Old Canadian guy starting out late - is age a disqualifier?

[parmandjack]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here.

I didn't realize this "Career Changer" section was here, this is terrific.

I'm an older guy just starting out, and I'm fishing for information; hopefully someone here can help.

I'm interested in whether or not age is a disabling factor going against me starting a new career as a professional pilot, as I am planning on changing careers late in life.

Here's my bio and a bit of background so you can give me a good idea of whether or not my age would stand out alone as a determining factor, or whether my accomplishments would negate it.

I'm 44, and will be 45 on April 4th, 2008, and I'm interested in a career with the majors. Let me re-phrase that... I'm absolutely obsessed with changing my career and flying for a living, especially for a major airline... I can think of nothing else.

Its been my dream ever since being a kid (my family flew a lot), but I thought you could only do it through the military, or darn near perfect marks at school.

I'd be happy flying jets with a decent Regional (or turboprop (to start)), but I think (at this point in life, as everything always changes as your grow older), that the Majors is where I'd like to end up if possible.

I will be (re)starting my flight training on Jan 7th, 2008. I say restarting, because 9 years ago I started doing it, flying out of Thunderbird Aviation at Flying Cloud airport just west of Minneapolis. I bought and owned my own Beechcraft Muskateer with a lovely IFR package, and managed to accumulate exactly 50 hours before packing it in. I'd completed all my training, x-country included and was ready for the checkride :-(. I say I had 50 hours at this point not because it took me that long to get ready for the checkride, but because during my 2nd solo, I had a partial engine failure right after take-off. That shook me up pretty bad. After getting the aircraft repaired, my next flight saw me caught in a very bad windstorm, and it bounced me ALL over the bloody sky... that was pretty much it for me. After that, I flew with a case of the nerves each time I went up, and although I kept plugging away at it, my confidence didn't return as I didn't trust the aircraft at that point, and I eventually quit, but not before making a good attempt at overcoming the issue with more hours. My instructor though (John Walsh - who went to Masaba to fly Sabbs in, oh... 1998. I've since lost touch with him unfortunately) told me that he'd rather fly with me than the other instructors because I'd experienced an engine failure and stayed calm enough to land it (so now belonged to an "elite", "tested" club ;-) on my 2nd solo, while they had never had an engine failure, so he didn't know how they'd react... I knew what he was trying to do, but it didn't work unfortunately, and here I am 9 years later. HOWEVER... the bug never left me, and two years ago I was up in a 19 seat charter (twice) for work related purposes (excluding numerous trips on major airlines since my engine failure), and realized I was over my fear. At this point though, I figured I was too old to start again, and stalled on it (no pun intended :-).

So now, as I mentioned, I'm 44 going on 45 in 5 months. I am an IT professional with 15 years in the IT industry, as well as 6+ years in the Armed Forces (Canadian) in telecommunications. I am a Project Manager for IBM, and make over $100K/yr salary, not including bonuses. I also hold a 4 year Bachelors of Science Degree with Honors, as well as numerous IT industry certifications (to show my prospective airline employer I am capable of learning new things, as well as being eager). I mentioned the salary for no purpose other than highlighting my extreme desire to fly as a career, and what I'm willing to give up to get there (doesn't mean I'm happy about taking a pay cut that size after years of chasing the buck to get there though ;-)

I have done a lot of research and understand what the first year pilots are making, as well as the first few years of pay rates, and I am willing to give up my 6 figure salary to do this. (side note - why ARE pilots paid so poorly for such a mission critical task, loaded with such great responsibility?)

Although the salary drop will be darn near crippling (with 4 kids under 5 years old), we have about $350K worth of equity in our pocket from our home once we sell it, and no other debt. This will allow us to ride the wave (sort of) while I get established in the aviation industry (I expect). Am I being niave here?

