Expert: David A. NewMyer - 7/30/2009

Question
This really isn't a specific question, I guess I just need an educated opinion. In 1987 I wanted to serve in the Army and seriously considered being a helicopter pilot, but of course I didn't have 20/20 vision so this was not to be. I joined the Ohio Army National Guard as a Cavalry Scout. While in training at Fort Knox, I received a letter at mail call from the OH National Guard informing me they were starting an Air Cavalry Squadron. It stated that they needed soldiers in the unit to become Warrant Officers to fill pilot slots for Cobra Helicopters and that upon review of my ASVAB scores I met thier basic criteria  for one of these positions as long as I had no felonies, and my eyes were 20/20 without waiver (a kick in the face).
 I then crossed over to active airforce. I wanted to be an Air Traffic Controller. Guess what? You have to pass a flight physical. I could have had a waiver but I didnt want go threw all the red tape. So I went into aircraft maintenance and became an A-10 crew chief.
 When I was home on leave my brother's father- inlaw would take me up in his Cesna. The whole time we were up he would allow me to fly he never really had to instruct me all that much, he said I had a natural ability for it. I loved it!
 I am now 40 and just recently was laid off. I also just recently got married. My wife works for a major state university where I started taking courses and am shooting for a 4.0 GPA.
Its funny how age can mature you to strive for greater things. The University offers a degree program for people who want to become professional pilots ( BS with a major in Aeronautics and a concentration in Flight Technology). I had Lasik surgery several years ago 20/15 now. Even if there not they are still correctable.
I am in excellant health probley better than most 18 year olds.
I can take any courses I like and complete my degree free.
 I figure it would take between $50 and $60 thousand over four  years for the flight training I need. This would put me at about 45 years old. I know anything is possible when you put your heart and mind to it.  But I want to know what the reality is. My desire and reality is not of a airline captain with 18 years seniority making top dollar but of a professional pilot making good money doing what he enjoys.
 My questions. What do you think is the age cutoff for most airlines? What are carriers out there loking for in a pilot?
And is the market for pilots flooded? Sorry so long!

Answer
Hi, Pete:

That is a heck of a good question!  Long, too, but, I certainly understand how life can add some complications!

As far as complications are concerned, you will also need to follow the proposed legislation entitled the "Aviation Safety and Pilot Training Act of 2009" which was just sponsored by Congressman Jerry Costello (Bellveville, IL) yesterday in the House.  That bill, if it is passed as proposed, will require the ATP Certificate for all flying for the airlines.  Today, only the Captain needs the ATP; but, if this bill passes, first officers (co-pilots) will also be required to have it.  The key here is that the ATP requires at least 1500 hours of flight time (pilot in command hours).  This is a significant addition to the requirements to become an entry-level airline pilot, especially since some airlines were hiring new pilots with 400 to 600 hours total time in recent years (when the pilot shortage was really affecting hiring in 2007).

So, as you have already experienced, things can change overnight in any job market or any career field....and, I just wanted to warn you that they might change again!

As far as an age cut-off for the airlines, there is not one.  They can not discriminate based on age according to federal law.  However, they will certainly be looking for the best qualifications among those who apply to them for positions.  The degree path that you have selected will certainly be a good one to follow....a B. S. degree in Aeronautics with Flight Technology as a concentration will show any employer that you are willing and able to learn and be trained.  Since they will be investing a lot of money in training you to be an airline pilot, they will want to be assured of that as you come into the company.  As far as what airlines are looking for in a pilot, they are all looking to hire future captains.  That is, they  will look for leadership and decision-making capabilities in addition to piloting skills and the ability to learn/be trained.

As far as the pilot market being flooded.....I think that what has happened in the last year is that the market for pilots has been shrinking due to the economy and due to lower usage rates of aircraft of all kinds.  This will probably continue for another 18 months to two years. After that, the pilot market will start to recover.  When it does, it will be the time to be ready to apply for pilot jobs of all kinds.  Remember, Congress changed the former "Age 60 rule" (mandatory airline pilot retirement at Age 60) to an "Age 65 rule."  This means that, in order to work for a scheduled airline, you will have until age 65, assuming you can maintain your medical certificate.

Finally, your comment about wanting to be "a professional pilot making good money doing what he enjoys" is precisely the right attitude to have about any career field, not just aviation/flying.  In other words, it is not really work for me when I come into work every day...it is something that I absolutely love to do.  In my case, I work around aviation education at the post-secondary level (working with students in particular, doing some teaching but largely doing administrative work).  The bottom line is that I very much enjoy it.  I wish the same for you.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu