I didn't start flying until I was 27. Started flight instruction at 30. Cargo at 33. Made it to a regional at 34. If anything I think age might bring maturity and professionalism that the airlines will find desirable.
I advise anyone who is concerned about age to jump in. It is a fun job that beats real labor any day.
Downside: starting pay the first few years is liveable if you are debt free, live with your parents, and like cutting coupons. Otherwise have a back-up financial game plan.
I was 35 when I got my CFI, 37 when I started flying freight. Now I'm 39 and flying for a regional. Kinda like Keith said, you can't do it for the money, but if you love it, you can pay the bills and make a comfortable living after a few years.
Also, keep in mind that I started this whole process just before 9/11. It won't be nearly as difficult for you to get hired at your 'next' flying job because the industry is currently in an upswing. When the planes hit the WTC, I thought seriously about my decsion to go into aviation...for about 5 minutes. As much as my accountant thought I was nuts, I continued because I love it.
Every sunset I see from FL330 over Glacier National Park confirms that I did the right thing.
A buddy of mine was 45 when he got hired on at Mesaba for the AVRO. He spent one year on the AVRO and applied to FedEx and was hired on there as a 727 FE at 47. He's now an FO on something or other.
I was offered a job with Comair in the summer of 2001. I believe they went on strike and then the events of 9/11 transpired. Again I may have the dates wrong, anyway I turned the job down and am now Captain in a Citation 560XL. I changed careers at the age of 41, now I am 46. I took a $30,000 pay cut my first year leaving the electrical field and moving into aviation. It was not easy, but I survived the initial digress of wages. Good luck Hemispheres.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.