ATP for an 2nd Career?
 

Flying Gurus,

I'm a military vet on active duty who is lining the "ducks" up for a successful retirement. I'm seriously considering Airline Traning Professionals for my training to Airline Transport Pilot standards; looking for prospect jobs to hold while in post retirement status...i.e., second career.

I'm married with kids. She's used to me being away for long periods of time, but this time I don't think I will be getting shot at. At retirement time I will be 39. I've spoke with reps from ATP who say that's not old or too late to start an aviation career.

What do you all think? What are the Pro's vs. Con's?

I've flown Cessna’s for a 40+hrs, nothing fancy. I'm pretty fresh to flying, but have a devoted passion for it. I'm stuffing nickels, dimes and dollars aside for training to mitigate debt as much as practical.

Let me know your thoughts, experience and suggestions.

Lew

Do you have any military flight time, or just the 40+ hours in a cessna?

Do you have a college degree?

Can you pass a first class medical? (the answer isn't "I've been in the military, so, of course)

And.... is the sum of your flying 40 hours in a Cessna?

Is it possible? Yes. Advisable? Well...ummmm. Don't ask any aviation school for career advice. All they want is to empty your pockets. What do you want to do? Airline? Pt 91? You will probably need to instruct for a while until you are hirable. I know about ATP; PM me with your ATP questions.

No Just 1.9 in an F15. See below posts:

Yes, 1st Class..no problem.

Sum of hrs...Yes, single, land.

And what about the degree?

Chig, (can't pm just yet...need more posts)

I understand what you're saying. Hence the reason I'm here.

For the other quotes above, I'm not looking for a J O B now, just a reputable training location that's going to get me up to speed quickly, worth the cost. Money is not that "big" of an issue, but I want out of it what I put in it...if that makes sense.

The training, isn't a problem, nor is the short time to learn (fast past). We do that day in and out in the Air Force. Nothing I haven't done before. Although it may seem as If I'm coming off cocky, I don't mean to be.

What do you want to do? Airline? Pt 91?
Fly...Cargo, Airline, Corp., Contract. Anything that has wings.

You will probably need to instruct for a while until you are hirable.
Totaly understand this statement. Would love this oppertunity!

The way I see it is like this...

If however many pro pilots there are out there did it, well folks, this GA boy can do it too!

Degree is in Aviation Technology, with a minor in Business mgmnt.

My main question is would ATP be a good choice?

Unless you have ties with ATP, you don't have to bash them, just give me the true grime/grit.

V/r,
Lew

Degree is in Aviation Technology, with a minor in Business mgmnt.

Biglwei

U are about to hear all kinds of opinions..... ALL KINDS of them......

1st Don't listen to anyone, Listen to your heart, if that beats for flying, then that should be it...

2nd Can U make it....?? Don't doubt for even a minute that if you are 39 when U are starting, will U make it... If you are focussed, determined & well prepared, You can cover more in 2 to 3 yrs than someone who is not focused will cover in 7-10 yrs......

3rd The most important thing is CAN U AFFORD IT...... even more important Can U afford it without debt??? That is the most important question.....

4th Is your spouse supportive enough that she will support you the initial low paid years......

5th Don't let anyone at any flying academy package you into a Degree type program for x amount of years with a lot of Mutli DUAL hours by saying that airlines need you to have a degree or they have reduced hiring minimums.... FALSE

When airlines need people, they will hire anyone... even a monkey if things get that desperate. as recent as few yrs ago they did hire 250-300 hrs guys....

6th U can get an associates or even a bachellors degree, side by side slowly, when you are sitting free, not working.
U don't need a degree to work as Flying instructor......

You have to decide, are U going to pay cash for training or finance it..... If U finance it, then U have to go to a fancy school, where the bank will lend U the money...... In that case, do your CPL MULTI IR CFI CFII MEI all in one shot if doing on a loan, don't stop... just reach finish line....

This profession is a very tough obstacle course with a lot of Hidden snakes & ladders built in.... You have to reach the top or at least reasonably high.....

There are ways, if you work smart, you can save a lot of money & still make it...

My final 2 cents, Listen to your heart, talk to your wife & look at your pocket, then decide what is the right course of action for you.....