Long story short, I work a comfy IT job making a decent salary. With the recent layoffs heavily effecting my team I decided that I wanted to try and do what I have always wanted to do, fly for an airline. I start my flight training soon and plan on becoming a CFII to build up my hours which I and my trainers are estimating about 3 years to get the minimum airline requirements.
I was extremely excited, but many friends and family members are telling me I am going to be too old (38) by the time I would hit the requirements. An older uncle (80s) told me when he was 27 the airlines wouldn’t hire him because he was told old.
My question, should I bother? Will the airlines hire someone almost 40?
Edit:
Thank you all for the encouragement! I passed my first class medical today so I’m going full steam ahead!
Yes. I have heard of many pilots starting their training at 35,40, etc. It may be a little difficult to become a 777 pilot flying internationally (due to seniority), but you can definitely make it to the regional and legacy airlines such as Delta, United, American.
If you really want to become an airline pilot and you put your mind into it, anyone can do it no matter the obstacles.
With all due respect to your uncle and friends they really don’t have a clue. I didn’t start till I was 39 and I’ve been a CA at a Major for the last 6yrs and this was all before the pilot shortage. Since the shortage pilots have been getting hired into their 60s.
Here in my initial training class at United, the most senior guy in the class is in his mid 50s. He is just as thrilled to achieve his dream of flying for a legacy carrier as the youngest guy in the class at 23.
Your uncle’s story might very well be true at that time, but it is a whole different story now. Thirty eight is in no way too old, but I would not waste any time getting started either.