N6724G

Hello. I am new to this board. It seemed more geared toward professional pilots than other aviation boards I have been too.
Here is my story. I am 36 years old. I have a commercial single engine land license with about 450 hours. My goal is to become a professional pilot. I would prefer to be an airline pilot. But if it appears I am to old for that I would be a corporate pilot or flight instruct for a college/university.

First question is how should I attain my multi engine and CFI? I thought about going to a pt 141 school. All my training up to now has been at apt 61 school. But I figure if I want to fly for a professional organization, then I should get professional training. Also, IA 141 school is structured and it will get me used to working in a 121 environment being structured and organized. Is this a correct way of thinking or should I just continue with pt 61 schools and pay less?

Next question. At the age of 37, do I have a shot of flying for the majors or should I be content with flying with a regional airline? Also, what is the pay difference? How much can a regioanl pilot make starting off, with 5 years and with 10 years in? I am a police officer now ands I enjoy that, but I really want to be a pilot and realize my childhood dream. Thanks for the help.

mike734

Not trying to blow you off but most of your questions are answered in other threads. A little research should give you quite an education. You are not too old but you need to really consider the sacrifices you face as you try to get a decent wage.

NewGuy

Yeah, I agree with mike. Im new to this board as well and I just started going thru all the threads on here soaking up the info. There is a lot on here. Just start looking and spend some quality time readin thru. You may or may not like what you find, but its honest, no bull$#!^ feedback. Best of luck!

HSLD

I couldn't agree with the "try the search" suggestion more.

You're question is important, but it's been asked...and answered many many times. Do some reading, then once you have some perspective you'll be able to ask specific questions.

Pilotmyf

141 doesn't exactly mean professional!!!!! I got my worst training at a 141 school in San Diego, the rest was done 61

Bob Barker

Before you give up your steady job with the police dept. take a good, long look at the low wages of this industry. Will it be worth spending a small fortune (training costs) to get a $20K a year job?

Bob Barker

nw320driver

If you are within 5 years of your 20 at the PD, I would continue to work and get your retirement. I would fly on the side. I would also look into your PD's AVN Division if they have one, if not check with the State Police, DNR, Fish & Game, ect. Think about flying for one of them. Also, Lots of government flying jobs like cops. Maybe look into getting your Helicopter Ratings. Good Luck.

SkyHigh

Freeze!!!!

I use to teach Basic Indoctrination at Horizon Air and had several retired police, fire and other professionals who took on the airlines at post 50. I think that in today's market the regionals like to hire retired people since they can afford to live on what they will get paid. At this point I don't think you will loose much by staying with your current job for 5 more years.

SkyHigh

N6724G

Thanks for the advice guys. I will do the researech. But who said I have 5 years until I retire from the Police4 department? I just became a cop last year before I deployed with the military. I am currently inm Iraq with the National Guard. I was activated a week after I graduated from the police academyt. So, in reality I havent even done police stuff yet. I am thinking about flying for LAw enforcement as well, but I dont know anything about Helicopters. I have been researching LAw Enforcement agencies that have fixeed wing. FHP had somr Cessnas. The thing withthat is you have to be a road cop for years until an opening comes up. That could be two years or it could be 12 years.Federal LAw Enforcement agencies have an age cut off of 36 years old. I have thought about flying for the FAA as an ASI or a check airman, though.

And before anyone asks, yes, my original goal was to fly fixed wing in the Air Force, NAvy, or MArines, but back then You had to have 20/20 vision. I dont. They changed the vision rules now, but the age limit is 27 and a half. So, I am out there.

But I dont mind making 20K. I have ben there before.Its only temporary and I can flight instruct onthe side or teach aviation in a colege. Thats another big interest I have.

HSLD

DEA has the same requirement that you be must be an agent first and a pilot second, although I think that the path is a bit more direct:

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/job/agent/e...lity_quiz.html