Expert: D. Norkus - 5/5/2009

Question
51 yo with 300hrs (25 years ago) if I complete training,build hrs as a cfi do I
have a fair shot at the regionals? I know about the 65 age rule.I know about the
economy.how will I stand next to a 30 yo?

Answer
Robert

If you had a job by age 55, then you would have a 10 year career with a regional. At such an age, it would seem once hired you would stay longer than a younger pilot who would chose to move on to a major. Depending on the regional, they may like a higher turnover (keeps pilot wages down) or they may have a more long term crew staff. Since you can't be discriminated against based on age, a recruiter might possibly see you as a decade long investment because where ever you get hired, you would probably stay there until retirement.

Your biggest issues are current, getting the time required to apply (you need a competitive logbook to get an interview) and then hope that you find a regional hiring. Currently 95% of airlines are not hiring or furloughing. This means that all those 'qualified' pilots are looking for work and many could be taking the jobs that you would need to build up your experience. Additionally, because of the economy, flight training students are at record low levels as many have been forced tighten their financial belts and flying is one of the first casualties. These factors should be of far greater concern than age.

You really ought to consider how long you are willing to tough it out financially to make this dream come true. I wouldn't say it is impossible, but it will be harder to achieve your goal over the next few years than it has been in a while. It could be a few years before all of the regional pilots on furlough get called back (My own lasted 26 months), so your chance to interview could be a few years off. I know of several pilots who have just stopped flying after getting furloughed and gone on to other careers. A friend was a career changer at age 45 to new hire pilot and by age 48 to ex-airline pilot because the negatives of the job (esp regional pay) outweighed the positives.

Of course when this cycle ends and things come around again and you are ready to apply, you would stand a chance to interview if you meet the basic qualifications. How good of a chance you stand to get an interview offer depends entirely on the pilot pool looking for work and the number of positions in the industry to go around at that time. Basic supply and demand, plus the flight qualifications of the other applicants compared to yours. This is a variable that just cannot be predicted. However, if you don't try you will never know.

So, like my career changer friend, taking the initial leap of faith and working for it is all anyone can do no matter how old they are. If it just doesn't come together later on, than at least you tried. If it does, then you will have achieved your goal.

Check out my page and it's helpful related career links for more things you ought to know- http://www.pilotcareer.info

The Jetcareers.com forums even has a career changers forum that is worth reading over.

Good luck with your choice
Dottie