Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/14/2005

Question
Dear Mr. NewMyer,

Flash back! I took a class with you in the 80's at NAS Cecil Field in Jax FL (SIU Aviation Management 90'). First, let me thank you for your experience, wisdom, and insight during that class. I learned a tremendous amount and those are days that I now think of fondly. Ok, Here's my question -scenario:

I am 39 about ready to turn 40 and I recently received my PPL at a local FBO in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and I am thinking about entering a flight academy "type" program designed to help me get into the right seat at a regional etc.. But, am I too old to realistically pursue this as a career? You thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated. Thak you.

Regards,

Paul Cordek  

Answer
Hi, Paul:

First of all, since you are a Saluki, please email me directly at SIUC from here on out....check the SIUC Aviation Website for my email address.  No need to go through AllExperts.com to communicate with me!

Nice to hear from you!  Wow, you are right:  A blast from the past for sure!  I am glad that you went on to finish your degree...that is great.  What have you been doing since the USN....or, are you just now getting out?

Believe it or not, I get this sort of question a lot on this website:  How old is too old to begin a flight career?  My philosophy on this is three-fold:

1.  You must be practical in terms of your own life circumstances....I do not know about those things and you will have to judge that for yourself.

2.  Since you hold an aviation degree and your PPL already, you have a key advantage in answering this next item:  You have to figure out if you really LIKE aviation before jumping into a major career decision.  As you already know from your own life experiences, if you really love something, then, it makes going to work a whole lot easier every day.

3.  As for what I believe you were asking me:  Is it practical to get into the aviation flight career field at age 39:  The answer is a qualified YES, that is IF you realize that there is an Age 60 mandatory retirement rule (you must retire from being an active airline pilot at age 60) and IF you realize that it will take you some time to both complete your flight certificatations (FAA Commercial, with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings plus your CFI Airplane as a fall back way to build flight time---by teaching others how to fly) AND build your flight time to the point where an airline will consider hiring you.  The regional airlines will seriously begin to consider you at 750 to 1500 hours Total Time and 150 to 300 hours multi.  A larger airline will want a minimum of 2500 TT and something like 500 to 1000 hours of multi engine turbine PIC time.....My thinking is that it will take you 12 to 18 months (plus some seriouis money!) to complete your flight training from here at one of the academies...but, this is the fastest way to go.  Select a flight academy such as Delta Airlines Flight Academy or Flight Safety Academy ....one that has a good reputation as a flight school AND has a good, recent, placement record.  Several of these academies have direct placement available with some regional airlines.  Once the flight academy is done, and, you are hopefully with a regional airlien, it will take another three to five years of flying to get the basic flight time for an interview with a larger airline since as Air Tran, jetBlue, Midwest or one of the other low cost carriers.  So, you are about five years away from a job with a bigger airline.....

I wish you all the best.  Let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with.

Sincerely,

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