ACP384 Career 2.0 From Director/Producer to Airline Pilot at 48 With Scott Papera

[@adjuaadama6623]

I love hearing about stories like this, as I am only three months away from finally embarking upon my career change into aviation, having completed just about three decades in education. I began my training at 34, and will be looking to get into this industry now at 49 about to turn 50.

[@sfaloha]

Great motivation! I'm in my late 40's and just got laid off from the tech industry. I'm working on my commercial right now and plan on doing accelerated training for my ME, CFI and CFII. My goal is to fly the airlines in 5 years.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

I'm glad the interview was helpful and motivating. Remember to take one step every day toward your career goal and you will achieve your airline job sooner than you think.

[@scottpapera228]

Sorry to hear about your previous job. Once you get your CFI (and really CFII will broaden your job prospects) you could easily be at a 121 airline in 2 years or less.

[@ThatGuyOverThereWeird]

@@scottpapera228 Hi Scott, anywhere I can message you for career advice?

[@scottpapera228]

​@@ThatGuyOverThereWeird I only have career opinions. :) ​ @AviationCareersPodcast has a lot more experience than I do and is the go-to guy for career advice.

[@ThatGuyOverThereWeird]

@@scottpapera228 I think my question is relevant to you. I'm currently 40 and pursuing screenwriting/directing. I enjoy aviation and did start flying at 19 but at that time it was doom and gloom for pilots so I quit. My first passion is the movies but it's a very uncertain future and I'm getting older. I know aviation is uncertain but entertainment is on another level as you know. I guess what I really want to ask is, would it be possible to join Sling, go after the career and at the same time still chase the directing career or did you find that you completely left that behind and there is no room for both? You are the first story I heard of with this transition. thanks

[@user-bb2px8ng1y]

I really enjoyed this interview and the information. I'm 48 myself and taking this journey now. I've never been more excited to embark on a new challenge.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Wonderful! I am glad you are pursuing your dream!

[@dalemoses9547]

I love hearing your story. I just became a first officer on a Boeing 737 Max at 48 years old as well. Congrats!

[@ujd2930]

great to hear that ... im about to start my CPL at 41 !

[@Aviator-CFRN]

I got you beat -got into the airlines at 53! Was originally a flight nurse and built time and ratings on my days off (started that at age of 47)

[@Fly_High_with_Mortgage_Mike]

I'm just watching this now at 48, taking my PAR on Friday and am grateful for all the encouragement!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Awesome! I am glad you are pursuing your dream!

[@Fly_High_with_Mortgage_Mike]

@@AviationCareersPodcast Thank you! I passed! Let's gooo!

[@32NinerBravo]

Great interview Carl. Scott is such an inspiration and great person.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

He sure is an inspiration. I can't wait to have him on again.

[@cortezchris2405]

Great stuff guys, thank you. I'm currently in the process of switching careers at 46. Instrument checkride coming up. Hope to have commercial as well by the end of this year. I started (again) at 44 with about 15 hours from 20 years before that.

[@scottpapera228]

Instrument is a big one as it's really a new "language". But it's also the one that will make you a very sharp pilot. Good luck!

[@darrengs]

Great guest! Scot inspired me too! I’m a career-changer at 44 and saw his presentation at Sling Pilot Academy (Torrance), too. Hearing him speak about his experience really did put me more at ease.

[@scottpapera228]

The first step is always the hardest. Sounds like you are well on your way to living the career 2.0 dream.

[@mattwellinghurst5402]

What a great interview Carl! And thanks for the inspiration Scott! I just re-engaged a hot pursuit of my fixed-wing career again at the age of 55 with aspirations of going to an airline or fractional following a current career as a helicopter pilot. I was furloughed due to COVID from a Regional towards the end of training and got side-lined for a few years now. ALL that you said about your regional experience was exactly my experience as well. With some great career coaching from Carl and a lot of help from a great network of fellow pilots and friends - time to Git-R-Done!

[@SkippyPB.]

This man now needs to either go to med school or law school to compete it all. Bravo.

[@gregorymg2006]

Great story. I turn 50 in November with 450 hours, ppl with instrument rating but haven’t flown in four years. I dream daily of continuing to chase a career in aviation but fear I’m letting it go unfortunately.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Looks like it is time to get back in the air and rekindle the passion for aviation. If you want to discuss career options moving forward we can talk one-on-one through career coaching or if you want I can send you a coupon for one month free in our group career coaching. For individual coaching visit: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ To join our group coaching visit: valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use coupon code "coachitforward" for one month free in our group coaching.

[@Alex-vm2ne]

What the fantastic content! Please invite this gentleman more often and he can give us more information regarding Skywest Airlines! Alex Alesi

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks. He will be on again soon to discuss preparing for an upcoming interview so stay tuned. I flew for SkyWest and have prepared many for their interview and think it should be helpful.

[@ujd2930]

I'm glad to have found this . a lot of information is geared up for the younger folks, but there's a lot of people ( myself included) want to change career at 40+. about to start my CLP at 41 ! great video !!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Glad it was helpful! We have helped many people change careers for over 2 decades. If you need any help making the jump I can help through career coaching. www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ Remember to take one step every day toward your career goal!

[@benh2134]

Thanks Carl. I enjoy all you content, but some interviews knock it out of the park. It probably has a lot to do with being able to relate to some more than others as they relate to where we each are at in our personal journey. This one nailed it for me. Im just returning to aviation after many years out. Much like Scott. I had even been in touch with Sling Academy. They have the great problem of being too full right now so ill be heading elsewhere. I hope to check it out in the future regardless - love the vibe. Lol Thanks again. And thanks for sharing Scott, great story. Ben

[@scottpapera228]

Congrats, Ben. Getting back behind the controls will hopefully be just like riding a bike.

