Age
 

I am rapidly approaching 40 years old. I have had (thankfully) a very rewarding career outside of aviation. If I build the experience, would I even be considered for hiring by an airline as a second career?

Spare me the lecture of how crazy it would be to jump into this industry. I'm just curious if I could get hired after 40.

Yes you can get hired after 40.

Yes, you definately can, but you're going to have to get moving, and be willing to dump some cash to get all your ratings.

Are you already a Private Pilot? Might want to make sure you enjoy doing the upfront duties first before committing to this whole ordeal

I was hired at United at age 40 and that was before the change in retirement to age 65.

You could get hired after 40, but I doubt you'd get far up the food chain. If you'd be happy at a smaller feeder airline, then go for it.

was United your first airline job?

Agree with de727ups. As for me, anything above the flight instructor level that comes my way......I will consider myself as being successful in achieving my career goal. Part 91 &/or 135 is the way for me.



atp

I was hired at SkyWest in early 2007 with zero airline experience at 44 y.o. It's not very likely from that point to make widebody US major airline captain.

But, there are plenty of other opportunities in the world, if you're willing to move (a long way) from home. For example, Emirates is hiring, with an age 48 year maximum, if you were to be hired there, you'd probably be a heavy captain by age 58.

Of course, Emirates is not an entry level job, much like any US major carrier. I'm confident that you probably know that world wide, the typical age for mandatory retirement from flying is 65.

You could become a regional airline captain and still have time to climb the seniority ladder (assuming your regional doesn't go BK or lose it's contract).

You could also get on with a major, but since seniority progression is much slower at a major you would spend years paying dues only to finish off as a mid-seniority (maybe) domestic FO...probably too much BS for the brief payoff.

You will need more than just enough money for flight school...I assume your house is paid for and retirement is funded?

I don't know rick....at my age, that wouldn't be such a bad deal if it came to fruition! :D


atp

You seem like you have a very good attitude, and at that a realistic one. Expect the worst, and hope for the best.

To quote my man Toby Keith, "I won't break my back for a million bucks I can't take to my grave" You only live once, and if you had a successful career outside of aviation and can afford to take a pay cut I'd say give it a try. For some people making just enough to stay out of debt while traveling the world on someone else's dime could make all the sense in the world

NOTE TO THE READER- (I am still working on my ratings, and have 0 experience actually flying for money so take all advice I give with a grain of salt)