Is an airline pilot career still possible?

[JanaBJana]

Just need some advice.

I'm a flight attendant for a major airline, but have been working on my ratings since 9/11. Is a major airline pilot career still possible for a 30 year old?

 

[FN FAL]

Just need some advice.

I'm a flight attendant for a major airline, but have been working on my ratings since 9/11. Is a major airline pilot career still possible for a 30 year old?

Not a problem. And if you don't make your retirement in the regionals, we'll be holding a seat for a few of you at the feeders flying carvans. So don't worry.

Besides, it's even funnier than hiring the handicapped just to see them work, so you'll be sure to have a place to go after you turn 60.

 

[CapnVegetto]

It's possible, just not what it used to be. A million guys looking for jobs, and no jobs. And those 'good' jobs aren't what they used to be anymore.

 

[AV80R]

Absolutely! At my previous regional airline, I remember flying with a first officer who also worked as a NW FA (12 years!). She kept her old job as a back-up and was on an extended leave of absence from it. She was in her late 30’s or early 40’s I believe. Unfortunately I lost contact with her but I think she upgraded and moved on to greener pastures. Obviously this industry is in turmoil and who knows what it’ll look like in the future, but if you’re really into it – GO FOR IT! and don’t listen to the “doom and gloom” you’ll hear from some of us. As far as being 30 - by the time you’re ready for a major airline the retirement age for pilots will probably be 99 (and counting) anyway!!!

Ps. CapnVegetto is right, make sure you research thoroughly what you’re getting into or you might be very disappointed.

Good luck to you!

av80r

 

[Tarquinn]

As a senior captain once told me, "it's a great job... but a terrible career.." It just depends on you, and how much you really like to fly. Even after all the BS that's going on these days, I still enjoy it. :0

TQ

"At 28.8 percent less than before..."

 

[WhiteCloud]

I'm a flight attendant for a major airline, but have been working on my ratings since 9/11. Is a major airline pilot career still possible for a 30 year old?

Why not? At age 30 you're looking at a 30 year career. A lot can happen in 30 years......good and bad. The "major" you work for may not be one of the ones you think of as a "major" today though. Don't overlook some of the smaller and growing operators. No one ever heard of Southwest or even cared about them 20 years ago. Good luck.

 

[pilotyip]

If you have the desire and skill it can be easily done, there is growing shortage of pilots at the lower end regionals. With your backgropund, 600TT, and 100 MEL, one of the T-prop regionals will probably hire you. Go for it big time. Then you start building flight time and start shopping for your next job. You will have to move.

 

[Purpledog]

That depends on what else you can and enjoy doing. I would recommend staying away. The risks are too great and the benefits too small especially if you have a family. I will not be encouraging my son to pursue a airline 'career', that's for certain. Oh yeah, I'm employed by one of the best (by default) now. If you are capable, make your money elsewhere and fly for fun in your own plane. My 2 cents and no kool aid here.

 

[capt. megadeth]

That depends on what else you can and enjoy doing. I would recommend staying away. The risks are too great and the benefits too small especially if you have a family. I will not be encouraging my son to pursue a airline 'career', that's for certain. Oh yeah, I'm employed by one of the best (by default) now. If you are capable, make your money elsewhere and fly for fun in your own plane. My 2 cents and no kool aid here.

My 0.02......Purple....if your son really wants to be a pilot:
Just don't give him the "you know how hard it is to make it?" and negativity all the time. That's all I ever heard from people and it was annoying as he!! I was strong enough to know that I don't really care what people think but a lot of people do.....including your son hearing it from his father. (p.s. I am not trying to be a pain, I just know that it was disheartening to hear all that jazz)

BTW, Jana....yes, I think it is very possible.

 

[AA717driver]

If you're an FA and you STILL want to do the airline thing, you must be very committed (or commitable... ).

Just realize you won't get rich. Try to have fun and enjoy the ride. You'll have a good life--just not a whole lot of money.

PurpleDog--I understand where you're coming from. I never thought flying purple (or brown) airplanes would be "fun". But try to enjoy your pay and security--money doesn't buy happiness (but the 911's and ski-do's it does buy WILL make you happy! ) TC

 

[Purpledog]

Just don't give him the "you know how hard it is to make it?" and negativity all the time.

Oh I won't discourage it, I just won't be pushing it on him. I will talk up being a mil pilot though. I'll let him choose his own course with all the facts.

 

[JanaBJana]

Thanks guys for all the advice. It's about what Ive been hearing from the pilots I fly with. Maybe I should just stick with my seaplane flying and do that on the side, and work towards something else? Either way, its been a blast.

Jana

 

[GuppyPuppy]

Just need some advice.

I'm a flight attendant for a major airline, but have been working on my ratings since 9/11. Is a major airline pilot career still possible for a 30 year old?

How 'bout I just take you out back, kick you in the nuts and call it a day!?!

On the other hand...it would be better than listening to a bunch of whining passengers all day.

GP

 

[capt. megadeth]

Oh I won't discourage it, I just won't be pushing it on him. I will talk up being a mil pilot though. I'll let him choose his own course with all the facts.

Cool!

Jana,
This is the way I look at it. One day you will be 40, 50, etc. Do you want to be 40, 50 and a flight attendant going "what if" or do you want to be 40, 50 and a pilot saying (regardless of how it all works out) "I gave it my all"
You only live once and you will never know unless you try.

 

[radarlove]

Um guys,

This was a troll.

 

[Whale Rider]

Is an airline pilot career still possible?

For some, but for the rest..........just a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.