I am writing as I need a mentor/help/advice/anything else you want to use to describe it. I am 41 and recently retired from Active Air Force (not a pilot). I currently have my PPL and am currently attempting to use logic and judgement on continuing my flying career. Which brings me here…
I have a full time job that will not allow me to sit at the airport waiting on a plane. I talked to ATP about the FlexTrack program and was told that it is only available IF they have room. Currently there are supposedly enough people enrolled and they are not offering the FlexTrack for another 5-6 months. My current job is 8-5 M-F so I would be able to fly weekends and after 5 during summer months. My other concern is building hours after completing the program. With a full time job, how do I instruct and build hours and get hired as a pilot? I am estimating this process will be about 5 years total before I have enough hours to be looked at by the airlines.
I am basically looking for any pilots who have a similar situation and experience to lend advice and mentorship on this. I know and understand that there would need to be sacrifices but I am not able to give up my current job to just fly for a year or 2 at this time. I have a wife, 2 kids, a house, vehicles, bills, etc. Those cant just be put on hold.
I was exactly where you are several years ago (except I was 39). Training part-time it took me nearly 2yrs to earn my PPL. I had made the decision to become a professional pilot but knew at that rate it simply wouldn’t happen, ever. Your 5yr estimate to build 1500hrs flying and training is extremely optimistic with a job, family, weather, instructor availability, etc etc etc. Not to mention getting hired at a Regional at 43 vs 46 could easily mean the difference between going to a Major or not (and I haven’t even talked about the hundreds of thousands forfeited in income and benefits).
I know this isn’t what you want to hear but at 41 you’ve got a choice. Get VERY serious, bite the bullet and do this or don’t and realize there’s a good chance it’s never going to happen. I don’t take what you’re saying lightly but I lived it. I had the exact conversation with myself and tried to continue training at my local flight school. Except this time, it was going to be different. I was going to dedicate 2 days minimum to fly every week no matter what. That latest about a week. Logistically it simply can’t be done. This career is not an easy goal at this age with family and responsibilities and to be successful it will require sacrifice. The difference is in trying to balance your life with training you’ll add frustration to the mix which is never good.
Obviously this is your decision but if flying for a living is truly your goal, you need to get serious and that means sacrifice.
I am exactly in the position you are in. I am 37 years old wanting to pursue a career as a pilot. I currently have zero experience. I would be starting from zero hours. It’s a hard choice having a family, wife, a child, and deciding to pursue a career in aviation.
The longer we wait the harder it becomes. Ideally it will take 2-3 years training, and getting hired at a regional. Working at a regional 2-4 years and then hopefully moving on to a major with all the hiring the next 5-10 years. Good luck, I know you will succeed!
You make really good points. At this age you must be committed to it 100% percent. Any delays will only further the chances, however staying focused, committed, and determined it will happen. Are you available to email personally? I am also interested in speaking to you about situation. My email is bduarte042@gmail.com. Thanks.
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