jetcareers - View Single Post - Interested in 2nd career as regional airline pilot

cwalter · December 10th, 2007, 09:34

Wow -went in search of a site for answer to question that's been burning me up since it has been posed to me - and look what I find - other people living the dream I hope to.

I am a 35 year old CFI working at a flight school in New York. I do this part time to build hours. I am also employed full time by the City of New York. I am set to retire from the city in 15 years with pension. Once retired from the city, I plan to pursue a second career as an airline pilot. Do you think my then age of 50 will discourage an airline from hiring me? I have posed this question to some of my peers who have expressed concerns that an airline might have a problem spending "X" amount of dollars training a pilot who will be forced to retire in another 10 years. What if the the FAA raises the mandatory retirement age for pilots to 65? Are there other factors/concerns that I am not considering that may inhibit my future plans.
I realize that it is difficult to make a prediction on a scenario transpiring 15 years from now, especially in an industry as volatile as the airlines. However any thoughts you may be able to share would be greatly appreciated

December 10th, 2007, 09:34	#26
cwalter Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2	Re: Interested in 2nd career as regional airline pilot Wow -went in search of a site for answer to question that's been burning me up since it has been posed to me - and look what I find - other people living the dream I hope to. I am a 35 year old CFI working at a flight school in New York. I do this part time to build hours. I am also employed full time by the City of New York. I am set to retire from the city in 15 years with pension. Once retired from the city, I plan to pursue a second career as an airline pilot. Do you think my then age of 50 will discourage an airline from hiring me? I have posed this question to some of my peers who have expressed concerns that an airline might have a problem spending "X" amount of dollars training a pilot who will be forced to retire in another 10 years. What if the the FAA raises the mandatory retirement age for pilots to 65? Are there other factors/concerns that I am not considering that may inhibit my future plans. I realize that it is difficult to make a prediction on a scenario transpiring 15 years from now, especially in an industry as volatile as the airlines. However any thoughts you may be able to share would be greatly appreciated