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?

Starting a second career late in life is a great thing. Most likely you have finally decided to pursue what you always wanted to do.

Just be careful. At least by now you have age on your side and the life experience that comes with it. Our industry is a weird one, and I constantly find myself having to explain certain aspects of it over and over again to friends and family.

Don't spend all your money on a program that will get you nowhere fast. I'm especially thinking of the ones that makes a lot of promises up front. And like somebody mentioned earlier don't pay to sit right seat. Yes you can probably get away with it, but it degrades all of us and our profession.

Take the time to research, it will be worth it!

Also you might think now that this a big world, but it amazing how small it really is. For better and worse.

And start networking now! That is really where most of your energy/resources is worth being spent.

GL,

Yeah, right.
 

It's not just you. If I was 46 and still being supported by M&D I certainly wouldn't tell anyone about it. Yikes! I guess your dignity is for sale for 50K.

Sweptwingthing, get off of these forums

Swass & Nihon:

Yeah...it's an awesome thing to have my Mom and Dad ask me after 20 years if I'm still interested in going to flight school and that they are willing to pay for it. Like I said before, they never said they wouldn't send me; things have just worked out that now is the right time for me.

On the other, Nihon, as far as my parents financing my career change at 46, I couldn't give a Sam Hill what you or any one else think about it. I chose to share that information. My parents were very successful in their chosen careers and in terms of financial planning...they were equally successful. Btw, so am I.

Nuff said.



atp

"Sweptwingthing, get off of these forums"

Guys like him don't last long. Don't think he made it past 4 posts.

Please people, when you see trolls like this, use the report post feature. We caught this guy pretty quick but next time it would be great if the users say something before the mods/admin stumble across it.

Keep in mind
 

We have seen the results of the stock market bubble, the real estate meltdown and now regional airlines have been overheating during the last 6 years or so.

Starting a new airline career past forty is extremely risky at best. Given the shaky economy and cyclical nature of aviation is is unlikely that the latest hiring boom will continue much longer. Most everyone who was hired over the last two years could end up on the street overnight if the market changes.

It is difficult for anyone to make it past a regional and if they have a family in tow as a new career entrant it is almost negligent and unfair to them. Most spouses would want to offer their support but they really don't know what they are getting into.

My suggestion would be to only consider a career change to aviation past thirty if:

-- Financially independent or have a retirement already.

-- Not married, and no children

-- I would go to an accelerated school.

-- Fully understand that the job requires you to be gone more than half the year. you will miss every weekend, holiday and family function for the next 5 to 10 years or so.

Pilots sleep and live mostly in cold hotel rooms, crash pads and in terminals. You will earn less than the neighborhood mailman for a long time and most likely will be laid off at some point.

Pilot skills are nearly worthless to the outside world. If you loose your job or medical you are investing into a career that has no residual or transitional value. A good idea is to always have a soilid plan "B".

SkyHigh

SkyHigh:

Man it is great to see a recent/current post from you :). It's great to see posts that shoot straight from the hip and offers good sound advice.

Believe you me...I have researched this matter and have talked it over with my fiance and she is behind me 100%.

As you pointed out, having a back-up plan is critical. Currently, I work in the HQ for a company...(as a temp)...that owns at least 62 Assisted Living facilities around the country. I'm in the A/P dept. I actually had the Dir. of Recruiting come to me and say, "Marcus, if the flying thing doesn't work out, we'd be glad to have you join us here at Signature Health (not advertising Mr. Moderator).

The company is located in Palm Beach Gardens and starting salaries are in the high 30's to low 40's. An MBA would double my salary. So, it's a win/win situation for me.


Great to see you posting again SkyHigh.



atp

Hey Sky, nice to hear from you. I hope you're staying current in your C150 in your off-hours. Simple airplanes are the most fun... all I get here are Garmin Nav III airplanes that are glitzy, expensive, and overly high tech for what they do. Give me an old Cub, Skylane, or 150 any day.

-Cubdriver

Hey Skyhigh - glad you're still around! Although I don't always agree, you definitly bring up some valid points that many of us either forget, don't want to admit, or just got lucky. This industry certainly isn't ALL roses and I'm glad you're around to remind us once in a while.:D

Hi Guys !!
 

Thanks for all the greetings !!

I have been enjoying my little Cessna 150. It has been a blast relearning how to fly a small plane again. The simple joy of a scenic flight over the mountains is highly energising. I am looking forward to cross country adventures this spring.

It is no fun to be a gloom and doomer all the time. I honestly wish that we all were able to secure fulfilling and meaningful employment at the companies of our dreams. I wish that our God given skills, interest and abilities were valued and respected by the marketplace. The truth sadly is in conflict with most of our needs and expectations. I believe that there is no profit in self delusion and that in order to succeed we all need to research the truth for ourselves and to make decisions in our life based on fact and logic instead of solely what our desires are.

As for me I will be advancing my aviation career by taking on a goal list of local trips and accomplishments in my 150 !!!! I still however hold out hope of finding a livable situation soon and return to full time professional aviation. Never give up.

SkyHigh

Just do it
 

I went to ATP I am 30 years old I have NO College, I made movies...made a bit of money got devorced (best idea to date) and went flying. I now fly a Kig Air 350 (type Rating Requied, I didn't pay for it the company did) I fly a Premier 1 A a Conquest. I have been accepted for the airline and declined because of the pay that this company they offered me. You are 40 who cares. Do it live your life because you are going to wake up at 60 and go......S*&^. why didn't I just go for it.
Good luck, you need anything feel free to email me.

David

David Bond

So you've been flying around this whole time without an FAA license???

High Time
 

I had a pvt student once in Alaska who had 4000 hours. He owned his own plane and hadn't been trained. He didn't think the FAA could take away his license if he didn't have one. He even flew semi professionally as a fish spotter.

Skyhigh

Not all licenses come from the FAA.. remember this is the WORLD wide web.

Do you mean a degree in aviation or a degree in general?

OUCH concorde - this is an awfully old thread to bring back from the dead for a question that can answered by reading any number of other threads.

To answer your question - ANY degree. Check the box.

USMCFLYR

Best idea I've ever heard! lol

OK since this has come back from the dead, how about we have the OP and the other aspiring older folks tell us where they are two years later. That might lend some inspiration to the other "older" folks around here that are trying to decide whether to jump in or not.

The OP seems to be long gone :D

Quote:

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Last Activity: 06-26-2008 11:48 AM

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As for the others - well I'd say that many are still around and have already shared much over the past 4 years.
I think this one is best left for dead.

USMCFLYR