Expert: David A. NewMyer - 2/10/2006

Question
Dear David:
I am 32 yrs. old. I have a BA degree and a private pilot license.  I have been thinking about taking the plunge into an aviation career. Am I too old? What would be a good school to use? How true are the claims of job placement at some of these schools? I see that some schools are in the $35k-$50k range but offer much more than the typical airport FBO does. How much relocation are new pilot jobs requiring? I live in the Chicago area. I really appreciate your time and advice in advance!

Eric

Answer
Hi, Eric:

You are asking all of the right questions.....and, you already have a sense of the tradeoffs that a career change at this age requires one to think about:  It takes time and money to successfully accomplish ANY career change, and, aviation might be one of the more expensive ones IF you wish to fly as part of your aviation career (there are other things to do in addition to flying, but, that is yet another track for another time).

A.  You are not too old.  I think the question is:  How interested are you in making a change, and, in particular, how interested are you in making a change to become an pilot?  If you have thought it through fully and you have considered the time, the money and the time away from your family (if you have one), then, you have begun the process of considering all of the things that have to be thought about beyond just your age. Keep in mind that the Federal Aviation Administration still has an age 60 retirement rule for those who wish to fly for larger airlines...so, in that career track, you have 28 years to go.  Also, you must keep your medical certificate from the FAA all the way to the time you retire....beyond 60 if you fly outside the airlines (which many do).  But, without the medical certificate, you can not fly anywhere.

B.  As far as a good school, about all you can do is create a little spread sheet that lists all of the schools that you want to consider....I would consider at least three to five....and then lists common criteria on one axis of the spread sheet and the schools on the other.  Common criteria that you would use to compare schools would be things like:

Costs including the residential costs, and any additional costs beyond the flight training costs (materials, or whatever....some are charging fuel surcharges, so, check for that)
Placement programs
Placement rate
Aircraft types used
Safety record
Faculty size and experience
Location and weather at that location
Other factors that you believe are important....

Once you get materials from and/or visit each school, fill in the information on the spread sheet for comparison among all of your list of schools once all visits are complete.  I have heard good things about all of the big flight schools such as Delta Academy, Flight Safety Academy, Southeastern Flight Academy and so on.  But, there is a downside to each school, as well, I am sure.....you just have to get a feel for each one yourself.  Remember, the cost involved is like purchasing a very expensive care or a small house....it is important to invest some time and money in the collection of information about this decision.

C.  As far as job placement claims, I would ask to see more than statistics, but, letters or emails from alumni, etc. Most of the large schools have some sort of placement program, and I would ask to see copies of agreements that they have with regional airlines and other employers for placement.

D.  Relocation is an issue for regional airlines....American Eagle is hiring, for example, but they are putting most new hires into San Juan, PR.  You can usually bid to move out of your first location with a company after a year....if there is still hiring and movement and there is a need for pilots in other locations of the company you hire on with.

The Chicago area has Skywest there feeding United and American Eagle feeding American, along with Skyways feeding Midwest Airlines up in Milwaukee.  So, there might be some options for locating around there with a regional airline.  The downside is that their beginning pay is not so good...it gets better with time.

I hope that this answer helps.  Send in a follow up question if you need more information.

Best wishes,

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