

Gee...thanks guys...

Im giving it a lot of thought and still cannot decide. I will visit my local FBO in August and see what they have to offer.

What pushes me back most is the volatility in this sector and the stability in my current one (agriculture)...

Anyways, as said, thanks a bunch guys!