I would be happy to get some advice from you. I just turned 46. 20 years ago, I earned my private pilot’s license + instrument rating. I have about 400 hours total. I had big aviation dreams at that time and was in the middle of doing my commercial license when circumstances and reality led me to focus on a career as a software developer. In recent years I’ve become disillusioned with the software industry for many reasons which have peaked recently to unbearable levels. I would like to rekindle my aviation dream, complete my licenses, gain the hours I am still missing and go to work for an airline as a FO.
I live in NJ. My questions are:
Is this even realistic given my age? I don’t mind flying regional. I know I will not be a 777 captain given my late start in life.
What is the best route I can take in order to get from where I am to where I want to be?
Welcome to the forums. Twenty years is a long time ago, the licenses can be made valid, but of course you will be rusty.
Yes, this is still a realistic goal for you, but you need to have realistic goals, which it sounds like you do. Check out the FAQ section for a detailed breakdown on the age question. I would also point out that you do not have much time to waste, so I would find a program that could help yu obtain your ratings and hours very quickly.
This is that part where I sound like a salesman, which is something that we try very hard to avoid on this forum. That being said, I went to ATP myself, the program worked great for me and I believe in it, which is part of why I am on this forum. I would recommend signing up for ATP’s career pilot program, with credit for private. You will go through the instrument training again, but after twenty years that is a good thing as much has changed and you will have a lot to relearn. From there I would instruct for ATP as it is one of the best ways to build your flight time and also take advantage of their hiring alliances.