Reality Check
 

Hello APF! It's been awhile since I was here, life happens. Anyway, I am at a "reality check" moment in life, and I want the BRUTAL honest truth:

I have wanted to fly as a profession (airline, charter, corporate, whatever) for as long as I can remember. I'm 30, and maybe will finally reach my PPL this summer. Is it realistic (or sane) to continue thinking I could fly for a living? I've considered the point many of you make: do something else and fly on the side, keep the fun in it. I have, and I don't really know what I would want to do. That isn't what I'm here for. I want honest thoughts or experiences on whether a career is likely still or if I should move on. Thanks!

The Truth About the Profession - Home

Read this front to back, it cant be any more truthful than this.

No, but the chances of getting to a major airline and getting a good schedule while raking in the "big cash" before age 65 are not great, do yo want to slave your whole life away to maybe fly a 777 for 5 years? The "truth about the profession" is worth reading, because right now these are the most important years of your life, when your body works well, when you have energy, when you could start a family or meet someone, etc. Is this worth the cost?

On the other hand, there are many ways to be a pilot, even get paid to be a pilot/fly that do not involve airlines. Some involve just being in the aviation industry and having a good enough job to be able to own your own plane and fly, some involve working for state or federal government, some involve aviation insurance, some involve consulting, some involve training, and so on. There are lots of opportunities, but thinking that you "have to be an airline pilot" is throwing a lot of your life into one little area hoping it's going to work.

rev4life, I have read that a couple times in the past couple years, but still have that "should I stay or should I go" issue. Ha! James, I hear what you're saying. I've wondered about alternate careers over "the airlines," like owning a flight school, running a charter operation, or something to that avail. I just don't want to devote my life to aviation foolishly. And the family thing? Divorced with no kids, so unless some beautiful, rich babe lands in Chicago (kidding...sorta) prob not getting married again. I've got a nephew I can spoil!

Just starting out at 30 with a private and getting to a major might be a challenge. Even at a fairly quick pace you will be pushing 40 before you can get anywhere close to competitive for a major job.

However we are coming up to one of the largest retirement cycles in history so nothing is impossible.

Getting to a good regional or corporate type flying is doable with no problem.

Hey man 30 is young. I waited till 37 before taking this thing seriously- At 42, Im at a decent place(not regional). Yes you may only have 20-25 years at a company but dont let that discourage you. Pm me if you want to chat about it. Good luck man. B

Keep your head up. I've seen people older than 30 get a start and are on track to an aviation career. Ultimately you must decide.

I say go for it! Your young enough for any avenue, 121,135 or corporate 91. BUT....don't waste time deciding!

lol, people are telling you that you're too old to start because you are 30???? Wow, I'm 40 and I am just starting out at the same place you are. I realize I will only have about 23 years or so in this profession before I am forced to retire. I don't care, it is something I love to do and is something I want to do as my second career.

Ok, so at least a year to get certs and ratings assuming you are made of money and a few years CFIing to build up hours, you are 3-4yrs in then, now what is the plan, retire with a regional airline? What happens when your airline is Go-Jet-ed or com-air-ed?