Hi everyone, I am a 41 old woman and want to ask if this is a bit too late for me to consider this career. I have a heavy looking built but I am more athletic than anything. I know there is a weight requirement that I would probably be just under. I have graduated in 2011 from ASU with a bachelor in life science. I am very good with anything computer-wise and technology-wise. I would like to know just how hard it is to get hired at this age and in a mainly male predominant job. If this means anything, I drive all the time for work, am very safe and don’t have as much as one ticket for anything since becoming a driver in the US in 2003. Perfectly clean record, and very serious and responsible. I am originally from Bulgaria and apart from English I can speak Bulgarian and Russian. Given this info, is it too late and what are my chances to be hired after?
Thank you very much for your time in responding. 
Viktoriya,
This is one of our most FAQs (if not the #1) and the answer is no. The caveat is you need to be realistic about your expectations. While it’s possible you could reach what many consider the pinnacle of this industry (widebody Capt at a Major airline), it’s also possible you will not. Everything at the airlines is based on seniority and that means years of service. Obviously someone in their 20’s will have more years of service available to them (before mandatory retirement at 65) then you will. That said you still can have a very nice 20yr career flying some nice airplanes to some very nice locations.
As for your other concerns, some flight schools (like ATP) do have weight limits but the airlines do not. And while the industry is still predominantly male, that’s more a factor of more men pursuing the career. In fact there’s been a very concerted effort by many airlines to up female recruitment. Some would argue you actually have a better chance of getting hired than a man would.
With that all in mind, you don’t mention any flight experience? Your degree will help you get hired but being good with tech is no indication of your ability to fly an airplane. Many people believe they’d like to fly but until you’ve been upfront in a small training airplane (vs being in back of a Boeing) you really won’t know for certain. Your first step is to take an intro flight or lesson and see if it’s actually something you’d like to do.
Adam
Thank you for the very informative and thorough response. I do not have any experience but I am a quick learner. I would love to take an intro flight lesson. Do you offer these lessons?
ATP offers free Admissions flights with successful loan approval, but you can visit any local flight school and schedule one.
I recommend you visit our site. It’s got a ton of useful info.
Adam
Viktoriya,
No not too late. It could take about 2 years to complete all the required training and time building which means you would could have 22 years in the industry before the forced retirement age. That is plenty of time to have a fulfilling career just with realistic goals.
First let’s make sure you get in a small trainer aircraft and make sure you’re comfortable behind the controls and enjoy flying. The first two years are incredibly time consuming and demanding. If you don’t crave that time in the airplane and have a true passion for it, you’ll likely burn out.
Hannah
This would be great. I’d love to sign up for an introductory flight. I will schedule it through the website. Thank you both very much for responding.
Good morning, Viktoriya! I started my training from 0 hours at 39 and made it to a major airline at 44 despite COVID slowing down the industry and stopping the movement for about a year back in 2020-21. It’s quite possible but as Adam mentioned, you just have to understand what limitations age presents in our industry. Best of luck to you!
Viktoriya,
I’m a little late to the party here… the only time it’s too late is when you’re turning 65!
Have you scheduled the Admission Flight or Introductory Flight at a flight school? I recommend doing so sooner rather than later, especially at 41. You could find that this is something you really want to do and start immediately, and let’s just say 2 - 2.5 years to get the 1,500 hours. By that time, you’d be no more than ~ 44 years old. That’s a pretty nice career still, if you ask me! 
Brady
Thank you for the encouragement 
I will schedule it for 09/06, can’t wait 
Viktoriya,
Please let us know how it goes and if you have any other questions.
Brady
Viktoriya,
Just relax and have fun. It will go by quick. If it’s not something you walk away from completely ready to commit, go fly some more! I flew 17 hours before I was ready to quit my job and take the risk but I’m so glad I did.
Hannah