Can I become a Commerical Pilot starting at the age of 31? How long would it take me?

Question

I have a Science degree in Biology, and an MBA in IT. I've been working as a programmer for the last 7 years, and fascinated by Aircrafts. Can someone guide me how to achieve a commercial pilots license at my age and education (if at all)?

Answer 1

Just visit your local airport, you are not too old... keep in mind that if you do land a job at an airline in 3-4 years, you are going to be under the command of a captain as young as 24-25... just a thought, but if you can handle it, its a rewarding career and i wouldnt trade it for anything...

NOTE: You WILL take a huge pay cut to become a pilot, starting out you will make no more than $25K

Answer 2

Realistically you might have left it a bit to late, most airlines require that you a flight log of at least 1500hours of flight time if there are going to take you on, and if they take you on and train you they wont get there money back as by the time you become qualified you will be 34+ with 16-18 years left of flying passenger aircraft. But I'm only stressing a few points, if had the time and money and would go for it, its the most rewarding job, and its worth the try you don't loose anything if you try. Airplanes are the best I love them, if you heart desire to be a airline pilot give it a go.

Answer 3

Don't think you are too old at all ... Wether you choice is a career with the airlines, corporate or a s a helicopter pilot, here are some good resources for you.

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/...

AOPA - Aircraft o wners and pilots association. Lots of resources for student pilots. Take alook at their "Project Pilot" program.

http://group3aviation.com/

Group 3 is a southern california flight school, their site gives you an idea of training costs for fixed wing and rotorcraft.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/

Professional pilots forum - Great place to ask additional questions about flight training, airline employment etc.

http://www.verticalreference.com/

Has reviews of helicopter flight schools, the forums are a great place to ask advice from other rotorcraft pilots or students.

http://www.justhelicopters.com/home/defa...

Much like vertical reference ... stay away from the "Original" forum, but useful advice can be found here. Most importantly, their "employment" section gives you an idea of what type of jobs are available.

There is a severe shortage of helicopter pilots right now. many of the airlines are hiring right now as well.

Hope this helps ... .

Answer 4

You are definitely NOT to old! I have several friends that started between 25 and 35 go through the school and are now flying for regular Airlines. You can go from 1st flight to commercial pilot in 2 years. Go for it!

Answer 5

The first thing you need to do is go to your local small airport and take a lesson in a Cessna 172. You need to learn about elevator trim, ailerons, vor navigation and how not to stall a small plane. If you really like flying, enroll in ground school and get your private pilot's license (visual rules). After that, if you're really motivated, get your instrument rating (harder to pass that test). After you've done all that, you will need to enroll in a very rigerous program to become a commercial aviator.

Start by playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 on your computer and buy yourself a CM Flight Yoke.

Answer 6

some years in the past you wouldnt have been waiting to fly interior the protection rigidity, however the regulations those days replaced and now the requirement is 20/20 inventive and prescient with correction. touch lenses arn't allowed yet for fighter pilots they make custom helmets to hold your glasses in place. the protection rigidity might settle for laser eye surgical treatment yet you may desire to learn that extra as i've got faith it must be executed a definite way. you may desire to even have commonly used eye tests to maintain 20/20 inventive and prescient including your correctional lenses. As for being a private or commercial pilot, you may desire to verify the F.A.R.'s for specifics. i think of the regulations are particularly loose for that and in case you do no longer qualify, the FAA Administrator could make an exeption for you.