I’ve seen a myriad of posts from prospective students asking the question, “Am I too old to do this?” This is a question which many have looking at aviation as a second career and perhaps fulfilling a lifelong dream of being an airline pilot. I struggled with this question already having a successful career in corporate America as an executive at a large healthcare IT company with both an MBA and degree in pharmacy. I got burnt out on the rat race of the corporate environment with the pandemic giving me some flexibility to complete my private at a local flight school. Being a pilot was a dream of mine and I started asking that question…am I too old to really give this a go? I consulted friends already at the airlines and all of them said absolutely not and to get my ratings knocked out as fast as possible. I also had to accept that at my age, I most likely won’t be that 787 Captain or FO traversing the globe and making top end salaries. Honestly I love flying, and getting paid to do it would be a bonus for me.
I took the plunge and enrolled at ATP (credit private) in Kansas City at the end of May. This was a newer location having just opened in January. After visiting a couple times, I felt it was a good fit for me.
To all students old or young, this program is accelerated and you get out of it what you put in. There needs to be inherent self motivation to persevere through challenges and utilize the resources ATP makes available to you. There will be late nights and early mornings, you’ll have peaks and troughs throughout training, you will have times where it feels like juggling too many balls, especially if you have a spouse and kids at home. But this can be done.
I completed the entire program on November 16th with my MEI, 0 checkride failures, and a 95% average for all my written exams. Put in the work and it will payoff.
To those who question the quality of the training and the pace at which you get your certifications…My MEI checkride had the Kansas City FAA inspector observing and evaluating as part of the DPE’s annual review. Needless to say this added another level of stress to an already stressful situation as I was not only getting questioned by the DPE, but also by the FAA. After the toughest (yes tougher than CFI) checkride I passed with high praise from both evaluators. I say this because ATP provides you high quality training with the curriculum and resources to be successful. It’s on you as the student to use them and put in the work outside the airplane and flight school environment in order to achieve your end goals.
I throughly enjoyed the program and it delivered on all fronts. I wish all current and future aviators the best of luck.
Ali,
Congratulations!! Sounds like you not only accomplished the program you excelled at it. Not a small feat. You should be very proud!
Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience and tips for future students. I know it will help many others along the way.
So with this major milestone, what’s next for you?
-Hannah
Thank you, Hannah! I’m thrilled to complete the program and now the fun begins. I hope to instruct with ATP somewhere in the NE as that’s where my family is relocating.
Great post but I’ll call you out on one point. I too started at 39, I’ve already been a International widebody FO (A330) and I’m pretty close to holding A330CA and 787FO (we actually have a bid out right now so we’ll see how it goes).
What I’m saying is with all the movement in the industry you may be very surprised how far you can go in this industry.
Welcome to the Alumni Family! I was welcomed shortly after the change of year this year, it’s been a wonderful journey and ride.
Congratulations on completing the program in due time with a 0 checkride failure rate, that’s something great to accomplish and carry forward into your career.
Yup, we’ve got the sim (very impressive cockpit) and we’re expecting deliveries Spring 2022. They were supposed to be in service already but there was this little virus thing that threw a wrench in the works.
Bid hasn’t closed yet but we’re expecting it to go very senior.
Congratulations!!! You my friend are a true ATP success story. Thank you for the detailed write up and for sharing your experiences with us. Please keep us up to date as you progress through your career and remember that you can always come back here to ask any questions you may have.
On another note, I think the possibility of someday being a 787 FO and maybe, just maybe a Captain is well within your reach.
Thank you for being apart of our community. We are better because you, and people like you, are apart of it. I always enjoy reading your updates.
I’m sure you have many more important things to do with your time, but I hope you stick around. Thank you for documenting your experiences, for inspiring the next generation, and for proving to, most importantly yourself, and the skeptics that 39 is far from “too old.”
I appreciate the words of encouragement from the group upon the successful completion of the program. This forum has helped countless students and the engagement is second to none.
I’d like to provide a quick update and pose a question to the group.
I received offers to instruct from several locations including ATP. The DPE who did my MEI checkride (Instrument as well) is a 135 captain and Chief Instructor at another flight school in Kansas City. They offer both 141, 61 and are starting an accelerated program in January. The school has a mix of 172s, Warriors/Archers, an Arrow and a Seminole. Avionics are all updated, but no G1000s. They also have an IA and A&Ps in house. The pay and flight hour average/month is higher with a solid reputation both from an operation and students success rate, but do not have affiliations with the regionals.
I also received an offer to instruct at MMU or BWI-MTN for ATP. I loved my experience with ATP and have reviewed their compensation and incentives for instructors.
There are some changes in my family situation where it would make sense to stay in Kansas City.
My question to the CFIs and Pilot mentors:
Do the regionals or 135 operations look at the school where you instruct at when evaluating applicants?
What are some of the intangibles that I’m missing not outlined on the CFI ATP web page which I should consider?
In today’s market the Regionals need pilots. While the partnerships are nice, if you meet the mins you should have no problem getting hired at the Regional of your choice, it just might involve visiting a recruitment event or 2.
I’d go with what works best for you and your family.
While many regionals do prefer to hire ATP grads, they certainly hire others as well. If it makes sense for you to stay in Kansas City and work for the other school, then I would do that. You can still apply to many of the cadet programs, the difference will be that you will not be able to take part in Tuition Reimbursement.
Ali,
I think the biggest thing you’ll miss out on is the tuition reimbursement programs that are provided to ATP affiliated instructors only. If that’s a big priority for you, then it may play a factor in your decision. If not, take the offer that is the most convenient for you, has good hours to be flown and safe airplanes.
-Hannah
Something tells me that you’ll choose the right job for you and your family. Based on everything that I’ve read from you you are very calculated, thorough and thoughtful. I would be surprised if anyone actually has something for you to consider that you haven’t already. Regardless, I do appreciate the effort on your part to get a second opinion before making a decision.