Mid Life Crisis

[JohnC]

I've read ads, especially for the ATP Flight Schools, where they have a program where you go to their facility and in 90 days you recieve intense training and get through all the various phases of flight school and get placement with a job working right seat as a First Officer for a regional airlines.

Assuming I could miraculously figure a way around the obvious obstacles of huge reduction in salary, and 90 days away from home...
What is the realistic view of a person at 42 making a career change like this?

Would this be the stupidest thing on earth to consider?
I'm not talking about the expectation of ever making it to be captain of a Delta Airlines Jumbo Jet. But perhaps as a corporate pilot earning an acceptable living doing something that he loves.

Final question:
How long does this mid-life crisis crap last or does it actually require the person to make a huge change to feel he's not wasting more time?



Man, there are times where I could hit the rewind button. Days like today really get me pushing harder to find something else.

Have there been many here who have been able to chase their dreams while having a family to feed and raise?

[Silverhawkpmm]

Would this be the stupidest thing on earth to consider?

Never too late to chase ones dreams...

Read thru some of the career changers' posts as you'll find some great advice from many who have started later in life. There's definately perspective on both sides of the coin from the accelerated programs which take you from zero to hero as well as quickly moving thru with a good instructor at a local school...

Eitherway - as you mentioned your significant other and family will be as much of the decision process as is handing over the check and going flying.

My advice... find a good local flight school to get things rolling with your private / instrument.. maybe even commmercial during the evenings and weekends... then maybe jump into one of the bigger schools for your Multi.. CFI/CFII.

Best of Luck !!!

Originally Posted by JohnC

I've read ads, especially for the ATP Flight Schools, where they have a program where you go to their facility and in 90 days you recieve intense training and get through all the various phases of flight school and get placement with a job working right seat as a First Officer for a regional airlines.

Assuming I could miraculously figure a way around the obvious obstacles of huge reduction in salary, and 90 days away from home...
What is the realistic view of a person at 42 making a career change like this?

Would this be the stupidest thing on earth to consider?
I'm not talking about the expectation of ever making it to be captain of a Delta Airlines Jumbo Jet. But perhaps as a corporate pilot earning an acceptable living doing something that he loves.

Final question:
How long does this mid-life crisis crap last or does it actually require the person to make a huge change to feel he's not wasting more time?



Man, there are times where I could hit the rewind button. Days like today really get me pushing harder to find something else.

Have there been many here who have been able to chase their dreams while having a family to feed and raise?

[jettison IT]

AS far as my personal experience I recieved my first big break at age 38 flying ATR's. There was a guy in my class in his late 40's. A former student of mine sold his business and started taking flying lessons at age 39. He recieved all his rating in about 1 year flew twin islanders in Puerto Rico and last I heard he 's flying for swa and is a capt. If you are determined and don't allow people to discourage you because of your age, then the sky's the limit. Work Hard and Good Luck.

[Patrick]

Never let your dreams stop you. You certainly have the prospect of landing a corporate job in a couple years after you get the experience at a regional, or via instructing, flying charter/ freight, etc.

I'm assuming you have at least a 4 year degree, which will certainly help you stand out from the crowd.