I will be obtaining the ratings part-time, but expect to have my PPL and CPL completed by early summer '08, with CFI by late summer '08. At that point, I plan on building time as a CFI while obtaining my multi engine and IFR ratings. I "expect" to be ready with minimums, by Jan of '09, which would put me at 45 (going on 46 in April '09). That would give me 15 years of professional flying time ahead of me, or 20 years should they raise the retirement age to 65. My assumptions at this point in time are that that is plenty time to work my way back up to the pay levels I'm used to (even if I don't, but manage to come close, I'd rather earn less and be happy with what I'm doing, than earn a lot, but be miserable at what I'm doing). In preparation, I have also completed and just received my Cat 1 Medical certificate, so that piece is already taken care of.

If you say my age is a non-issue, I have one last question. Although I am Canadian, (presently live in Calgary, Alberta) I lived and worked right across America for 5 years (so far) in my IT career, as getting work visas was easy for me due to my Degree. Is it the same in the airline industry? Do US air carriers hire non-Americans, Canadians specifically? (I can provide proof of eligibility to work legally in the US).

Oh, one last thing, My wife and I are willing to relocate to just about anywhere in the US, because during our 5 years there, we came to love America, and want to move back anyway... if not with an aviation career, then again through IT. So with this piece of the pie, I'm trying to show any possible airline that I am flexible and willing to work with their needs.

Hopefully, these details of myself provide a big enough picture to let you determine whether or not I'd be denied simply because of my age, or whether my life experience and professional management experience in high-tech, as well as level of education and military experience would be considered strong intangible assets being brought to the table (besides the applicable ratings and minimum hours).

If I was a gambling man, I'd bet that you already know what I'm hoping your answer(s) will be, as I hate my job/career (no matter how successful its been), and dread Monday mornings starting around... oh.... Friday nights :-).

Thanks for any help you can provide, and thanks even if you can't. I'm going to scour this website and learn as much as everyone is willing to tell :-)


Jack.

[JEP]

as a person who did their ppl/ir trainging at Thunderbird, I say Welcome to JC!

Attachment 4397


It is entirely possible for a flying career. getting to the majors may be a toguher road, but it is possible.


Welcome!

[parmandjack]

Hi Jep, thanks!

I'm very happy to be here.

Small world eh? When did you do your training at Thunderbird? Are you still flying out of there now?

Cheers.

[skidz]

Originally Posted by JEP

It is entirely possible for a flying career. getting to the majors may be a toguher road, but it is possible.
Welcome!

I'll just say

[Firebird2XC]

Originally Posted by parmandjack

Hi Everyone, I'm new here.

I didn't realize this "Career Changer" section was here, this is terrific.

I'm an older guy just starting out, and I'm fishing for information; hopefully someone here can help.

I'm interested in whether or not age is a disabling factor going against me starting a new career as a professional pilot, as I am planning on changing careers late in life.

Here's my bio and a bit of background so you can give me a good idea of whether or not my age would stand out alone as a determining factor, or whether my accomplishments would negate it.

I'm 44, and will be 45 on April 4th, 2008, and I'm interested in a career with the majors. Let me re-phrase that... I'm absolutely obsessed with changing my career and flying for a living, especially for a major airline... I can think of nothing else.

Jack.

Your age should not be too much of a determining factor. My newhire class has several individuals in their 40s. Some are actually fully retired US military starting a second career.

The other aspects of the job and how they apply to you will be up to you.

My advice- if you have the means and you have the DREAM... do it.

Hope this helps.

[Cjordan]

parmandjack, I'm also 44 planning on changing careers in a year or few after I get twenty finished in law enforcement. It sounds like you have a plan and that's good. Based on what I've learned reading and lurking @ JC forums I would think breaking into the majors at our age may be the longshot. Which is why my goal is what amounts to an non-goal for many younger guys, lol: To upgrade from FO to CA in a regional and stay there (career regional CA), even in turbo-props. The way I see it there would be more opportunity to job-hop around among the commuter carriers and live in different areas of the country if you don't mind staying regional. Which is what we want to do (soon to be empty nester middle agers).

So you had a Mouse? I almost bought an A23-24 (200hp) one, but it was more than I wanted to bite off at the time. Got a Cherokee 140 w/ RAM 160 STC instead. But the Mouse was huge inside compared to the cramped cabin of my Cherokee... by comparison felt like you could have played ping pong in the mouse.

