Zack,
As you said this question gets asked daily, not really sure why you think your situation is unique, but let’s get your questions:
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EVERY pilot on the planet started with zero flight experience. The actual average age of people starting their training is mid to early 30s so you’re right where you should be. While it’s good to have a nice resume vs hanging out doing nothing, airlines hire well trained pilots with solid flight experience and its that they care about.
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There are many factors that affect hiring directly after flight school. Obviously the current pandemic hasn’t helped but there are still plenty of jobs out there. A huge factor is your location. If there’s a good amount of flight operations and airports nearby jobs should be plentiful. If there aren’t it gets tougher. It then becomes a matter of your flexibility and willingness to relocate if necessary.
As many pilots finish their training and don’t keep in touch it’s impossible to have any accurate stats. Last I heard however program washout rates were around 20%. The fact is not everyone can or should be a pilot. That said based on my experience of you’re willing to put in the effort (which needs to be considerable), you will succeed.
No. Seniority actually has little to do with getting hired at a Major (unless there’s a flow-thru). It must cases again it’s being a good pilot with a clean record, flight times which exceed the minimums and excellent references. Even then some never get the call.
- There are many factors and Chris has a nice piece regarding questions to ask (Questions For Any Prospective Flight School). Now keep in mind this is ATPs forum (note the logo on the upper left) and as such we mentors are all fans of the program. Not because we’re salesmen (nor do we receive any incentive if someone enrolls), is simply because we were all in the same place you are now and after doing our research decided on ATP and are now successful airline pilots. These days every flight school has a career or professional pilot program but ATP actually pioneered the concept over 30yrs ago and had placed thousands of pilots with the airlines during that time.
As for setting you up after you’re done absolutely that’s important and again ATP pioneered relationships with the Regional and now that things have slowed down they’re finding other avenues with 135 carriers.
Since ATP is one of the flight schools American Airlines selected to train pilots for their cadet programs don’t think you could say their’s is better? The difference is if you commit to the AA program you’re putting all your eggs in one basket. If AA Regionals slow down and you want to fly for another, if you’re locked into a program you may be stuck. By choosing an independent school you have flexibility to go where you like or more important, where they’re hiring.
- Frankly all of this is purely academic at this point. You’re picking out jerseys to pitch for the Yankees and you’ve never held a baseball in your hand. Before you spend too much time and energy you need to go fly, pick a school, work harder than you ever have and then maybe you can start choosing blazers.
As I said this is ATPs forum but I strongly encourage you to do your own research.
Adam