AboutDavid Bidwell Expertise As the Chief Flight Instructor and director of Skylark Flight Academy, I can answer questions regarding flight training of fixed wing (airplanes) aircraft. Topics such as: pilot license procedures, knowledge (private, commercial, instrument, instuctor etc.) regulations, etc.
Experience
Past/Present clients References supplied upon request
Question QUESTION: Is there a maximum age beyond which it is too late to get a job as a commercial airline pilot?
ANSWER: Hi Dave, (What a great Name!)
First off, you must understand that when you say commercial pilot you are referring to a certification. Let's address that first. The minimum age for a commercial certification is 18 years. As for maximum, I don't know of any. With that said, I should tell you that the maximum age for the airlines is 60 years and then there is mandatory retirement. This certification allows you to get paid for flying. This could be flying banners or a jump plane or in some cases even passengers etc. With that, there is no maximum age. To obtain this certification you will need to first obtain you private pilot certification. The next step is to get an instrument rating. Usually a multi-engine rating gets thrown in there somewhere.
Now to get a job, it depends on the type of job you want. A common avenue to the carriers is to first obtain you flight instructor rating (after commercial# and gain experience and flying hours. This is not always necessary but it is a common route. Next, all of the airlines that I am familiar with, require a college degree. If you do not have one, you should consider it if you are going that route. A great way to do that is through an aviation college such as my alma-mater Embry Riddle #www.erau.edu) Aviation college is not the only way to go but I recommend it. I should also say that I do know many airline pilots that did not attend an aviation college.
I hope that I answered your question.
Good Luck, Dave Bidwell
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: So David, just to verify: you're saying that if I'm 60 years old and I have all the credentials you just described, I could get a job, say, with American Airlines or any other airline? If they were hiring of course. The maximum age limit is 60 then? I couldn't apply if I were 61 or 62?
Thanks!
Answer No, I'm afraid that you misunderstood my explanation. Mandatory retirement age for the airlines is 60. Other than the airlines, you may pursue other flying jobs such as flight instructor, banner towing, jump planes etc. but not the airlines as a pilot.