Like you, I too sold my airplane. No close calls, just too many other financial demands in my life at the time.

[parmandjack]

Thanks everyone.

All the feedback I've been receiving is on the positive side of the coin...wish I'd known about this website a few years ago . But you create from the materials on hand, and now I know I'm good to go! .

I'm signed up to start ground school on Jan 7, 2008 (I'd do it now but my wife is laid up in bed after a C-Section with complications while delivering child # 4 just two weeks ago... yea I said I was 44 going on 45 , but she is only 35 hehehe). So I'm all jazzed up now to get started flying again, and hope to finish the PPL, CPL and CFI by end of summer '08 (if the wife doesn't kill me for being an absentee husband to meet that goal . Have medical in hand, apparent future opportunities in regionals beaconing, and disposable income in hand ! hahahaha - why do "they" call it "disposable" anyway? I for one like to "dispose" of my income by purchasing groceries, and gas for work, and clothes... etc... . But yes, I am thrilled. I remember being under the hood at night, and when I pulled the hood off, I was lined up to TnG at Mannassas, lit up all pretty like... I remember my TnG at Minneapolis International at night, followed by steep turns right over downtown Minneapolis, all lit up like Gold... I remember my 1st long distance cross country - sitting around 5500', flying over Lake Minnetonka, and seeing all the boats below, coke can sitting at my feet, and thinking to myself, "I wonder what the poor people are doing today"... meanwhile I was poor too, having put all my money into the Muskateer ! lol Yes, when the bug bites you, it NEVER leaves! ... thankfully

I can't wait to get back into it... I'm hoping it rejuvenates me again and all my hair grows back

Thanks again for all your feedback guys, it is taken to heart and very much appreciated.

Cheers.

Jack.

[parmandjack]

Originally Posted by Cjordan

parmandjack, I'm also 44 planning on changing careers in a year or few after I get twenty finished in law enforcement. It sounds like you have a plan and that's good. Based on what I've learned reading and lurking @ JC forums I would think breaking into the majors at our age may be the longshot. Which is why my goal is what amounts to an non-goal for many younger guys, lol: To upgrade from FO to CA in a regional and stay there (career regional CA), even in turbo-props. The way I see it there would be more opportunity to job-hop around among the commuter carriers and live in different areas of the country if you don't mind staying regional. Which is what we want to do (soon to be empty nester middle agers).

So you had a Mouse? I almost bought an A23-24 (200hp) one, but it was more than I wanted to bite off at the time. Got a Cherokee 140 w/ RAM 160 STC instead. But the Mouse was huge inside compared to the cramped cabin of my Cherokee... by comparison felt like you could have played ping pong in the mouse.

Like you, I too sold my airplane. No close calls, just too many other financial demands in my life at the time.

Hiya "C".

... and being a career CA at a Regional flying jets or turbo-props is a great goal as far as I'm concerned. If thats how my flying career turned out, then I'd be happy with that, because its flying, and I love flying, and my fav aircraft happens to be the C130 Hercules!. However, knowing my make-up in that I'm never-quite-satisfied-with-where-I'm-at as it relates to my career, if I "think" I can take it that one step further. So like you, I'll be very happy if I am successful enough to build a long-term career as a Regional CA, but I'll "have-to" "try" very hard to make that next, even fi ever so far (and still receeding) step to a major. But like I mentioned to Skidz, I've taken an injection of reality, and know that the odds, while there is still a chance, are indeed stacked against older fellas like me/us. You'd think that all the Majors would be chompin at the bit to get older fellers like us, with all of our life skills and worldy wisdom not to try barnstormin with a 7XX type aircraft... but sigh....

How'd you like the Cherokee? Yes, life and finances have a way of wrecking a persons day sometimes eh? Like, I find that when I comes to vacations, I either have the time but no money, or the money but no time! Go figure.... So I'm hoping my flying won't be the same ;-)

Cheers!

[parmandjack]

Originally Posted by Firebird2XC

Your age should not be too much of a determining factor. My newhire class has several individuals in their 40s. Some are actually fully retired US military starting a second career.

