pompeync

I am 40 years old, looking to make a career change from a pretty well paid IT engineer to Pilot. I like my job just not passionate about it. I am looking into the ATP self paced ACPP at RDU, so I can still work and pay bills during training. Right now the course is running close to $58,000, which I would need to borrow. Any advice, comments about ATP, How much it will really cost etc would be appreciated, even if you just want to tell me I'm crazy.

Mark

Pilotpip

You want to go $60,000 into debt (you're not going to be able to complete everything in the minimum time required, especially if you're taking time away) for a $20,000 job in which you'll be away from your family and friends all the time?

Also consider that you won't be able to get a job right out of ATP at this time. Sure, last year people were getting hired at the less desirable regionals with 400 total time. However you have somewhere around 1000 regional pilots currently furloughed. The few airlines that are hiring have their pick of hundreds of people with much more experience than what you have.

If you want to do it, I'd save my money, find a nearby FBO that costs less and work at your own pace rather than paying the premium that comes with the ATP name.

MOOSEDRVR728

I would recommend just get your ratings and fly for fun. Good luck whatever you decision is. Its a great career, but there are a lot of cons to be considered.

rickair7777

I made a similar decision prior to 2001...it was possible to justify it economically because of the higher pay scales at the major airlines.

A lot has changed since then...

Major airline hiring opportunities are low, there are in fact several thousand furloughed, included almost 2000 from the 9/11 furloughs.

All but three majors have had their pay, benefits, and QOL cut significantly (like 50%)...of course those three are the hardest to get hired at.

At age 40, that realistically leaves you regional airlines or corporate aviation as a career path.

Regionals are experiencing stagnant growth and some furloughs. No real adult could possibly live on regional FO pay for long, so you need to plan on a captain upgrade...historically 2-4 years is a good average, but right now it could be longer. Also the regionals with the best employment and upgrade opportunities are usually the worst companies to work for...you would not believe how poorly you will be treated until you experience it.

Corporate is a possibility, you can find liveable wages and working conditions at some jobs, but the pay and QOL range varies wildly. Some corporate pilots are on call 24/7...don't ever touch a beer, and don't go out of town. Corporate is ALL about who you know...agressive networking will be a required way of life to get into and thrive in that business. You will have to make your own opportunities at every turn.

At your age, assuming you have a family, I would not even consider it unless the house is paid for, the retirement account is fully funded, and you can pay for training and still have a survival fund to bridge the years of low pay until you can upgrade to CA.

pompeync

I appreciate the advice. I am single again, I don't own a house. I am not looking to get rich from flying, If I could at some point make $60-70,000 I would be more than happy. I thought about maybe getting my CFI and teaching on weekends/evenings just to fly some.

Rama

The cfi idea is not a bad way to go. Try it part time while staying in your field for now. Do you have any flight time or are you on the outside looking in thinking that would be great? Its a worthwhile profession if your heart is in it, but at 40 its a lot tougher to survive on tuna and peanut butter compared to 20. Realistically the big guys are probably out of the question for you so you need to consider that your career will probably be at a regional. There will always be good times and bad times in the industry-now is obviously not a good one.

pompeync

I try to be realistic and realize I will never be flying 747's on Pacific routes or 777's on trans-Atlantic crossings, but If I could get back to what I am making in my IT job, but flying, then I would be "living the dream". In short my goal would be a regional captain, I am a duel citizen US/UK so I have the European option, not sure that the Euro market is any better than over there. I am training for my private license at this time. If I did the instructing route, I would keep my "day job" and teach just for the love of flying.

Swedish Blender

One advantage you could get by going the FBO route is contacts. Maybe they have a charter department or there are corporate operators on the field you could network into.

Cubdriver

This is what I do, and it is perfectly satisfying. I get to fly when I want to, as long as I want more or less, do not have to pay for anything, do not have a dependent relationship to the income and have lots of fun. I do not get to brag about flying jets or having seen the country, but I think I do pretty well considering the cost of that. And I will never make big bucks at the majors either but hey if it was about money I would have gone into real estate. Keep your job. You have a bright future in general aviation and if the regionals ever recover you will be ready for them.

pompeync

Great advice, It's not about the money, it about flying and doing something you are passionate about.