Beginning at 39 for a Second Career

[boomer4593]

Ok, heres another twist on "starting late". My situation is that I have a public service career where I will be eligible to retire with a fairly generous pension at age 48 (and can begin drawing it at age 50). So I was thinking that I have a good eight years to work on flight training while working full time. Is this a somewhat realistic goal? Will I be able to do the extensive training while working full time? Will anyone consider hiring a 48-50 year old rookie??

I know the pay is not great when starting, but with my situation, money is not my main motivator anyhow. But that being said, I don't want to waste all that money on training if my chances of getting a job are poor!

I do not have my PPL or anything yet, so I am only in the exploratory stage of this endeavour. I am assuming I should start at my local airport for PPL training??


I would appreciate your comments and thoughts!

Dave

[Tld]

Although I can't really answer any of your questions regarding hiring, I can say that I believe that it's never too late to start pursuing your dreams. Definately go out to the airport and take a discovery flight and a few lessons. Also look into getting your medical before you dive in head first. I'm also a career changer. I still work part time, and fly as often as possible, but I definately don't regret taking the leap. Give it a try

[GalaxyIFE]

Welcome Dave!!!

Age really isn't a factor...well until 65 anyway (for airline flying). It is possible to get all your ratings while working (I am in the process of doing that). It's cheaper at the local airport (FBO) than at the super-fast academies. This site has a plethora of information, so I would say:

1. Dig around and see what others are saying...you can see that hiring is very up and down, been that way forever and that isn't going to change.

2. Hit up the local FBO and take a discovery flight. It's usually less than $100 and you can see if it's something you might like. If you do like it (I would say there is about a 98.9% chance you will like it, and like it A LOT) then I would get rolling to get your PPL. If you fly 2 or 3 times a week you can get that done in 3-6 months.
Again, there are SO many variables in this industry, so just spend a good few (or 50) hours perusing the pages...you will find a lot of information and this will assist you in making a decision that is good for you and your family!!!

[atpwannabe]

Hell, I'm 46. I've enjoyed a career in Arpt Mgmt & Ops and in Sales and Marketing. I'm going into and coming out of flight training with zero...that's right...zero debt.

I say go for it. You never know. We may end up flying together one day .



atp

[Bumblebee]

Took my first lesson at 42 in 2003!

[Beechlover]

Started at 42 myself. Wife and I quit our jobs, sold the house and moved to Florida for the flight training, worked as a CFI for about 4 months, and am now flying the line! Took about 6 months to plan and make the move, and a yr and half to get here. I'm now 44 and enjoying every minute of it!
It can be done! Best of luck.