The other aspects of the job and how they apply to you will be up to you.

My advice- if you have the means and you have the DREAM... do it.

Hope this helps.

HEY Firebird, thanks buddy! that is really uplifting to hear! What are you flying now, and who do you fly with? Can I pry as to the hours you had when you got hired?

Thanks again, this is terrific! Like I said before, I wish I'd know about this website several years ago.. talking with you guys would have seen me already there !

Cheers.

[Tiger815]

Originally Posted by Firebird2XC

snip. Some are actually fully retired US military starting a second career.

I'd just like to point out how huge a difference the sentence above makes. Having a full military (or any other kind) retirement waiting for you is BIG thing. You go in knowing even if you get furloughed down the road, you will have an income. That is huge.

Taking the intial pay cut is not what keeps most of us older guys on the fence. Its taking the pay cut, to take a job in a notoriously unstable industry. If you pick the wrong regional and get furloughed or your company goes bankrupt (imagine yourself a mid senority captain at Independence) you probably can't afford to start over at another airline, even if you started young. Then consider the increasing likelihood of a medical issue of some sort after a few years. Then consider the unfortunate fact that age discrimination is out there. Getting back into your previous profession may be nearly impossible for a guy in his late 40's that's been away from that industry for a few years.

Not trying to rain on your parade, I'm just pointing out that money in the bank like a full retirement reduces or eliminates a lot of the downside concerns of starting an aviation career in your mid 40's.

[MaxBurn]

I'm new to this site, what a goldmine of information

Jack, I feel you my man. We work for the same company but I've too become tired of (job/IT). I'm 39, soon to be 40 in Jan but I have to flying bug. You wanna know the worse thing, I've recently moved to the Dallas/Fort-worth area, right by the DFW airport and it kills me to watch planes come in and not be a part of that. I refuse to give up! I kick myself for not taking the plunge earlier but years ago when I considered it I couldn't justify spending the money for the training, plus Omaha,NE isn't a good learning location.
I have my wife behind me, she's a flight attendant for AA but I don't think she understands what I'm about to get into. She just says "Babe, if you don't do it now you'll kick yourself later" and I will. I will will lose a considerable amount of money in pay, but I figure its like this. If someone pays your x amount to fly their multi-million dollar Ferrari who cares. If you like to be in the clouds, watching the mountains below who cares.
The other thing is, major isn't your only option. There's also corporate and others.
I have a friend who flys for a corporate airline company in DC, he lives in DFW and fly charters on the side. Makes some nice change doing that. I'm gonna do everything possible to put my new career path together. Thanks to this great site I found more inside information about the interview process. It helps to have multiple views.
On last thing Jack, on your death bed (god willing it will be a long time from now), I hope you can say that you've done everything you wanted to do in your life.

[Gulfstream IV]

Originally Posted by MaxBurn

I'm new to this site, what a goldmine of information

Jack, I feel you my man. We work for the same company but I've too become tired of (job/IT). I'm 39, soon to be 40 in Jan but I have to flying bug. You wanna know the worse thing, I've recently moved to the Dallas/Fort-worth area. Right by the DFW airport, it kills me to watch planes come in and not be a part of that. I refuse to give up, I kick myself for not taking the plunge earlier but years ago when I considered it I couldn't justify spending the money for the training.
I have my wife behind me, she's a flight attendant for AA but I don't think she understands what I'm about to get into. She just says "Babe, if you don't do it now you'll kick yourself later", and I will. I will will lose a considerable amount of money in pay, but I figure its like this. If someone pays your x amount to fly their multi-million dollar Ferrari who cares. If you like to be in the clouds, watching the mountains below who cares. The thing is, major isn't your only option. There's also corporate and others.
I have a friend who flys for a corporate airline company in DC, he lives in DFW and fly charters on the side. Makes some nice change doing that. I'm gonna do everything possible to put my new career path together. Thanks to this great site I found more inside information about the interview process. He helps to have multiple views.
Jack, on your death bed (god willing it will be a long time from now). I hope you can say that you've done everything you wanted to do in your life.

