I’m seriously considering ATP training from Zero to Pilot career. However, I don’t know if it would be worth my investment to make the change. Of course, I am referring to money (that student loan is a large amount/huge financial commitment). I want to know if it would make sense financially. I love aviation and I have flown Cessna 172 aircraft in the past (unofficially) as the friend who turned me onto aviation is a pilot but not a CFI. I have also jumped out of airplanes which was a blast! And I got paid to do so since it was in the Army. I am a US Army Veteran (deployed under 3 operations) and am Airborne qualified.
Now to the crux of my question:I don’t want to waste anybody’s time and I definitely don’t want to waste my time nor get into a huge debt just for the sake of getting a PPL, CFI, ATP, etc. I love flying and aviation but I am also very realistic.
I am 52 years old, and I know it is NEVER TO LATE to begin a career in aviation. IF I were to proceed and pursue this career change (BTW, I’m an IT Support Specialist) with ATP, my main questions/concerns are:*Would I be able to do my training in Smyrna, TN (my hometown)?*What would be the very fist step (and then consequent steps) to take?*Will that student loan debt follow me around like a puppy for many years to come after my training? (I really hate debt!)*What could/should be a realistic expectation after completing training?
NOTE: Please keep in mind that money IS NOT A MOTIVATOR FOR ME. I love aviation and I want to fly. I’m currently going thru self-study ground school (Gleim)and prepping for the FAA Knowledge Test and have been trying to pursue this under Part 61. However, that was before becoming a commercial pilot for a living became a constant/daily consideration. Actually, a passionate desire, if I am to be honest.
First said “it’s never too late to start a career in aviation”. Its not too late for you but it most definitely can be for some. Now to your questions:
sure you can train in Smyrna. You can choose any of ATPs locations to train at. What ATP cannot promise is that the guaranteed instructor position will be there. After you’re training you’ll need to build the required 1500hrs to fly for an airline. ATP offers instructor positions to their successful students but cannot guarantee a location. At that point you can either take a position elsewhere or look for a job locally.
get a First Class Medical and apply for financing. Once approved select a location and a start date, give your deposit to hold both. If time permits start banging out the FAA Knowledge exams.
depends on your finances? Students who become eligible for Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,000 which can help till you get hired but hire big a burden that loan is completely depends on your situation.
you’re never going to be a 787 Capt for Delta. You’re 52 and if you start now you could be at a Regional Airline in 2yrs at 54. That leaves you 11yrs to fly before mandatory retirement. You could have a very nice 11 year career as a Regional Capt making low 6 figures. If that sounds good to you then it’s worth it, if it doesn’t it’s not.
I started a little late (39), was very fortunate and now I’m a Capt at a Major. But honestly I was very happy at a Regional and if i never got the opportunity to advance I would’ve been fine with that. Only you know if that would work for you.
Thank you Adam for your prompt response. I will definitely pray about this and see where the Lord directs me. I would absolutely LOVE to go ahead with this (because money is not a motivator for me). I love aviation and I would be content with just being a CFI and flying/sharing my passion with the future generation of aviators. However, a career with a Regional airline would be absolutely AWESOME!!! Thanks again for your input/advice. God bless you and your loved ones. To quote Kelsey from 74Gear “Keep the blue side up.”
Hector
