Hello everyone, my name is Rami and I am 46 years old who decided to change careers. I am supposed to start my flight training at ATP in about a month. I am so determined and going full speed with this however, am I too old to think about flying for commercial airlines? Am I better off seeking to fly for corporate instead? Also, what can be done to build hours in a short period of time?.
Thank you in advance for giving the time to answer this for me.
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Rami,
The age question is the number one question asked in this forum. At 46 you’re definitely not too old for the airlines as long as you’re realistic about your goals. If you dream of being a Delta A350 Capt flying to Rome that’s probably not going to happen but you could definitely be a widebody FO or even a narrowbody Capt.
As for Corporate, since the requirements are the same as for the airlines, I’d see what opportunities are available when you’re actually buildingb your time them weigh your options then.
Adam
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Rami,
Welcome to the forums. Please check out this link for a detailed response to the age question:
https://airlinepilot.life/t/am-i-too-old-to-be-an-airline-pilot/8062/2
The most common way to build hours is flight instructing and it is usually one of the faster ways. Other ways include banner towing, flying traffic watch and pipeline patrol. Remember, it is not just a race to build hours, the quality of the hours is really more important. Rushing to 1,500 hours does not do you any good if you flunk out of pilot training at the airlines.
Chris
Rami,
Welcome aboard to the forums, as to your age question, this is commonly asked, and Chris directed you to a thread posting on this topic. Simple answer to your question, no you’re not too old - but the clock is ticking, and the longevity of your career is limited due to FAA regulations for retirement at 65.
If you’re inquiring about corporate, the best advice is contacting their recruiting/human resource department companies such as JSX, FlyExclusive, etc.
The most common way to build time is flight instructing, but there are other avenues that you can partake in to get to your 1,500 HR requirement for ATP license under 14 CFR 61.159.
Brady
Thank you so much Adam, Chris and Brady for your responses, I will keep all that in mind throughout my journey. I always learn something from you guys on every topic you respond to. If I may ask, what would be your own personal advice to me as far as what to do and what not to do during training for becoming a good pilot?
Rami,
You mentioned how you’re supposed to start flight training in about a month, have you done an admission/introductory flight at a flight school? If you haven’t, that should be the first thing you do. Flying isn’t for everyone, it’s very much so different sitting in the back of a Dreamliner heading across the pond for vacation than right at the controls. Below is enrollment steps link from ATP’s website that I attached for reference.
If you haven’t enrolled into a flight school and still searching, schedule a few admission/introductory flights at a few schools near you. Get your own opinions on the environment, you will be spending a good amount of time in that environment over the next few months/year(s). At ATP, you can contact Admission and set up both an Admission Flight and Training Center tour, which will give you the opportunity to see what it is like as a day 1 student.
If attending ATP, you must have your 1st Class Medical before enrolling, you can acquire that through completing a medical application via MedXpress and then visiting an FAA 1st Class AME.
After you enroll, you should start studying for the written exam(s). Starting with the Private Airplane Pilot (PAR). If you could get your written exam completed before Day 1, your life adjusting to the new “lifestyle” will be easier and you’ll be able to focus more on learning and flying the airplane. If you have time, complete a few other written exams such as the IRA and CAX. For more on written exams and recommendations:
Should you have any other questions, please let us know.
Brady
Rami,
I would really suggest that you complete as many written exams as possible before your start date. Doing so will be a huge advantage to you in the program.
Follow the advice of your instructors, don’t think that you know more or that you really should be doing something another way. ATP has a proven and well established method, follow it.
Chris
Since I decided I want to quit my good paying job and become a pilot, I started learning from the internet and Youtube about aviation. I had zero knowledge couple months ago and now I have gained so much from studying.
Brady, first thing I did is I got my 1st medical certificate then I did my admission flight at ATP and it was a lot better than I expected. I already took the PAR and IRA with 93% on each one and I took my FII with 94%, I just didn’t mention it before because I didn’t want to sound like bragging. Now I’m preparing for my CAX and planning on finishing one more before training starts. I will be studying for the checkrides days and nights. I don’t wanna fail, I can’t fail. I put so much into this and I’m leaving a lot behind for this, I cannot afford to fail. I would do everything my instructor tells me.
Rami,
Nothing to brag about having completed a few of the writtens ahead of schedule, that’s a good way to get a head start and set yourself up for success early on. I completed all my writtens before attending ATP and I was more than pleased with my decision to do so. A lot of students and graduates have taken the plunge and left something behind in order to achieve a new level of success.
Please let us know if there is anything we can help with or answer.
Brady
Rami,
Sounds like you’re well set up with so many writtens already completed. Great job!
My biggest advice, chair fly before each flight so that you utilize every minute in the actual airplane to sharpen muscle memory. For example, if doing maneuvers make sure you have the configuration, steps and tolerances memorized for each maneuver memorized ahead of time. You can practice in the sim or just visualize what you should see and feel throughout the maneuver. Same goes for instrument. Walk through all your approach plates for the route to be flown the next day. It’s amazing how just a simple task can positively impact your performance.
ATP has the perfect amount of time in each phase. If spent wisely, you’ll be more than prepared to be successful.
Hannah
Thank you Hanna, I heard about the chair fly from so many people before and will definitely be utilizing that.
I wish you guys a happy and fruitful 2023. Stay safe and keep smiling 
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Happy New Years, Rami! Stay safe and please let us know if there is anything we can help you with in 2023. 
Brady