Maxburn, I feel ya man! I live literally 10min from the DFW airport too. Like you, I am in the process of changing careers man. As much as I enjoy the income and flexibility with my current job, I refuse to be miserable for the rest of my life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Maxburn, and good luck to you!

[Ami]

Dear Jack,
I am inspired! Go for it!
As for your immigration status…more than likely you would need a TSA clearance before you could start training. Ask at your school… If you can work in the U.S then getting a job will be no issue. Good luck man!

[Firebird2XC]

Originally Posted by parmandjack

HEY Firebird, thanks buddy! that is really uplifting to hear! What are you flying now, and who do you fly with? Can I pry as to the hours you had when you got hired?

Thanks again, this is terrific! Like I said before, I wish I'd know about this website several years ago.. talking with you guys would have seen me already there !

Cheers.

Anytime.

I'm at American Eagle, and I'm in training to fly the ERJ-145. I got hired at about 850 hours total time. About half of that is airline turboprop experience. Alot of new hires are getting signed on with times in the 400 hour region as well. Some because of training school bridge agreements or training programs, others not.

Ask any questions you want... ask me about airplanes.. twist my arm! lol

[bartman]

Jack,
Just found this forum and I've really been enjoying what I've read so far. I was really interested when I read your thread because I'm from Calgary, over 40, working in IT and wanting to dump it for a career in the clouds. Unfortunately I don't think I have the resources or the understanding wife for it right now. I'm probably going to aim for getting my private license and then see what happens after that. Keep us updated on your progress, I'm really interested to hear how you make out.

Where are you taking your ground school? Are you planning on taking your flight training at the International or Springbank?

-Bart

[parmandjack]

Originally Posted by bartman

Jack,
Just found this forum and I've really been enjoying what I've read so far. I was really interested when I read your thread because I'm from Calgary, over 40, working in IT and wanting to dump it for a career in the clouds. Unfortunately I don't think I have the resources or the understanding wife for it right now. I'm probably going to aim for getting my private license and then see what happens after that. Keep us updated on your progress, I'm really interested to hear how you make out.

Where are you taking your ground school? Are you planning on taking your flight training at the International or Springbank?

-Bart

Hiya Bart,

Small world eh?

I had originally planned on doing the training at Morgan Air over at Calgary International so that I had lots of experience working in that major commercial and professional environment. However, I re-thought the $25-Per-Touchdown-Federal-Landing-Fee-Tax, and decided that Revenue Canada already steals enough of my hard-earned and limited cash each year, that I was not going to voluntarily hand over more to them just for the privilige of flying!

So, that being said, I did lot of looking, and finally decided to go to Calgary Flying Club at the Springbank airport. As heavy traffic airport time was important to me (for several reasons), Springback was the next best choice, as it is "apparently" the 7th busiest airport in Canada, due to its close proximity to Calgary International. So the school assured me that I would still get lots of experience in a heavy environment, as well as not having the longs departure waits from CLGY INT, then long trip over to the training areas (all with the Hobbs turning over). And if you think about how much traffic from Springbank passes over head when your at Calaway Park in the summer, its probably true . I know I spend as much time looking up as the planes pass overhead, as I do watching my kids on the rides .

Lastly, my decision for CFC was cemented when one of the principals there (an older guy like me), guaranteed me a job as a CFI with them once I finished it there. So, thats that... long answer to a short question

AS for YOUR resources Bart... well... if you're like me and own a home here in Calgary, then you've most likely profited from the boom we had, although it has slowed down now. Once you reach the Regional Airlines minimum times, around 400-500 TT as per advice on this web site, you can move down to the US. (we lived there for just over 5 years, in 4 differnet states, and loved it. We wanna move back and become citizens one day... anyway, its a great place, and I'm sure you and you're wife would love it too, not to mention the adventure ) So anyway, once you meet the mins, apply, interview and get hired by a Regional, you can move there. So, when you sell you house here, you'll have fils of cash to see you through the dry spell, perhaps covering those holes made by the low 1st thru 3rd year Regional FO Salaries, until you upgrade to CA... pehaps your wife can continue her employment down there too..

