The best way to build hours as a private pilot is to continue your training. I have never been a fan of people stopping at the PPL as you are really counting on the weather consistently being good when you fly. Things happen, fog moves in, rain showers pop up and snow starts earlier than expected. I would begin work on your instrument right after the PPL, you might be glad you did someday.
If your plan is to be a professional pilot and you want to do it in the time frame that you specified you are going to need to go to a school that offers fast paced training. You will find that the training there will keep you more than busy, you wonāt have time to worry about extra flight time.
I am going to second Adam here in that you and I would not spend a single week extra in training that is unnecessary. I have seen several pilots at United who were hired over age 55. It certainly isnāt the norm, but it is happening.
I am not familiar with St. Pete Air. What made you chose them?
Iām not familiar with St Pete Air either but obviously I am with ATP (and Iām also a fan since thatās where I did my training). Nothing wrong with St Pete as far as I know but I am curious why you wouldnāt want to just bang the whole thing out with ATP? Particularly since time is a factor.
I wanted to do the entire thing at ATP that was my goal. But when I called last week the gentleman I spoke with said I have to get my PPL and 80 hours before I can be accepted to ATP. Because I donāt have my PPL or a college degree. It was a bit discouraging mostly because I dropped outta college to raise my now 18 year old son.
Itās kind of a weird rule if you think about it in a business point of view. Why give those 80 hours to another school?
The rule is PPL or degree OR āequivalent work experienceā (which is clearly stated on their website https://atpflightschool.com/airline-career-pilot-program/enrollment.html). The reason this rule is in place is because ATP has had some issues with young people right out of high school. The ATP program is not an easy one. It requires a great amount of hard work and discipline and frankly they need some evidence that a person is capable of this kind of commitment.
I would recommend you call back and give them an idea of your work history. I believe you would be able to do the entire program, including your Private, if you so desire.
Hello! I have loved aviation my whole life but havent been able to do anything about it until now (financially) the other bad thing, I am 53ā¦I know I am too old to be a commercial pilot but not too old to change my career from medicine to aviation? I used to teach ophthalmology and now I would like to be a CFIā¦ I have already started the process (studying etc) but am I being realistic at 53 and a woman? Thanks!
Yes at 53 the chances of you making it to the airlines is unlikely, but not impossible. Mandatory retirement for the airlines is 65 so in theory you could work for about 10 years after youāre done training and building time. The good news is as long as you can maintain your medical you can instruct indefinitely. I donāt know your financial situation but most local flight schools arenāt busy enough for you to make a ton of money. But if youāre looking for a side job or simply to do something you enjoy thereās no reason not to give it a try.
If your goal is to be a CFI then I do not see any issue at all with your age. Just make sure to do your research about what being a CFI will pay you both at ATP and at other schools as I am assuming that you might want to instruct at a local flight school. I do not see your age being a factor in this at all.
This question is directed to Adam āresident old guyā as he says
Adam,
Did anyone have any concerns with you getting your 3rd class medical? I understand the sensitivity of the question. Iām asking because Iām wondering if Iām going to receive a lot of raised eye brows when I go for my 3rd class medical? Should I even be concerned about it now?
Thinking you mean FIRST Class medical as thatās what you need to get hired and fly for an airline? But regardless (First, Second or Third), fortunately Iāve never had any issues and AMEs see plenty of āolderā pilots (many are older pilots themselves). Unless youāre aware of any known issues you shouldnāt have a problem. Besides, donāt you know 50 is the new 30
Me either until recently, I just feel I am too old and its a complete waste of time (at my age)ā¦i wake up everyday kicking myself in the you-know-what for not perusing this dream 30 years agoā¦I guess better late than never LOL