Bam Bam

Hi All,

So I'm 34 and looking to change careers.

I went to a good university and did really well. After school, I took what I thought was a temp job as an insurance adjuster to avoid having to move back in with my parents, but unfortunately I'm still here. I am an independent so I do well, but this was never a career for me.

I have my private license, and really love it. I'd really like to get into being a pilot.

Don't mind the time in school, grunt work, couple years after at 20-30k, etc. Have the money to sink even into the accelerated retail programs, but am not sure this is money well spent. No debt or family in tow.

A few questions:

Certainly my age/unrelated experience is going to raise eyebrows with some people, but is it likely to close a lot of doors?

How challenging is it to get the CFI positions that get you the balance of flight hours?

If you were 34, extremely motivated and a little impatient, and had the resources to complete the transition, how would you do it?

Thanks

PerfInit

Military OCS or ANG for a pilot slot is an excellent way to go. Just my perspective (been in and around aviation for over 30 years and seen lots of ups &downs in the industry). I honestly cannot recommend you spending 75K plus of mom&dad's money (or going into debt) for a chance at a 20k/yr job. You would be better off going to medical school if you want to drop that much more into your career.

Fly for fun, not for a living...

PotatoChip

Did you even bother to read any of his post??
He's 34; military programs are out.
And he has his own money, not mom and dad's.

To the OP, I'll respond later, but yes, it's feasible and you can do it.

PerfInit

Potato,

Easy man, geez! "Lighten up, Francis!"

Has the max age for OCS changed? Last I knew, it was under 40.

PerfInit

Ok, freely admit I am no expert. According to some of the recruiting web sites, max age for military officer varies by branch, but generallly must be commissioned by age 35. Army Natl Guard max age is 42! There are possible age waivers. Army Warrant Officer or Reservist opportunities also exist. I'd honestly recommend to the OP to at least check into it. Those veterans points may be valuable later in life when/if you are seeking Govt. flying jobs.

Swedish Blender

The OP wants to fly.

Air Force AD/reserves/ANG cutoff is 30.
USN/USMC cutoff is 26.
Army cutoff is 33.

There are possible waiver opportunities to be able to fly, but even these are age limited.

PotatoChip

Those are for commissions, not for flying. Do your research. You're embarrassing yourself.

Bam Bam

Military is out, can confirm. Air Force recruiter blew me off citing age for any OCS - said they do consider OCS apps at 34 but only in STEM.

No other branch is accepting OCS

PotatoChip

Hey Bam Bam,

I'm finally at a real keyboard, so I'll take a stab your questions.

First off, plenty of guys/gals have made a mid-thirties career change into aviation. It's not uncommon. Flying is one of those rare jobs that people always want to do and eventually they decide to go for it. Unlike, say, plumbing. The biggest hurdle most people face is timing. There are good times to get into aviation, and times when it's near impossible. Right now, fortunately for you, we are in one of the better times.

That's great you already have your PPL. Flying for a job, however, is nothing like that. It can be, but it is usually not. Really, this will largely depend on your personality and how resistant to constant negativity you are (from both your peers and your management).

Your age will not close any doors at this point. Some people may like your varied back round. Right now, if you completely all the rest of your training in say, 12-18 months, and instructed as best as possible, you could meet the required regional mins in 2-3 years. You'd still be under 40 with 25+ years to fly.

It is not challenging to get a CFI position. Especially if you go through a school like AllATPs or a few others that essentially give you a CFI job upon completion of their curriculum. Besides CFI, there are other positions that you can look for as well. Some will require more hours than others.

If I were you (and I am currently mid-30's btw), I would MAKE SURE I had plenty of money saved up and that I really did truly hate my current career. It's a huge gamble. I'm a bit of a flip flopper myself, so I need to be positive, for at least six months. I'd also take inventory of my "Where do I want to be in five - 10 years."
You will not be making much money, almost none to your retirement, and starting a relationship under these circumstances can be difficult. Further, when you do get that regional job, you are likely to work weekends, holidays and be on call. You will not have a normal schedule, and it's hard to meet people like this. You can, of course, it's just not as easy as a normal job in my opinion. Your work friends at the airline will likely live all over the country... can't exactly stop by after work for a beer.

If you're committed I would look at all of the accelerated courses available to you. Consider their completion rates, whether they will give you a CFI job, if they have connections to regional airline partners, the total cost, payment plans, where they are located, how you will live in said place etc. Come away from this with as little debt as possible. The industry can change in an instant and you don't want to be saddled with $80k in debt and no job.

Start volunteering. Start trying to achieve anything you can at work. Any accolade you can get, get it. Write everything down in a notebook so you don't forget it. You'll need to remember it later.

Good luck.

Bam Bam

Noted.

Honestly the reason I've not married is because I've hated my current path and knew a major transition was going to be in store at some point. Some day I'll settle down, but its really not a priority.

I've been on this for about 6 months. Only other thought is med school...I have the grades for it, but I've no interest in working in a hospital.

Without borrowing, I have plenty to pay cash for even ATP's fee and then about a year's living expenses...2 if I sold my car...

I'm thinking about ATP merely because of the structure, network and the efficiency. That said, why is Prairie Air Service, Inc consistently about 40% of ATP's pricing? He doesn't offer CFI, but anything wrong with doing flight with Herb and then getting CFI elsewhere?

Is the structure and networking at ATP worth difference between Prarie at 35k and ATP's $70k?

I'd be fine doing deliveries in Alaska or missionary stuff in Africa for a few years to get the 1500...sounds like fun actually. Or instructing at an India/China mill...whatever works.

Long term goal is captain at major airline. That would be stable, respected, interesting, and enough to comfortably have a family.