Older Pilots at Regionals
#2
Now I know two people that have done it. It's a grind, especially with DEC infinite juniority and the CA shortage at most regionals.
The only rational end game is to get a LCC or legacy job fast, which should be achievable... I would have said within months, but if the economy really slows might be 2-3 years.
The only rational end game is to get a LCC or legacy job fast, which should be achievable... I would have said within months, but if the economy really slows might be 2-3 years.
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,294
I flew with a handful at PSA that had been in other professions. 1 retired ATC guy. 1 software developer. 1 retired corporate exec who was very wealthy and didn't need to be there by any stretch. Another was 64 and he was a former b of a pilot. No clue why he was there but he was nice and fun on the overnights
#4
On Reserve
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Posts: 16
How the schedule feels to you probably has less to do with your age than it does other factors. I’m 52 and to me the schedule feels great. I work with some who are half my age and struggle with their schedule, so age isn’t the issue.
This is a second career for me. Five years at PSA. Never married, no kids, active. I bid reserve intentionally, but I live next to the airport (DCA), walk to work and have a ton of cool things to do around here within the two hour callout window. So it’s a great job. It helps, of course, to have a bit of seniority as you can pass on some assignments or take your pick of those that look fun. A DEC will be at a disadvantage there for a couple years, but then again if you have a positive outlook, live healthy, and your life is not fraught with lots of other responsibilities, then it’s a very enjoyable and rewarding lifestyle/job.
This is a second career for me. Five years at PSA. Never married, no kids, active. I bid reserve intentionally, but I live next to the airport (DCA), walk to work and have a ton of cool things to do around here within the two hour callout window. So it’s a great job. It helps, of course, to have a bit of seniority as you can pass on some assignments or take your pick of those that look fun. A DEC will be at a disadvantage there for a couple years, but then again if you have a positive outlook, live healthy, and your life is not fraught with lots of other responsibilities, then it’s a very enjoyable and rewarding lifestyle/job.
#5
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Posts: 11
Thanks everyone for the comments. I guess my biggest concern is being a commuter and being on junior reserve. I haven’t had to do that in about 10 years.
I’m thinking about doing it for a couple of years then re-retiring.
I’m thinking about doing it for a couple of years then re-retiring.
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2017
Position: On the Line
Posts: 286
I am north of 50 but live in base and that improves QOL vastly here. 2nd career. Started 4 years+ ago.
#7
Just get a nice little apartment nearby the airport, make the best of it. You can easily pick-up some premium open time to pay the rent.
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,465
I d get a place for sure and an airport car. You're basically semi moving to a base. But I d buy a small house. Turn it into a rental with a local property management co after re retiring.
#10
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2022
Posts: 47
I've been to two airlines so far, and the ones who don't make it in the end tend to be the older group. I guess thier mind is just not as sharp as what it used to be when they were younger.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post