OK, so I turned 50 this year… I am multi-engine instrument rated with about 1400+ TT, including around 200-250 hours multi (my logbooks are dusty… I have to check for exact numbers). I have always been a general aviation pilot. The majority of my multi hours is a Piper Navajo Chieftain (PA31-350). This is the biggest equipment I have PIC’d. I have been living internationally for the last 10 years, and have been away from flying that whole time. I am now back in the US, and giving serious consideration to pursuing my ATP and looking for work with the airlines. I have a friend that captains for Allegiant, and it sounds like this may be a legitimate option for me. I am seeking advice from this forum to see if it is really something worth considering. Please give me your thoughts… good, bad, or indifferent… I would love to hear from you.
Update: I should add that I would be happy flying for non-majors like Allegiant, Spirit, etc… so I can be home at night. I am older with a family, so long-hauls really don’t interest me… I would like to be home most (if not all) nights. Just looking to get a better picture of what I might expect at my age…
I think that you have a very good shot at the airlines, but you will need to get the remaining time needed to reach 1,500 hours. Also, you will need to get current again, not just on paper, but actually current.
I doubt Allegiant would be an option right out of the blocks for you, but after some time at the regionals they probably would be. The regionals should certainly be within reach.
I have no doubt you’ll be snapped up by the Regional of your choice and then an LCC shortly after you build some turbine time and experience. My only concern for you is your desire to be home nightly. While this is something I do in fact enjoy at Hawaiian, it’s an incredibly unique situation and one I’m not aware exists at other carriers. While you certainly don’t have to fly long haul 2-4 days are the norm and if there are some day trips they typically go very senior.
Dave, Adam, Chris,
This thread is very encouraging to read! Dave, all the best to you!! I just turned 44 and will be making the career change as well and pursue my burning passion to fly. It’s motivating to see others over 40 pursuing their dreams as well and hearing from actual pilots in the industry that it’s not too late.
I’m having the hardest time selecting a flight school. I’ve read and seen great reviews of ATP and bad ones as well and on the fence. Why did you choose ATP over the other flight schools?
There were many reasons I chose ATP but the 2 top were a) there’s no faster route to the airlines and b) they’re students were getting hired by the airlines.
I started when I was 39 and knew I was late to the party so time was a huge factor and ATP by far had the fastest program. Obviously though it’s not just about speed but it does tie into it. You see right now there’s this pilot shortage. Every flight school in the country had created an accelerated program and everyone with the licenses and the ratings is getting hired and that’s great. Fifteen years ago when I was doing my research that was not the case. ATP pioneered the accelerated program. It was created by airline pilots to train airline pilots. You see they recognized that while given enough time and money most people could eventually get through all their licenses and ratings. Problem came when they got hired by an airline and were thrown into a highly accelerated program and couldn’t keep up. By modeling their program after airline training students are introduced to the pace and level if dedication required to be successful. When I went through my training there was no 1500hr requirement and most Regionals required between 700-1000hrs. However ATP, due to the success and quality of their students, was able to create arrangements with several Regionals (again before every flight school did) and I was able to get hired with only 500.
That also speaks to the naysayers. The fact is not everyone can or should be an airline pilot and not everyone can keep up with the pace. That’s a hard pill for some to swallow and it’s far easier to point a finger at ATP than accept the fact maybe you’re not good enough. Successful ATP students praise the program, unsuccessful ones don’t.
BFR/IPC, 1st class medical, flight time, airline interview prep and you should be good to go. Maybe get some time in front of a glass panel while you’re at it.
I chose ATP because of its size and speed. I actually never read the bad reviews before I enrolled. I was still skeptical though. Seemed too good to be true. I was wrong. It was everything I hoped for and more. I had a great experience. My flight instructors cared. I cared. Take responsibility and hold yourself accountable. That’s what most would tell you.
Adam,
I greatly appreciate your honest feedback and providing the history of ATP and sharing why you chose ATP. It helped me understand the structure of the program and why I am seeing so many negative comments out there… it’s easier to blame the someone else than look inwards and accept responsibility. I realize this journey is far from easy, but nothing in life worth having is ever easy.
I did not realize how innovative ATP was by being the first to create an accelerated program long before the pilot shortage. It’s also reassuring knowing you started at 39 and made a very successful career from it that you still enjoy today. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.
I think my mistake was reading and listening to the bad reviews. It’s good to hear you had instructors that cared. You and Adam hit the nail on the head… “Take responsibility and hold myself accountable”
Thank you for taking your time to respond and provide candid feedback. I greatly appreciate it.
Andre
Tory, you are 100% correct. the “glass panel” is one thing I have not flown… (not overly worried about BFR, etc… that should be good… ) I am definitely dating myself, but I even have some LORAN time in my logbook… (young people… you might have to Google that one)…