Expert: David Bidwell - 10/4/2009

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.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So I'll ask my original question again.  Up to what age could I apply for a job as a commercial airline pilot?  40?  50?  55?  Based on your answer to my second question, 60 is too old.  What age is NOT too old?
Thanks.

Answer
Dave, I hesitate to continue attempting to answer this because there is no specific answer.
This is a question that you need to ask the carriers.  I would be willing to bet that they will not give you a straight answer due to age discrimination laws. Each carrier has its own policy and it is usually based on need. You can figure it yourself to some degree.  Before you get to the major carriers pilots normally work for commuter airlines as co-pilot and eventually Capt.  Both for very low pay I should add. Once they get to the majors they start again as co-pilot.  How long does that take?  Is there a shortage of pilots?  Not right now.  Many are getting furloughed due to the economy. Your concern for age leaves me to believe that you might have some years behind you.  Are you a pilot at this point?  I know that you want me to give you an exact number but I can't.  In fact, nobody really can for the reason that I stated before. The competition is fierce.  The companies put a lot of money into their pilot's training.  What is their cutoff to make it worth it? Only the individual airline can be specific for that.
I know of people that have started their aviation career while in their 40's and did well. I know of one individual that took up flying at 46 yrs and became a corporate pilot.  He eventually moved on to Chief Pilot for his company.
So for this Dave, I do not believe that you will get the answer that you want.  I can give advice but that is all.  Not knowing anything about you, I have attempted to answer your quest by showing you the route that you can use as a time table.  If you are just starting out at age 50, I would not think that the major airlines would be a reality.  However, anything is possible.  Consider one of the other areas of flying. They do not have a mandatory retirement age and if you are up there in age, you will have a much better chance at getting hired.
Good luck my friend, I wish that I could have a better response for you.