Further to that, any money you spend on your flight training to get to those minimums, you can deduct under Education/Training expenses in your Canadian Income Tax returns once you are actually hired into a paying commercial position as a pilot... so maybe that will take some of the sting out of it for your wife...

My buddy and I are both doing it together, and are heading over to CFC to begin Ground School starting Jan 7th.

Maybe as a 1st step, you could jpin us at Ground School? IF that sounds like something you'd like to do, ping me with an email and we can exchange contact information. You are more than welcome to join my buddy and I as we begin. That way, you're not going alone, and we can study/push each other together (thats my buddy and I's plan).

I hope this helps Bart.

Cheers.

[parmandjack]

Originally Posted by Firebird2XC

Anytime.

I'm at American Eagle, and I'm in training to fly the ERJ-145. I got hired at about 850 hours total time. About half of that is airline turboprop experience. Alot of new hires are getting signed on with times in the 400 hour region as well. Some because of training school bridge agreements or training programs, others not.

Ask any questions you want... ask me about airplanes.. twist my arm! lol

yea... I'm sure I'd have to "twist your arm" to talk about airplanes ... I'm jus tlike you... my wife is now so thoroughly saturated with airplane career plan/opportunities talk, that she just tells me to shut up everytime I start

You're where I wan be Firebird - Although I don't like the idea of the low pay scales for the first few years, I am chomping at the bit to get started, and my training cannot start soon enough.

You can count on me pinging questions at ya and I actually do have one for you now....

My wife and I love Houston, and would like to be permanent there. Would I be able to buy my house there in Houston, and work for American Eagle or any other Regional, flying out of hubs other than Houston (by commuting), or would I have to keep uprooting and moving my family (4 kids under 5) to new cities each time the company said so?

Thanks in advance...

Cheers.

[parmandjack]

Originally Posted by Ami

Dear Jack,
I am inspired! Go for it!
As for your immigration status…more than likely you would need a TSA clearance before you could start training. Ask at your school… If you can work in the U.S then getting a job will be no issue. Good luck man!

Hiya Ami,

Yea, I'm kinda leaning towards your take on this myself...

I lived and worked in the US for 5 different companies, in 4 states, for just over 5 years. Each time, getting a work visa (5 separate TN visas), was relatively simple. As I am in IT, a field that the US Gov and Industry feels doesn't have enough US workers for, the sponsoring companies simply had to provide me with a TN Visa Sponsorship Letter. That, my resume of qualifications, $50 bucks and 10 minues at the border, saw me legally able to live/work in the States.

I'm assuming that it will be the same case here. Whatever Airline I end up going with will provide the Visa letter, then most likely with the addition of the TSA review/approvals, the transition should be relatively painless, as the Airline indsutry is now suffering too for skilled pilots....

Hopefully .

Cheers.

[mooneyguy]

I sure hope age is not a factor (And im banking on it) Because i'm knee deep into my training. I hope to be a commercial pilot by the middle Of January. Im 39 will be 40 in Feb.

[parmandjack]

Originally Posted by MaxBurn

I'm new to this site, what a goldmine of information

Jack, I feel you my man. We work for the same company but I've too become tired of (job/IT). I'm 39, soon to be 40 in Jan but I have to flying bug. You wanna know the worse thing, I've recently moved to the Dallas/Fort-worth area, right by the DFW airport and it kills me to watch planes come in and not be a part of that. I refuse to give up! I kick myself for not taking the plunge earlier but years ago when I considered it I couldn't justify spending the money for the training, plus Omaha,NE isn't a good learning location.
I have my wife behind me, she's a flight attendant for AA but I don't think she understands what I'm about to get into. She just says "Babe, if you don't do it now you'll kick yourself later" and I will. I will will lose a considerable amount of money in pay, but I figure its like this. If someone pays your x amount to fly their multi-million dollar Ferrari who cares. If you like to be in the clouds, watching the mountains below who cares.
The other thing is, major isn't your only option. There's also corporate and others.
I have a friend who flys for a corporate airline company in DC, he lives in DFW and fly charters on the side. Makes some nice change doing that. I'm gonna do everything possible to put my new career path together. Thanks to this great site I found more inside information about the interview process. It helps to have multiple views.
On last thing Jack, on your death bed (god willing it will be a long time from now), I hope you can say that you've done everything you wanted to do in your life.

