Is Starting Airline Pilot Flight Training After Age 30 A Good Idea?

How About Age 40 or even 50? Is it too late to become a pilot?

Is it too late in life to start flight training?

Here is the magic question I always ask myself in any sort of big life decision. What is the goal? Starting here is a way to cut out all the fluff that does not apply to your place in life. What is your personal goal?

• Is the goal to just get your private pilot certificate?

• Is the goal to work for a regional airline?

• Would you be ok if making it to a regional airline was as far as you got?

• Are you wanting to become a commercial airline pilot as the end result?

• Are there other aspects of being a professional pilot in the aviation industry that you have explored?

• Are you willing to just get your private pilot certificate and then reevaluate the rest of the journey?

• Is there a flight school that is close by that will get you at least up to a commercial pilot license?

• What do you know about the aviation industry as a whole? Do you have someone that you can talk too or be mentored by?

• Are you thoroughly familiar with all the pilot licenses?

• What do you know about charter companies and their minimums for employment?

• Do you have any flight hours?

• Is the goal to work for a major airline?

• How much time do you think it takes to devote to pilot training?

A lot of people ask is it too late in life to start flight training? The answer really lies with what your goals are and the magic answer only comes from you. There is no one who is going to give you the best answer except for yourself. The aviation industry presents both challenges and opportunities for older individuals, with age restrictions and necessary training being key considerations, but also highlighting the unique advantages that life experience can bring to an aviation career.

For many, the dream of becoming a pilot starts at a young age. However, life circumstances can delay the pursuit of this dream until later in life. Starting flight training at 40 or 50 years old is not as uncommon as one might think. In fact, many flight schools and instructors welcome older students, not because they feel like you will be an asset to the aviation community, but because its a business and they are in the flight training business.

Could it be a mid life crisis or are just you fulfilling your dream?

Now that you worked through the question of what the goal is, you should be able to ask yourself why you want to become a commercial pilot. A mid life crisis is a very real thing that can sway you to buy or do things that you might not have started at a younger age. Its ok to have it, but older men and women know a bit more and can identify how well they really know themselves.

Not a lot of people start their commercial flight training when they are in their forties or fifties but it is not unheard of at all. You might think that since future aviators are older they might have the money saved up but most end up financing the package deal since their credit is a bit better and more established.

Does the airline age limit make it not worth it?

So here is the skinny on how age plays a factor in the aviation industry. If you want to go all the way to the top, the retirement age is 65. The FAA could change that and that is fine, but for now, that is the limit. If you start at age 40 that still gives you a lot of time as a commercial pilot. But if you are career flight instructor for example there is no age limit. Older pilots will find themselves constricted by only one thing. the dreaded insurance companies. For some unknown reason, insurance companies rule the world. That is why its is important to know what your goal is and why you want to do it. If you work as a certified flight instructor or have a commercial pilot certificate and are working as some sort of private job, then you can fly as long as you can hold a medical.

If becoming a commercial airline pilot is the goal then you are subject to the hard rules of the age limits in the industry. You are also subject to the ups and downs of the economy and how well airlines are doing in regards to competition. There will always be times of pilot shortages and times of excess pilots. Those numbers are always governed by retirements.

Can I afford not to get a job at the end of training?

Depending on the economy and where airlines and travel demand are, its possible to come out of training with not much job prospects. Everything depends on what is going on in the aviation landscape. Currently a large engine company is having a real issue with engine production and it has turned the industry very flat as far as expansion which affects hiring.

What jobs other than airline flying are a good plan B?

There is always a slight possibility of using your preflying job skills as a back up plan. Not many that are trying to have a career change want to go back, but it is an option. Sometimes out of the box thinking is a must have in regards to flying jobs that are not high profile. Have you looked at all the jobs out there that older pilots can get? I stand amazed at how many cool opportunities there are out there that do not get any spotlight time since everyone is chasing the money of going to the majors.

Consider the opportunities available at regional airlines, which offer alternative career paths and can be a viable option for aspiring pilots who may not secure positions at major airlines immediately.

Do I have a good working knowledge of the day to day life of an airline pilot as far as quality of life is concerned?

Quality of life is everything in the aviation business. Getting the opportunity to get input from other pilots is crucial to your formation of your career expectations.

Get familiar with the different lengths of trips that exist after you become a pilot and choose a path. If you don't like to be gone for 4-5 days, you maybe in for some shock. As for me personally, I hate staying in hotels and that is a big part of the business. I like my bed, my food, my dogs and my family. If that is a deal breaker its best to think it through now.

Is the investment worth it?

There is always the possibility you might not get the job you want after investing your money. Might you be better off simply getting a private pilot certificate and enjoying flying as a hobby? Todays flight schools can charge 100-150K for all the flight time and ratings.

What does this look like in a day to day in regards to study?

If you have a family, the decision to start commercial flight training will affect everyone. Accumulating flight hours is crucial for meeting airline requirements, building experience, and achieving necessary certifications, which can directly influence job opportunities and earning potential in aviation. But taking the time to study is just as time inclusive and if you are busy cutting the grass or taking care of children it can be a challenge. Make sure they understand the various commitments that will be required of you in your new career.

Am I prepared to take a pay cut?

We talk to a lot of pilots who are hesitant to move from a well paying regional job into the airlines because of the cut in pay. First year pay rates have come up considerably and make it much easier to survive compared to even twenty years ago. It was not uncommon to find first officers at a regional airline that qualified for food stamps to supplement the poor pay. But not things have changed on the entry level position.

What does the airline landscape look like currently?

Volatility is the middle name of being in the aviation community. If there is a world event, financial crisis, bad business practice, war between countries or high interest rates, those all effect hiring possibilities. If a company has a problem manufacturing engines or another company is in the spotlight for aircraft problems, that affects everything. You have to have thick skin.

Are there trends in hiring?

Read as much as you can on the internet, join as many forums as possible. I am not a huge fan of forums because most people answer a question with a question but there are times where you can put small pieces of the puzzle together. With a likely investment of between $100,000 in your training, making a financial return on your investment might require you to go make adjustments. There is nothing worse than to finish your training and find yourself in a glut market.

Impact of Flight Training

The time investment and subsequent impact on family life also has the potential to be significant. Flight schools offer various educational options for aspiring pilots, allowing individuals of different ages, including those around 30 or 40, to pursue their dream. There are some who think they can balance a regular 40 hour a week job with the addition of flight training and family life. This will definitely take a bit longer and I would advise you to take the time to reevaluate after each rating to make sure your life balance is working. This course of flying or training part time takes longer and can be more challenging than knocking it out full time. This route obviously takes longer and requires significant self-discipline.

Pilot Career Progression

If you are thinking your are going to retire in your new career the senior captain of an airline, you might rethink the notion that those coveted positions of heavy jet drivers are what every pilot entering the business dreams of. There is a lot of competition for those slot and they go by seniority. If you have longevity you can hold them, if you are new, you cannot. Obtaining an airline transport pilot certificate is crucial for those aspiring to be commercial airline pilots, as it requires significant time and training, along with meeting age prerequisites set by airlines.

Lastly

Talk through all these points, talk to friends, talk to family, talk to your spouse if you have one. Participate in forums and figure out a way you can get some real life information from someone in the exact field you think you want to go into.