I am 40....should I look at the accelerated programs?
 

I know that I am a getting a late start in my life on this, but would something like a 90 day program be my best bet? I have 130 hours already. I am doing a career change. I have worked in funeral service the last 18 years of my life. My wife has a very good job, and is behind me 100%....yes, she is the bomb!!!!! It is great to have that kind of support!! I do want to go somewhere where they handle the finances, but I know some guy with low time is not going to know what someone with higher time can teach you about flying. I want to make sure I really know what is going on. Everyone says you won't make any money starting out. I know that, and money is not a main motivation for me. If love what you do the compensation follows. I appreciate everyones input so far on my last question. Please keep sending me your thoughts.

Yes, look at accelerated programs. I can't give you an information about any of them, but I'd think that's a good route for you at this point.

If you have the money to burn and are thinking about paying cash at AllATPs or what have you, then that is different from getting head over heels in debt by financing. Be aware if you do the latter you are going to be in debt for many years and it's not a lot of fun. First officer pay won't cover the monthly note. My general recommendation is try to save money by using the FBO based flight schools and flying clubs located around the country, because they really are cheaper and the money matters a lot to most people. I am 40 and working a job to pay down my student loans before launching into the airlines at salaries that typically range in the mid-twenties for the first few years. If you have the money go ahead, the time saved will be worth it. I doubt you will save more than a few months over FBO training but it's up to you to decide.

A little help
 

I am 39 and just started flying and thinking of making a career change.Is this a realistic opportunity or a pipe dream.How long to get enough hrs. to go to a regional?Is looking ahead to Cathay or Air China unreasonble.If I make the change I would want to do freight.Yeah one more thing I have no college degree.Looking for a lot of help

You are starting late but it is possible for you. I have similar plans by the way. The first 5 years of airline flying are low income years, a blow to most middle agers who are used to more money.

Going through pilot mills like AllATPs and starting from scratch, one or years. Going through FBOs (fixed based operator) schools, maybe 2 years minimum. Things are changing in the industry right now and hiring minimums are coming down. 250 hours is the minimum, although you will not get to one of the better regionals until you reach more than 500 hours.

Not having a college degree is going to limit you to regionals or Part 135 freight operations. This is a big minus, you will need a degree to fly for a major like Cathay. I would go to school and get a "soft" degree in something like pyschology, political science, communications, or education; it doesn't matter what as long as you can keep up your flight training on the side. You could have your degree and ratings within 4 years. Be careful about debt if you do this, because you are going to have to pay down your loans while making perhaps $20k a year at a regional. Good luck!

thanx for the help

Do lots of research, visit the quickie programs, talk to their students, and please don't pay to sit in the right seat of anything, its just not worth it.

I've got to ATPs for my MEI and my ATP. They did what they guarenteed, I just wouldn't say I learned much. For a full out 90 day program, it might be an interesting ride.

I wouldn't discount the FBO route either. Check in your area, you might be surprised to find a few have the same "career pilot" programs for cheaper. Plus you get to stay at home and will probably get a better experience to boot.

Checko

dann, Cubdriver & turk:

I'm 46, have no flight experience to speak of, yet I enjoyed a career in airport and airline ops. Becoming a pilot is a natural progression in my career.

I always wanted to be a pilot, however, at the time my dad wanted to see improvements in my grades. They improved by 2nd semester sophomore year until graduation. I'm an ERAU grad. That was 20 years ago. Christmas of '06, he walks in the family room and asks if I was still interested in going to flight school? I said, "You bet!!!" He informed me that he and my mother are willing to foot the bill :eek:. So my plans are to head to a flight academy here in Florida with cashier's check in hand.

I'm grateful for my mom & dad!!!

Given the nature of our situation in terms of age, I say head to an accelerated program...it'll get you where you want to be that much faster. Hope to see ya out there one day.

Blue skies.


atp

im 38 with 565 tt but need to get FAA licenses....been waiting a long time and I think this is the right time to be a pilot and is going to get better in my honest opinion....if you have support from your wifey go ahead..don't look BACK

You're 46 and your parents are paying for your career change? Maybe it's just me but that seems kinda weird.

Not to bust your balls but why can't you pay for it yourself and tell the folks to put that money away for their retirement (unless they are already well off) or for your kids college or something?