Any 50+ FO in the training programs at TSA?
 

Just curious about what the demographics of the TSA classes are currently?

I am 50, just sold my business and kicking around the idea of applying. No military experience, just a guy who likes to fly and now may have the time to do it.

Thanks!

As long as you find it enjoyable and don't need the money there is no issue. That being said I wouldn't do it. I can think of a lot of things that i'd do in my golden years besides being junior at a Regional.

I ran into a few career changers (40+) during initial and two were in my class. One made it, one didn't, but I don't think older guys are having any more problems than anyone else. Age is just another number, unless you've got Alzheimer's or something.

Just make sure you show up ready to learn. And accept that you will be scheduling's b!tch until you can hold a line. That might be a tough transition coming from a place where I assume you were calling all the shots.

Check out my comments about training-while-old in this thread....

https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/c...ng-advice.html

Thanks for the write up..

I can’t speak to TSA demographics. I’m replying to say that, having turned 50 last year during my initial training for a different regional, I am so glad I did it. I had nothing but Part 91 GA time in my logbook previously, and the step up to 121 flying has been one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. Thankfully, I have the support of an amazing wife. Also, while I’m still running my own business, I get to decide how much of that work to take on so that I can fit it all in. And I have no regrets at all about taking it on. So go for it! Feel free to PM me if I can help with answers to any specific questions.

Thank you for that!

I am still deciding.

50+
 

Just turned over 55.
Go ahead! Do not waste your time.

I have my own sim business and mentor numerous pilots. I specialize getting older pilots get through 121 & 135 training. I have several guys in their late 50’s and one who’s 60 in training now. If you have 1500 hours and a heartbeat you can get hired at any regional. TSA and Go Jet are real bottom feeders. Strongly recommend other Regionals.

Older guys do have a higher washout rate then the younger guys. But if you pre study the right material and have proper coaching on how to get through training, it’s like a marathon. You can do it. Massive impending global pilot shortage coming to low coast carriers and legacies in next five years. You can make good money at LCC’s now (JetBlue - Spirit - Frontier) we over a 100K year two with real retirements like we have at the Legacies.

A year or two at a Regional and you could get to a LCC and in a few more years possibly a legacy. At United we hired many in late 50’s and even one FO I flew with was 61.

I’d go for it, never live with what ifs, best of luck.

I’m 41 and making the jump to flight school this spring and can’t wait... I just wish I did it 10 years ago!
side note... I’m 6’5 285lbs... will the regional cockpits be an issue for me?

I’m 41 and making the jump to flight school this spring and can’t wait... I just wish I did it 10 years ago!
side note... I’m 6’5 285lbs... will the regional cockpits be an issue for me?

One of our first officers in SAN used to play for the Chargers, I think he was at least that big and made it work.

The E-145 can start to get a little tight height-wise around 5'11" or 6' when standing, but it's not too bad once you get in and sit down. There's a lot of adjustment in the seat to let you get to design eye height.

Go for it!
 

I’m in class now. I was in “THAT” FO class addressed in the other thread. There’s a lot of gray hair in here. A few returnees to aviation. You likely won’t be the oldest in class regardless where you go.

I'm 56. Practiced law for almost 30 years. Starting regional indoc next week.

61 yr old passed TSA training
 

All - I'll be 62 in April and I just passed my ATP in the EMB-145 on Jan 05. Great feeling. Never looked back. Money...sure I gave up much more than being paid...but I wake up happy! Go for it.

PS - Trans States announced today they are closing their operation at the end of the year. It's a speed bump. Even an "old" guy like me will overcome. Don't have regrets. If you family supports you, fly. You can always go back to your old way of life.

Apply to XJT, beat the seniority rush that I'm guessing is coming to some degree from TSA.