Hi Maxburn,

I too live by our International Airport here in Calgary, so I feel yer pain

I'm glad you mentioned you work for IBM too, because you know how hard this is, IBM is a great company, and it will be hard to walk away from it.. so someone else in the 'exact' same position, does lend some specialized support

Originally Posted by MaxBurn

... If someone pays your x amount to fly their multi-million dollar Ferrari who cares. If you like to be in the clouds, watching the mountains below who cares...

I liked this, because it does put things into perspective.... My biggest trouble is that I CAN imagine this... I get that excited tingling feeling of childlike anticipation in my stomach and chest when I visualize that view from my future office in the clouds...

Originally Posted by MaxBurn

...major isn't your only option. There's also corporate and others...

...

I've thought about this too.... but I think (at this time) that flying a jet would be much more achievable in the short term at a regional than a corporate, given the low hours I'd be starting with. Although I'd love to drive a Lear or some such beauty for a living, and be home eating dinner everynight, and happy to do it for less than that high paying role at the Majors, should I even have a hope of ever getting there....

Originally Posted by MaxBurn

... On last thing Jack, on your death bed (god willing it will be a long time from now), I hope you can say that you've done everything you wanted to do in your life.

I hear ya on this... although I've got quite a list of things I want to do... - I doubt I'll get them all knocked off, but this one is MAJOR item my life, so yes, I understand your comment and agree - I already have that thought, what if I don't follow through on this... what if I don't make it.. what if I suck out of this and stay on the safe path... what if what if what if.... Well, at least my kids would eat off my coin today... today... When the next down turn in IT comes, I could be jobless anyway !

Cheers.

[parmandjack]

Originally Posted by mooneyguy

I sure hope age is not a factor (And im banking on it) Because i'm knee deep into my training. I hope to be a commercial pilot by the middle Of January. Im 39 will be 40 in Feb.

Keep us closely posted Tim... we're all watching closely for the guys ahead of us to make the transition successfully

BTW Tim, how many hours are you at now anyway?

Cheers.

[3green]

Originally Posted by parmandjack

Would I be able to buy my house there in Houston, and work for American Eagle or any other Regional, flying out of hubs other than Houston (by commuting), or would I have to keep uprooting and moving my family (4 kids under 5) to new cities each time the company said so?

Thanks in advance...

Cheers.

When asked by AE what base I wanted I chose DFW(Dallas, TX for any Canucks out there ). U can bid any base you want is my understanding from day 1 of training. Firebird would know better since since he's on property and I haven't recieved a training date yet.

3green

[Ami]

Jack, I sure hope so.... Most of the airlines ask for proof that you can work here in the states.... I have a friend who has the same problem. But you are still doing the right thing, just like me -changing the career path and following the dreams!

[parmandjack]

Originally Posted by 3green

..... DFW(Dallas, TX for any Canucks out there )...

LOL

Originally Posted by 3green

When asked by AE what base I wanted I chose DFW(Dallas, TX for any Canucks out there ). U can bid any base you want is my understanding from day 1 of training. Firebird would know better since since he's on property and I haven't recieved a training date yet.

3green

Well thats good news... My wife and I were on realtor.com (again) last night looking at the housing market in Houston (area)... gotta love them prices eh? Wife has me looking at beauties between $275K and $300K (wants me to stay in IT)... and I'm trying to get her to look at the homes in the $150K to $200K 'cause if she wins the tug-o-war, I can't afford to fly, and, well.......I WANNA FLY !!!

Thanks for this tidbit 3green,

Cheers.

[sixoneseven]

Good Luck. I read your other post on the engine failure you had.

You can absolutely do it if you want it enough. It took me about 1 year at the local airport FBO to get my Commercial Pilot certificate Part 61.

Get back in that cockpit!