I’m doing heavy research, considering making a huge career change into getting a pilot license for commercial airline as a goal. I have little to none experience in aviation but it has been weighing heavy on my mind (also, consider the fact I’m in my 30’s with an Associates degree and years experience in the work force).
So my question- realistically is it obtainable to pursue this as a career and be successful?
More importantly, how diverse is ATP and as a Pilot career? ( never one to bring race into a conversation, but it is fact needed to determine to make a big change, especially financially).
I am not sure what your definition of “worth it” is. What I can tell you is that you are nowhere near too old to enter the industry. Please check out this thread for a detailed response to your question:
To my knowledge, ATP does not track the race or gender of their students, so I cannot answer that question. I can tell you that what matters at ATP is your willingness to work hard and put in the time to be successful. The airline industry is predominately white male, but that is changing with time and neither the airlines, nor ATP discriminate based on race, gender, etc,
I know many pilots who are older than you that made the switch and love what they get to do. The only individual that can determine if the career is “worth it for me” is you. Just like the question, “which location do I go to” or “is this the best location,” it’s the location that is most convenient for you.
ATP does not track race or gender in their admissions, but that should not turn you away from a deciding factor. ATP is a flight school who holds their standards high and commitment to you, the student. It’s no question that ATP has one of the best success rates with admission count when it comes to student success. And the fear of making a financial change (which is many - including me in 2019 when I took the leap of faith with tremendous university debt), pilots moved up in the rankings as one of the most profited careers.
Thank you guys! These are great insights that I’ve taken great consideration into. Still diving deeper into making a blueprint, and mainly have decided to go for it.
Another question- What are the Medical Requirements for being a Commercial airline pilot?
What if someone has a slight hearing disability (not deaf)?
We are not medical professionals; therefore, we recommend any medical questions directed to an AME. I found a link where you could find some medical conditions that are disqualifying:
AME’s have a better understanding of the medical certificate than we do, if they feel something is worth noting and looked into, they will differ the medical to OKC. To find your nearest AME, I suggest using this link:
Start the process of getting a medical ASAP. If your application is deferred and more testing required, it came take quite a bit of time. The wheels of the FAA are not known to move quickly. Best get that process started.
Hi,
My questions and situation align with Philip’s. I’m 31 and pretty well settled in a career making a fairly significant amount of money. But I hate it and am looking for the flexibility and higher financial gains that come from being a pilot. I am just concerned with supporting a family while in the waiting period between finishing school and gaining enough hours to apply to be a commercial pilot, can anyone provide any insight into this?
First off if you’re looking to be a pilot for “flexibility and higher financial gains” you may want to rethink this whole thing. The flexibility doesn’t come for some time till after you gain some seniority and the higher financial gains may never come. While now’s probably the best time in history to become a pilot, things can and do change. 9/11, recession, another pandemic etc can all severely impact your career and earnings. Further you might simply not ever get the call to the Majors for whatever reason. It does happen. This is why I’m pretty adamant above people who pursue this career having a strong desire to fly. If you do, no matter what happens, as long as you’re flying, you’ll be ok. If you’re not you won’t.
As for getting by until you get to an airline it will require sacrifice. There’s really no way around that. It’s something we’ve all done and it’s not easy. This again goes back to if you have a passion for it you’ll know why you’re putting yourself and your family through the crunch. If you don’t it probably won’t seem worth it.
Everything you could expect from an Admissions Flight is what is like to be an ATP Day 1 Student. You will get a tour of the training center along with a brief introduction to the aircraft and more. Not only will you get some information, you’ll get the opportunity to actually take the controls of a modern aircraft. For more information I’ve linked below the Admissions Flight webpage from ATP’s website: