......jeeeyuh!

It's a longshot, but being around airplanes is the only job I've ever been good at as an adult, and I'm hooked! Been around airplanes almost as long as I've been in the uniform, which equates to 99 percent of my adult life. Funny, a kid from the mean streets of Chicago's south side who grew up afraid of heights can't keep his head out the clouds. I'm 33 years old and I will plan on staying in the Air Force until I reach 1000 TT in addition to 100 MEI for a total of 1100TT, possibly even pick up a type rating somewhere along the way, I'll have a bachelors degree next year, my A&P the year after that. When I get the hours I want, I'll drop my application to the regionals and drop that retirement paperwork, too. The bachelors degree and A&P will open up other avenues while the airlines make their way to my application (along with countless others, I'm sure) and what will I be doing in the meantime? Check the local FBO nearest me...I'll be flying around the flagpole or something along those lines.

For me, it is that serious. It is a passion - an addiction, at times; I can't stay away from airliners.net - but I still have to keep it real. To me it's very important to keep things in perspective and not drink too much of the "Kool-aid", as some of you cats say. keeping it real and keeping it right. Peace.

 

Long live the Four Fans of Freedom. Peace.

 

..and sorry about the duplicate posting, folks.

 

Aviation is going the way of the working enthusiast. People can't afford to simply be a private pilot anymore and fly on the week ends. It seems that if pilots are in for a "penny they are in for a pound". As such the airlines increasingly seem to like retired military and other financially independent types since they come with an outside income. In addition, most have older children and do not have as many home front issues.

I think there is great opportunity for older pilots in the future however I don't think they will relax the college requirement and I don't think you will earn very much or will make it to a major. At best airline wages will make a nice supplement to a military retirement but you couldn't live on it alone.

Don't forget the college. Get a four year degree or your chances will be discounted greatly. It is almost as important as getting the ratings.

PS. I am a 40 year old ex-airline pilot and I wouldn't dream of trying to support my family on regional pilot wages. Currently I am building houses instead.

SkyHigh

 

I think you are confusing some things. The school has to have examination authority from the FAA to do it with an approved instructor from the school. Most will have to do the EOC with the school and then have to go to a DPE for the actual checkride, which would be approved or disapproved. A failure is a failure. It does not matter if it is processed by the FAA or a flight school and then notifying the FAA when you pass. 141 records can be looked up. If you try to say on an interview "I technically did not have an FAA failure," you will just look very stupid.