atpwannabe

Being that I am 44 yrs of age and looking to start my flight training this summer (PPL) then onto ATP for the ACPP 90-day program, then, flight instruct until I meet or exceed the hiring mins for any regional out there, my question is:

Being 44, does the regional carriers view that as a plus meaning that this guy isn't planning on building his time and then jumping ship? Because, as it stands, I only have 15 years max to make a career out of flying for a regional. On the other hand, if the retirement age is raised to 65, and I follow the prescribe route in the aforementioned, what chances would I actually have to say make it to a major airline or FedEx/UPS?

NOTE: THIS QUESTIONS IS NOT INTENDED TO REHASH THE AGE 60 RETIREMENT ISSUE OR WHY I'M STARTING SO LATE. I just want to get differing perspectives on my circumstances.


atp

Cass

ATP,
If I were you, I would make sure to have a backup program. If you were able to do something else on the side to pay the bills than your transition would certainly be less trying. The early years as a pro aviator ( like most other worthwhile careers ) are hungry ones, both mentally and financially. You will have to burn at both ends to make it, and it just depends how hard you want to try.
You certainly can if that is what you most want.A conservative estimate is 5 years of hardship to become competitive in the market. As for the younger/older issue, that is a dual edged sword. On one hand, they may think the younger ones, although more likely to move on sooner, will accept less pay and work more hours. You can perhaps offer maturity and longevity,but at that point it will depend on the motivatonal properties of said company. Luck helps a lot!
Best of Luck in your endeavors,
Blue Skies and Tailwinds

calcapt

I remember a story about a 45 year old lady starting law school. She was asked by many around her why, at the age of 45, she would want to be starting law school? Her answer was, in five years from now she would be 50 and nothing would change that; however, she would either be a 50 year old lawyer or a 50 year old who wished she was. Don't put yourself in a position of looking back in four or five years and wishing you had acted on a dream. It can happen and will happen if you are dedicated and work hard.

Cass

Very nicely put Calcapt!
I think that is the best advice that I have heard!

vagabond

Age is a state of mind. Do something because it was a dream and something you have always wanted to do. 15 years is a long time to have a wonderful and satisfying career. And having had another career before switching could well be interpreted as a sign of dedication, steadfastness and maturity. Remember, it's not what you say, but what you do. Good luck and I wish you well.

Grim Reaper

I got most of my ratings by the age of 42. I also went to AllAtps for a multi add-on which I thought was good move.

iflyjets4food

If I were hiring for a regional, which I'm not, I'd be most concerned with your health. If you are in good health, then you'll be as good as the next guy. That said, I have a relative who is a captain at a popular (or not so popular depending on your p.o.v.) regional who was telling me about a guy he flew with recently who was 44 and had just gotten into the industry.

atpwannabe

Thank you all for your encouragement and insight, especially you calcapt. Ever since I've been posting on this forum, you and a few others have had nothing but encouraging words for me. I hope to start training for my PPL this summer.

Again, thank you all.


atp