Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/19/2005

Question
Hello, I read your response to a 30 year old fellow looking for advise in following his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. http://experts.about.com/q/1492/3330053.htm  Basically, I have the same question, however, I am 42 years old. Do you, honestly, think this is too old to begin a career as a pilot? My present career in in computers and I have a BBA in finance. I live in the Detroit area. If you dont think I am ¨over the hill¨, can you recommend a school in my area?

Answer
Hi, James:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist.....

This question of age (or, as you put it, being "over the hill") and starting up a pilot career comes up quite a bit.  I think that the answer depends a lot on your personal circumstances...remember that there is an Age 60 mandatory retirement age for AIRLINE pilots (not all pilots, such as corporate pilots, have to retire at age 60, but, airline pilots do).  So, there is a bit of a time limit if you want to fly for the airlines.  An additional item to consider is your personal health.  You must maintain a high level of health and fitness to fly as a pilot in command of an airline aircraft, or any other sophisticated aircraft for that matter.  Finally, there is the financial commitment required to pay for your training and then to earn your way up the ladder as you begin your career.....it is starting over and paying your dues again.  And, as I said to the 30 year old, make sure you LOVE flying....that is what will carry you through any tough times.

Enjoying your career choice is an important aspect of the process.  Make sure you are not abandoning something you are enjoying for something you THINK YOU MIGHT ENJOY....you can try out flying by earning your FAA Private Pilot Certificate locally before you do anything drastic like quit a job or move or something similar.  So, check it all out carefully before you make a move.

I do not know flight schools in the Detroit area well enough to recommend one.  I would select one after visiting at least three of them....check how long they have been in business, what sort of placement programs that they have (do they hire flight instructors if they train them?) and how personable their instructors are (you will be in a one on one training environment with them).  You can also do a GOOGLE search of "Flight Training Detroit" or look at www.landings.com  to see who is listed from the Detroit area.

I hope that this helps!  Let me know if you need anything else.

Sincerely,

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