I'm 47 years old. Am I too old for a career as a commercial airline pilot?

Question

I almost have my private pilots certificate.

Answer 1

No, they are extending the working life of pilots. Youd do well as a corporate or VIP jet pilot, what about Gulfstreams and Learjets, Cessna Citations? probably more money as well.

Answer 2

Commercial pilot doesn't mean only airlines. A commercial pilot can do sightseeing flights, take parachute jumpers up and allowed to operate business aircraft. The world of flying is huge and for someone your age, a commercial airline job is nearly out of reach realistically.

You need to: become a private pilot, get your instrument rating, commercial and multi-engine license. By then, you should have about 270 hours of total flight time. You need at least another 1000 hours of time and100 multi-engine to be competitive for interviewing for even a an express or regional airline. The pay at the regionals it miserable, first year first officers are lucky to make 20k.

If you had the money and time, you could go to a pilot school that is rather intense and very expensive ( at least $25,000 closer to $40,000 on average). If you really want to do this, there are many schools out there, some good, many bad. At your age, this might not be a bad idea.

It's not totally out of the question, but it's a long and difficult one. I am currently working on a career as a pilot too.

Answer 3

Not to dishearten you but the airlines do require retirement at 60. You can however fly for charter companies and all the other stuff such as freight, flight instructor and all that. If you wanted to go commercial you are looking at if you really press on receiving all of your ratings by the time your 48. Then 2 years of flight instruction to build hours(Airlines require around 1200 hours total time and 200 hours multi time). Then if you get an interview you would only have about 10 years left to serve as a regional pilot. In the first 18-24 months your on a kind of stand by basis where you fly often but you only make around 18 to 20K a year, 5 years later you will make around 36K then after 10 you make more but you will have to retire by that time. Also airlines will have all these 20 something year old applicants that can fly for them the next 30 years of their life. So as for a career as a commercial airline pilot I would say doubtful. Just remember there are other things you can do in aviation as a pilot! Best of luck!

Answer 4

Well, You got a DUI witch will always be on your record. But that was with a car! Ummmmm, You also have no flight record, not even a cessna, piper, or money, If I am right. If I were you I would wait because If you take a 2 year flight school then you will be 31. Pretty young to be an Airline pilot. I would be better if you waited 3 to 6 years to REALLY TRY to clear that DUI off your potfolio. Whaterver you do.... Good Luck!

Answer 5

No you are not, however it will be an up hill struggle due to the fact it will cost you around $50k approx. just to get the hours and ratings you will need. you may not have the career years to pay that all back. But you could definitely have a great career starting out as a flight instructor. If flying is your passion you will find a way to fulfill your dreams. I just started a career a few years ago flying for a executive corporation and when I was 30, and I have been flying since I was 16. So it takes time and Luck in Aviation

Answer 6

Not not really.
However it may be a short career.
You would have to build up a lot of time to even consider applying for an airline pilot.
Many commercial transport pilots log 3,4 even 5000 hours before they even get a chance.
I fly around 300 hours a year commercially. That is part time.
A lot of newer commercial pilots will build up time with UPS , Fedex or go up to Alaska to fly bush planes just to get the time.
Many become instructors just to put in their time.
I do not want to discourage you but it will take a lot of time and money, unfortunately.
Considering all the new advances in commercial aircraft, getting the proper training is getting expensive.

Answer 7

Check online for that. Commercial Aircraft Pilot Certification.

Answer 8

You definitely can! It's great that you practically have a private pilot certificate.
The only forseeable problems that may occur is that you still need to learn more. I think there's an IFR certificate, but there's definitely a commercial pilot certificate, and the ATP, which is what you should go for.
You can do it!

Answer 9

You could be, the older you get the harder it is to get a company to invest time and training in you because they know your potential for work for them long term is diminished. You also have to compete with a lot of 20 somethings with faster response times and the ability to work 20 more years then you potentially for the company.

Additionally it is a competitive field. Commuter pilots make around $10 an hour, it is not until you have logged thousands of hours in the military or on commuter flights that you are considered to fly teh jumbo jets that pay well and Airlines are scrambling to replace them completely with computers.

Answer 10

Yes. Federal law requires commercial pilots to retire at age 60.

In addition you will need to have all ratings and have at least 1,500 flight hrs as an instructor to even qualify to be a small commuter pilot. The "majors" require at least 3,500hrs and a 4 yr college degree.

Answer 11

The current age limit for commercial pilots is 60, you could fly until then but a 20 year career would not be possible right now.

But do what you love, and make it work.