Expert: Matt - 5/29/2009

Question
I just got my degree. I'm 30 yrs old and have a degree in aviation flight. I have a full passion for fixed wing aircraft I would like to know who I can fly for. And if possible if there anyway for an age waiver. Thanks for in info

Answer
I fly for the Marine Corps and I know that the oldest waiverable age for us is 27 to get accepted...the other services might be different. The reason for the seemingly stringent age limits are this

Graduate college lets say at age 30
USMC OCS  + 3 months
USMC TBS  +6 months
Flight Training (fixed wing) + 2 years

That means that even if there was absolutely no wait during the application process or no wait once you got to Pensacola, FL for training then by the time you get winged you would be 33. Im not trying to be negative, Im just trying to give you the honest facts...but like I said thats just for the Marines, the other services could be different. Also, have you thought about trying to fly for a regional airline, or become a civilian flight instructor?