Ask Captain Lim - Am I too old to become an airline pilot?

Hi Captain Lim!

I mean - what can I say! What a phenomenal website!!

So, my question is this: I am about to embark on a journey to become an ATP. However, I am about to turn 29. Am I being unrealistic, or will hard work, professionalism, sacrifice and confidence still be enough for me to achieve my dream? Am I considered too old to start this journey?

I figure that with my degree in management and a few years of experience as a leader and a manager, plus some more maturity, I should still be marketable. I plan to have all my ratings and licenses before I turn 31. So with a little luck, I hope to be able to start applying to airlines by the time I*m 33-35.

Is this too old? Will the airlines consider my age to be an age in which I've matured, plus, take my degree and work experience in leadership and management as strengths?

Thanks for your help!

Paulo

Hi Paulo,

I am not sure where you come from and so I can only give you some very general advice on the airlines career opportunities in this website.

The demand for airline pilots is a fairly fickle thing - it depends on which part of the world you are residing now. In the Asian regions, particularly in East, South East and South Asia, and in the Middle East (especially in the UAE), the job prospects are good. Elsewhere, the demands may be low and slow.

In the USA (probably that where you are come from), many airline pilots have been furloughed (leave of absence) from the airlines since Sep 11. However, the General Aviation job prospects in that region are faring better.

Even in regions where flying opportunities are good, job offers are given to the locals first before outsiders are considered. In your case and at your age, you must have at least the required licenses - ATP/ME/IR to be marketable.

In the USA, airlines would want you to have at least 2000 flying hours. Outside, they would consider you with the basic licenses, recognizable in their regions - usually the CAA/JAR ATPL.

At 35, with a full rating and sufficient flying experience, it is not too old to apply for the airlines in the US. Outside, the competition would be quite tough, as you would be competing with many younger pilot aspirants. Nevertheless, if you do not mind (with a possibility of failing to get into the airlines) to fly for General Aviation or any low cost carriers, then go ahead and pursue your dream.

Any academic qualifications above the minimum required are an advantage. Maturity, leadership and management qualities are essential to become an airline pilot. But that aren't enough. Many people aspiring to be pilots overlook attitude as a very important attribute that the airlines will examine into when recruiting one.

Good luck to your future career!