I threw in the towel back in '07 from CHQ. I was hired there at the age of 54, had my ATP, been flying since '73, been a CFI since '75. I guess I had blinders on my eyes to not see the state of 121 flying. I guess I still had the wild dream that airline flying was like it was when I first started flying back in '73. Forget it! I was so disillusioned after I started training that I thought "what the hell did I get myself into?". Never home, paid $23 and change with a 75 hr guarantee. I resigned with only 3 days left in training before I went on IOE. I still instruct part-time, have my own contracting business, and am a lot happier. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE to fly. But not like that.

 

Same way here, except I made it past training and onto the line for nearly a year and a half. I wouldn't trade the experience for ANYTHING. But I remember when I passed my new hire ride, the examiner who wrote up my temp ticket told me that I didn't seem too happy about it. In actuality, I was happy about it - the accomplishment of it all compared to the flying I was used to put me on quite a high - but I knew that the dogs (crew scheduling) were salivating over the chance to give me the worse schedule possible as the most junior guy on the line. I was pretty home sick to boot after living away from wife, dogs, and home for three months.

Sure enough, the next day after IOE, *ring ring*, they've built be a schedule. I forget the details, but it was quite inconvenient considering I had to relocate my car 900 miles back to FL and take care of some serious logistics at home after several months living out of a hotel room.

I am still hoping to get back in, but only if it gets better. It could go either way it seems. I'm patient.

 

Im on the same spot...40 years old...1000 tt 64 multi .have a small boat maitenance company that pays very well...but I cant stop thinking about flying airplanes as a profesional pilot...also I started in 1995 got my comm ticket in argentina (where im from) got a job flying a PA-12 that lasted 6 months and then I moved to USA did not ahve money to fly right away...and when I did got my comm FAA ...and now waiting for the next wave of hiring...I wont give up...so you shouldnt...

 

Give up. Especially if you have a family. You will be gone for most of the year making un livable money first year and poverty the rest until you upgrade then the QOL will go right back down again. Anyone that has a family right now trying to start a second career as a pilot should have their kids taken away by child protection and should be given psychiatric help. Look at what wizepilot wrote.

 

Hello N6724G,
Hope all's well. Don't know what your specialty in the Guard or Reserves is- but you've got law enforcement background. I bring this up because the Alaska Army Guard is currently in the process of a "transformation" for a good percentage of its Infantry units to Military Police units. Sending lots of people off to 31B school.
If you are considering Alaska flying at any point (you're nearing 135 minimums) maybe getting affiliated with the Guard could help your income?
As far as the age thing- have not seen that being a problem in Alaska.
Anyway, good luck in your choices, if you need some contact info for AK Guard people, PM me. I'm betting they'd like to hear from you.
And no I'm not a recruiter!
Cheers

 

As I recall the US Forest Service has a maximum are requirement of 40 years of are at the time of hire, however state forestry agencies and contractors to the forest service are different.

If you are interested in more information send me a PM.

Skyhigh

 

sent you a pm

 

not sure about age regarding customs and border patrol, but you might want to try them

 

ALL Federal law enforcement jobs are cut off age of 37.

 

Check into some of the full time 141 flight schools (ie Spartan, etc). I know for a fact you can make more than your average regional FO and build 1000 hours annually if you are willing to work hard. This would require a move but alas that is what we all end up doing in this industry.

KC10 Fatboy said it well: is your passion for flying greater than the sacrifices you will need to make today in order to achieve them?