Hi All,
Wonderful resource you have here, have been reading lots (including the FAQ and the numerous other similar threads to this one). I have gotten a lot of good info and want to sanity check a few expectations with you.
I’m turning 42 in 2021 (when I expect to start training), and adding time for training and building hours (possibly longer than expected, depending on recovery from Covid), it would seem to put me in this age group from the FAQ:
44-48: Ok this is where we have to start managing our expectations. You could potentially make it to a Major but you will never be a 777 Capt flying to Tokyo. You could possibly be a widebody FO or you might even decide to just stay at your Regional. Be #1 on that list, maybe become a check pilot and have a very nice life.
So I wanted to check if these expectations might still be feasible at this stage:
1.) Long haul - I know I won’t make wide body captain, but one of my biggest aspirations in terms of flying career is to be able to fly international routes. I was thinking instead of targeting the “legacy” or “majors” I would try for Atlas, Kalitta, etc. Does this path seem viable or are my expectations still too high?
2.) FO “Lifer” - I don’t need to sit in the left seat, is it feasible to stay in the right seat but try to move toward bigger airframes in order to try and get the long haul routes I want to fly?
3.) Moving - I have a very supportive family and I have traveled quite a bit for my previous jobs so “home every day” is not a requirement for me, but they draw the line at having to move. I currently live in the San Francisco area, is not being able to move going to slow my progression significantly (or impede it completely)? For example I could have trouble getting a local CFI job, and regionals might be hiring but not anywhere near me.
Thank you all in advance