Airlines hire old guys ? 50 soon

[ICE-Pilot]

Hello

First post here

I fly for ICE/ex-Customs and will be retiring with full benefits at age 50. I am 44 now. I am quite aware that the airlines are not hiring anytime soon, so I am latched onto this govt job till 50. Kids, house payment, "realities of life", require that I stay here and not chase the 777 dream job.

I have spent most of my career in a variety of flying and desk jobs (thats the govt for you), however I AM current and fly now about 300 hours a year, and will do so until 50.

SWA would be first choice (I live near most SWA cities) but JBLU/FDX/UPS/Frontier of course would be welcome also.

Would the airlines even look at or consider a 50 year old guy like me? Which ones are more "senior friendly" than the others? When should I start applying? I would assume one year out from retirement is safe rule of thumb...

thanks!

** college degree, multiple types, 3000+ turbine PIC, will get B-737 type before I retire, etc, etc yada yada

 

[ICE-Pilot]

yes B-200 and C-550 at about (total) 200-300 hours a year in-between other duties in the office

 

[wrxpilot]

yes B-200 and C-550 at about (total) 200-300 hours a year in-between other duties in the office

Hmm, about 6 yrs from now... Can I have your job when you retire?

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Don't listen to Bobby, They hire old fogies all the time.

 

[Benhuntn]

I have been at SWA for 1 year. I celebrated my 53 birthday while in initial training last May. Keep the hope alive. They do hire old guys... Maybe it is affirmative action.