Expert: David Bidwell - 8/24/2004

Question
Dear David,
I am a 48 year old managing Director of a marketing company in the UK. I want to change career but I think I have left it  a little too late. I also  want to set some goals which  will lead me towards my ideal Job. My ideal job is to be an airline ATPL pilot. I enquired a couple of years ago to a school in the States about this goal and I was told that I was too old and that  few airlines would  consider employing  me. It dawned on me the other day that maybe I am not too old to work towards being a flying instructor which must give enormous personal satisfaction. Will my age count against me? Please can you advise me on how I pursue this dream and slowly make it a reality.

Answer
Hi Julian,
A friend of mine who is a FAA designated examiner, started to fly when he was 45 yrs. Today, in addition to being an examiner, he is the chief pilot for a corporation flying Citation jets!  The airlines might be a tough sell.  As for flight instructor, your age will probably work in your favor.  most flight schools prefer to hire mature instructors for various reasons with one being that many students feel more secure.  I sugest that you get your Private Pilot license and see from there what your desired direction will be. There are many directions that you can go in.  Go get that first ticket and you will have a better handle as to how to proceed.  Good Luck,
Dave