33 years old looking at a career change

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hello Pilots,

I’m Chris, and as the title says I’m looking to change careers. I just completed my admissions flight. It was awesome, been researching for a while now and I’m ready to give this a go. I’m 33 and currently in a management role for a manufacturer. Not happy with it and don’t know any others who are, either.

That being said, I am concerned my awful driving record will prevent me from getting my foot in the door into any airline. Most of it is 6-13 years old, and includes a DUI, and a subsequent completion of a first time offender program. I was involved in an accident three years ago which got me a careless driving and got caught in a speed trap last September.

I certainly made some mistakes and understand if an airline views it as too much risk. Shoot it to me straight, doc. I’d rather the pain of being told I’ve got a snowball’s chance in hell to get in, rather than being told no after spending 90K and quitting my job.

I want to thank you all for helping in this community and your input.

2

Christopher,

The truth is you’ve definitely got some strikes. The positive is the Regionals are pretty desperate and will consider candidates they wouldn’t have previously. The Majors could be a different story. The best thing you can do is put time between you and your issues but it’s imperative you clean up your act. If not you don’t have a prayer.

Adam

3

Chris,

Those are certainly some marks against you, but I do not think they are the end of the world. Moving forward, you need to keep your record absolutely clean, not even a speeding ticket. If you do that, I think you will be alright, but you might need a few more points than most to get hired at a major.

Chris

4

That’s great to hear. Thank you for your input.

5

Thanks Adam.