Oldest new hire
 

With the shortage of pilots, I was wandering if there are a lot of second career people coming on board. How old are they and how old is too old?

59yrs and 9months

i've had guys in my class that were mid 40s.

they seemed to have the hardest time learning the systems and procedures, though

I agree with that somewhat. I did my first systems class at age 41. The older we get, the less pliable we get is my theory. When I was in my early 20s, I was always in the top 10% of whatever class I took without much effort. At 41, I had to bust my ass harder than most just to come out average. Another factor is familiarity with other similar aircraft systems, of course.

I am about to turn 41 and it seemed like I had to work a lot harder than the "young" guys in my class at Mesaba.

From CFI days I definately noticed that the older folks had more difficulty, especially with memorizing procedures and radio calls. Previous background can make a big difference though...cops and military operators had no trouble with radios/procedures, engineers had no problem with systems, etc.

As far as getting hired, I'm sure most regionals would hire you at 55, or maybe even a little older.

Some majors have hired at 55, but IIRC AA had a policy where they would only hire people who could expect to upgrade to CA (and then fly the line for a while). So if their expected upgrade time was 7 years, then age 50-ish would be about the limit.

just look around at places like ATP, there are tons of older guys.
there were a few 40s and 50s guys in my class. some of them are independently wealthy and some already have pensions from their former careers.

WANNABE:

I'm 45 yrs old now and looking to start training @ ATP somtime in mid to late November or December. Hopefully someone will cancel either in JAX, SUA, or DAY. Also looking to enjoy at least 18 1/2 yrs at a Part 121 carrier. ;)


atp

I think I remember a lawsuit against SWA reguarding age discrimination back in the mid 90's that did not allow this practice anymore. Last year the oldest new hire (SWA) was 57.

DD

Well, since nobody has said it yet, I guess I've got to get it out in the open now:
You can't teach on old dog new tricks



IT'S A JOKE PEOPLE!

Haha, I was expecting that one. I'm 47, leaving the US Gov, and thinking of giving 121 a try. And honestly one of my concerns is the "old dog" perception.

Kids should leave old dogs alone...They bite!

Just kidding???