Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/25/2010

Question
I am 47 years old.  I have thought of a flying career for many years, but midway through my 30's I started assuming I was too old to start.  Now of course I realize if I had just started anyway I'd be well along by now, but...  Is it possible or remotely practical for me at this point?  I'm not wedded to the idea of the typical career path to a seat with a major airline.  What's important to me is hands-on work and making a viable living, so I'd consider unusual alternatives.  I have a degree from a good college, and a background in computers.

Answer
Hi, John:

Well, I am an eternal optimist, so, my view in general is that is never too late!  However, at age 47, you do not want to wait much longer!  At this point, you have 18 years before the mandatory retirement age from an FAR 121 airline at age 65.....

It is possible to pursue a career as a pilot, but, whether it is practical or not depends a bit on you, your goals, your health, your family situation and your ability to pay for flight training.  I would think that the key thing for you to consider right now, since you have your degree, is to make sure that you are medically qualified to fly.  So, make sure you visit an Aeronautical Medical Examiner who will give you an "FAA Medical" and then see what level of medical that you qualify for.  If your medical is restricted in any way, then, you should find out now so that you do not invest a lot in the flying without knowing.....

Then, the process of learning to fly is next.....I would make sure that you are OK with that flight training process.  So, if you have not flown much yet, go out to the nearest flight training program in your area and get an "Introductory Flight Lesson."  If you visit the AOPA website and click on learn to fly  (or go to "Let's go flying" via the AOPA website)...there is a list of flight schools at that site.  

One thing to consider when thinking about a flight school is one of the larger flight schools that can offer accelerated training....Flight Safety Academy, Delta Connection Academy, Southeastern Flight Academy, and so forth.  They can give you what you need to get your commercial certificate with instrument and multi engine ratings quite fast.....and some of them have placement programs with regional airlines.

As far as unusual alternatives, the key thing is to get your basic certification to fly out of th way and then figure out a way to build your flight experience the fastest way possible....whether it is flight instruction, or flying for the regionals, or flying for an aerial tour company, or flying in Alaska or whatever.  The unusual alternatives might come in with regard to where you find to build flight time....

Ultimately, it will come down to how badly you want to do this and whether it is practical from a financial standpoint once you check out the costs, etc.

I wish you the best in your search to meet your flying career goals!  Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale