Older Pilots at Regionals
#11
Compared to age 25, you'll notice it at age 40 and for many it can be a real factor after 50 or so.
#12
I will be 51 when I retire from my current career and plan on heading to the regionals or Part 135. How do the regionals feel about hiring a older pilot who will likely NOT leave them for a major or ULCC? I don't have the hours/experience to try to chase a major airline nor the years left in flying, so I will be happy with a job at a regional living in base for the remainder of my 14 years of eligibility. I guess what I'm asking is I'm sure the regionals prefer to see their pilots move on after a few years so they can continue filling the seats with cheaper labor vs having a pilot who's been there for years earning at a higher pay scale.
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,465
I will be 51 when I retire from my current career and plan on heading to the regionals or Part 135. How do the regionals feel about hiring a older pilot who will likely NOT leave them for a major or ULCC? I don't have the hours/experience to try to chase a major airline nor the years left in flying, so I will be happy with a job at a regional living in base for the remainder of my 14 years of eligibility. I guess what I'm asking is I'm sure the regionals prefer to see their pilots move on after a few years so they can continue filling the seats with cheaper labor vs having a pilot who's been there for years earning at a higher pay scale.
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2022
Posts: 229
I will be 51 when I retire from my current career and plan on heading to the regionals or Part 135. How do the regionals feel about hiring a older pilot who will likely NOT leave them for a major or ULCC? I don't have the hours/experience to try to chase a major airline nor the years left in flying, so I will be happy with a job at a regional living in base for the remainder of my 14 years of eligibility. I guess what I'm asking is I'm sure the regionals prefer to see their pilots move on after a few years so they can continue filling the seats with cheaper labor vs having a pilot who's been there for years earning at a higher pay scale.
#16
I will be 51 when I retire from my current career and plan on heading to the regionals or Part 135. How do the regionals feel about hiring a older pilot who will likely NOT leave them for a major or ULCC? I don't have the hours/experience to try to chase a major airline nor the years left in flying, so I will be happy with a job at a regional living in base for the remainder of my 14 years of eligibility. I guess what I'm asking is I'm sure the regionals prefer to see their pilots move on after a few years so they can continue filling the seats with cheaper labor vs having a pilot who's been there for years earning at a higher pay scale.
For the foreseeable future they would actually like you to stay, as I said they are desperate. That may not not be good QOL though if they have to work people like dogs indefinitely.
Leaving for a major up to age 55 is entirely reasonable and realistic at this point. They'll still hire even after age 60 but you probably want longer than that to pay your dues and enjoy some QOL.
Best thing at your age would probably be to get 1000 hours 121 regional and then go to a LCC in your early fifties. They will hire you, probably even with less than 1000 turbine. Also apply to the legacies, if you can get called with low time (some do) then you'll enjoy fast seniority progression due to retirements and could easily spend your last five years as a senior and well paid NB CA.
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2019
Position: Poolside
Posts: 534
I recently had a friend at a regional (he was 60+) say “I think they’d hire you at 64 1/2 if the thought they could get you through training and get a couple of months of you on the line…”. Hyperbole, yes. But it’s indicative of where the market is now. Anyone in their mid-50”s would probably be a dream right now. They’ll upgrade then stay on for the rest of their (short) careers.
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2018
Posts: 432
I recently had a friend at a regional (he was 60+) say “I think they’d hire you at 64 1/2 if the thought they could get you through training and get a couple of months of you on the line…”. Hyperbole, yes. But it’s indicative of where the market is now. Anyone in their mid-50”s would probably be a dream right now. They’ll upgrade then stay on for the rest of their (short) careers.
#19
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2017
Posts: 963
#20
Unless they were hoping to complete sim and get a type to do non-121 contract flying.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post