Am I too old??
02-24-2007 | 11:19 AM
#1
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Am I too old??
I am 44 years old and considering training at ATP. What are your thoughts? This has been a dream of mine and for a long time. I have done everything else, but being a pilot has alluded me. I have a PPL with 150 hours and an undergraduate degree in engineering and an MBA. Any thoughts on entering the field at my age and any info on ATP? Thanks!
02-24-2007 | 01:00 PM
#2
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From: Jump
Unfortunately, you probably are too old. You could get a job, but you probably will never be able to move up to the major airlines. If you want to fly corporate or regional airlines, then you should be fine.
Be prepared to spend 5 years or more gaining hours and experience before you get a decent pay check.
Be prepared to spend 5 years or more gaining hours and experience before you get a decent pay check.
02-24-2007 | 01:07 PM
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From: CFII MEI
I have heard of a few mid-life career changes... there was a post on this over at TAF http://www.aviationforum.org/forums/index.php?
However I can't seem to find it
However I can't seem to find it
02-24-2007 | 02:28 PM
#4
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
I am 44 years old and considering training at ATP. What are your thoughts? This has been a dream of mine and for a long time. I have done everything else, but being a pilot has alluded me. I have a PPL with 150 hours and an undergraduate degree in engineering and an MBA. Any thoughts on entering the field at my age and any info on ATP? Thanks!
If your retirement is already secure you could have a regional career, or go into corporate. If you have no retirement plan in place it would be a bad idea... you won't make enough to really load up the 401k until it's too late (after age 50), and there is almost no way you would get to a defined-benefit retirement.
Age 44-45: Get ratings: IR, COMM, ME, CFI, CFII, MEI (- $30K)
Age 45-46: Work as CFI: $15-25K/year
Age 46-50: Regional FO $25-45K
Age 50 - 65: Regional CA: $65-130K
Corporate would have a similar payscale, but would ramp up sooner (The FO's get paid better than regional FO's), but you would probably need to spend a couple of years at a regional to get the jet experience anyway.
02-24-2007 | 03:34 PM
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Thank you all for your advice. I don't have a secure retirement and would be looking at the regionals as a career. Rickair7777- I needed to see the age breakout to really get an idea of what I would be facing. Thanks again!!
02-25-2007 | 06:01 AM
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I am 44 years old and considering training at ATP. What are your thoughts? This has been a dream of mine and for a long time. I have done everything else, but being a pilot has alluded me. I have a PPL with 150 hours and an undergraduate degree in engineering and an MBA. Any thoughts on entering the field at my age and any info on ATP? Thanks!
-LAFF
02-25-2007 | 10:27 AM
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There are alternatives but with FBOs you're taking a chance you'll get ripped off.
Its best to research , visit the places then decide where you will go.
At your age a career is an option. Just remember you'll be at the regionals and may not get to the majors.
Have you been funding retirement all these years?
If you have why not get the career flying for the airlines?
I've been putting money away in TSP (government 401) and Roth IRA, own one home, paying off the second one, wife is finished school and working, etc... preparing for a career at the airlines. I'll be 40 when I start. Its possible just need to be prepared thats all.
-LAFF
02-25-2007 | 10:36 AM
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From: Retired
Peter, I have a couple friends who are aerospace engineers by day, and instruct a little on the side for fun. In a couple cases they also own their own aircraft. In your shoes, I'd do this. By the time you get through your ratings and get hired by a regional you're looking at 50 before you upgrade and start making a reasonable salary. Throw in the volitility of our industry and if you don't have a sizable retirement fund already built up I think it would be a dangerous move. You have a little more to lose and a lot less time to make it back up at 50 than you do at 25.
