To late for pilot training?
 

Probably subject of my question goes beyond the scope of usual FAQ, but I would like to ask all of you (who think that my question is not childish), is there any chance that 37 years old male from small country in Europe (Croatia), with serious ambition to became pilot of airline company, starts with training for airline pilot, and what prospects in pilot-career could be expected in that case (or instead “in that case”, maybe I should say: “regarding my age”)? To make my challenge more provocative, my knowledge of airline industry is on zero level (I am an electrical engineer).


I would be thankful if I could get honest answer from experienced person from airline industry.

huby

huby:

There is a story about a 70 year old lady that wanted to go to law school. All her friends told her she was too old to become a lawyer. Then one day a friend said to her, "In 5 years from now you will be 75. Do you want to be a 75 year old lawyer or a 75 year old something else"? She started law school the next week.

The question is for you: In 5 years you will be 42, do you want to be a 42 year old electrical engineer or a 42 year old airline pilot? There are 42 year old pilots getting hired on a regular basis at most airlines. Don't dupe yourself into thinking your age will be a factor - It's more about the motivation and commitment. Better get studying!

I believe the retirement age for airline pilots in Erope is 65, so you have 28 years to before you have to retire. Follow your heart. Do what you want. Good luck. :)

5 Years
 

In 5 years you could also be an unemployed broke and a deeply in debt pilot. When we are in our 20's it is romantic to be impoverished. It is not so much fun to be poor and over 40. Sure it is possible, but the latter is much more probable.

SkyHigh

Lots of opportunities in Europe for airline pilots. With the right to live and work in the EU you shouldn't have any trouble getting a decent job.

The difficult part is the transition from your current full time career to the first paying job as a pilot. You'll have to devote a lot of time and pay a lot of money for training. If you can do that while maintaining your current job that would be best. If not, it is a far greater risk.

Make sure you talk to more people in Europe about the career path for a pilot just starting out. Make sure you can get a JAA First Class Medical. Be ready to make a lot of sacrifices if this is what you really want to do.


Typhoonpilot

There are several issues regarding age...

-Are you too old to learn new things? No, 37 is young enough and your EE background means that the academics should not be tough for you at all.

-Is there a cultural barrier to getting hired at your age? In the US it used to be very difficult to get hired as an airline pilot after age 30, but that is no longer the case here....you could get hired at age 50 if you wanted to. I'm not certain, but I think the europeans are still a little more traditional, but you would need to ask a european pilot.

-Compensation: There is a lot of training expense and low wages in the early years of a pilot career. Training costs in europe are so high that most europeans come to the US to do some or all of their training. Can you afford the training, and about 6-10 years of fairly low pay? This all depends on your economic and family situation. Would it be worth it in the long run?

-Medical: Can you pass the medical requirements? European is more stringent than US. If so do you live a healthy lifestyle so you can keep your medical certificate through age 65?

-Regional Airline: Major airlines are better than regional airlines...at your age it would be possible to do your training, work as a flight instructor to build hours, get a regional airline job, and then eventually get a major airline job. But by the time you get to the major, you will be so old that it may not be worth it. If you just plan on staying at a regional airline, a career change would make more sense (to me anyway).

A lot of this depends on whether you want to fly in the US or europe...they require different training programs, with the european (JAA) being more expensive and difficult. I can say that if you can afford to come to the US and get a student visa, you will be able to do your training and get a green card (work permit) and eventually get a regional airline job in the US...I know a lot of foriegn pilots who work in the US.

My standard advice to anyone who expresses interest in commercial flying is to get a private pilot license and see how much you enjoy it before pursuing a career. I know that may be expensive in Croatia, but you might be able to take a vacation to the US or australia and take some lessons then.

Good Luck

I would say you're biggest hurdle is being able to survive on low wages for an extended time especially if you have a lot of debt and/or a family to support. I was in my mid 30's when I started flying commercially (I worked as an A&P) so it is not impossible.

Did you pop outta your Mommy with a bad attitude? Fists swinging? On the defensive? You and your postings are an absolute disgrace to the profession and the people who aspire to become airline pilots. I know you don't know me, and I hope you never, ever know me, but there are people in this world (like me) who are sick and tired of you miserable jerks making inflammatory, baseless and negative statements about the profession.

We don't need to hear your tale of woe. We have our own violins to play. I'd rather be poor, 59 1/2 years old and flying anything with wings than sitting behind a desk.

I agree 100%!!!

Well said Randy

huby, go for it , this is the only life we have, follow your dreams, read some St.Ex, Ernie Gann, R. Drury, follow your inner compass, you can do it ! Godspeed !