[@benh2134]

@@scottpapera228 yes sir. I'm hoping. Lol

[@Skylion73]

Outstanding episode! Thank you!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thank you. Glad you enjoy it.

[@stacks4943]

Fantastic Guest..!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Yes indeed! Thanks for the feedback.

[@seanramzei3469]

I just watched the best thing to watch in the toughest training i have been , super helpful and inspiring, now I know why my sim partner doing stuff little easier!!😅

[@scottpapera228]

121 training is very tough -- and rightfully so. The good news is your airline truly wants you to succeed. Put in the solid effort and you'll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

[@JKPilot]

Great interview! I’m 53 and heading over to Sling Pilot Academy in Late April for training (I’m in Australia). I have what’s called a recreational pilots license at the moment, with about 90 hours, and I’m going over to complete PPL, then CPL, IR, ME, CFI, CFII, MEI. I’m very excited, albeit cautiously nervous about the venture. Thanks again.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Awesome! Please keep us up to date on your progress. I occasionally hang out at Sling Pilot Academy. Hope to see you there.

[@JKPilot]

@@AviationCareersPodcastwill do, and I’ll be certain to keep my eye out for you.👍

[@emmanuelthomsen9041]

Hi Carl First of Great Podcast I'm also Australian got all my CPL with Multi Turbine time wanting to come over to the US and convert my License and do what is required to get into a regional. Not quite sure how I go about this without an E3 visa​@@AviationCareersPodcast

[@emmanuelthomsen9041]

Was wondering whether a Conditional Job Offer is the best way if possible. Like your guest mentioned in his interview

[@scottpapera228]

Being nervous about the venture is probably a good thing as it helps you focus on the task at hand. Keep your head down and your eye on the prize. Good luck!

[@genxpilot69]

I am starting my part 141 flight school training at 54 in a few weeks!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Awesome! Keep us update on your progress. Remember to take one step every day and I know you will realize your aviation career goal!

[@joseduron7747]

Awesome episode. Sent an email for some advice. Thanks!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Got it! Here are some resources that might help you: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/ Thanks again for the feedback.

[@bennithomas8414]

I am from India, I have been trying to find an unskilled job anywhere in the world where I can get my pilot license by raising funds for my pilot training .

[@peterapodaca5999]

Best school to fast rack my career? Retired law enforcement ready to go.

[@ThatGuyOverThereWeird]

why this choice? Why not keep going in law enforcement and collect the big bucks?

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

That really depends on your personal situation and location. I have worked with many retired law enforcement officers and they really enjoy their new second career! We can talk offline through career coaching. Visit: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ I recently started group coaching mastermind to help inform, motivate, and collaborate: To learn more visit: valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Here is a coupon for a month of free group coaching: "coachitforward"

[@Flightdreams29]

I also went through a fast pace program. 7 ratings in 6 months. But failed 4 checkrides, I felt rushed through the whole time even though I was putting everything I had into it. Any advice moving foward? 625tt

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

One of the challenges of an accelerated program is asking for help when needed. You can get behind quickly. Remembering this experience when you go to the airlines is important because all airline training programs are accelerated. With all that said there is a path for you moving forward. I suggest you start thinking about how you will answer questions concerning your failures in future interviews.If you want help coming up with a plan moving forward visit: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ I know you will achieve your airline pilot job by taking one step daily toward your goal. Safe flying!

[@Alex-vm2ne]

Awesome video as always, so I’ve got a question about logging flight hours for aspiring pilots. If someone is not a Certified Flight Instructor but acts as a safety pilot alongside another pilot, both holding at least a Private Pilot License (PPL), can they log those hours towards the 1,500 hours required by airlines? If so, how many hours do airlines typically accept, and is it a confusing process to navigate? I’ve heard differing opinions on this and would love to hear your insights or experiences on the matter. Thanks in advance for your input!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

The airlines "accept" the hours you placed in your logbook as being correct but they will review them as to their accuracy and will ask you questions during the interview concerning your hours. To find more about the hours you may use towards your ATP look towards regulations : 14 CFR § 61.159 - Aeronautical experience: Airplane category rating. www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.159 In episode 184 of the Stuck Mic AvCast we Discuss how to be a good safety pilot. stuckmicavcast.com/safety/smac184-good-safety-pilot/ Hope this helps.

[@TheExperiment24]

Did I see you on a Sling Academy video a while back?

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Here is the interview with Scott when he was interviewed at Sling. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2jaZaBpjth7p8Usi=vRDR8BMmifAn-ms4

[@cameronparkrealestate4462]

How.can I.reach Scott? I am a fellow film industry guy looking to fly?

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

I will reach out to him. I have help others in the film industry successfully move into a career in aviation. If you would like individual career coaching visit www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ I am glad you are pursuing your dream of flight!

[@nicolesmith8976]

Now why in the world would you do that !? At that age mostly worried about good sleep and a bowel movement

[@08turboSS]

Yall better have a back up. Avitipn is going to throttle back 60% by 2027. To much politics and d e i bs etc, etc. Dont waste the time or $ folks.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Although difficult to predict the future the overall long term outlook for the industry and hiring is good. I have spoke about this in my latest group coaching mastermind. I would be interested in your analysis and how politics and DEI plays a role as you mention. You can e-mail me directly [e-mail] with your analysis. If you want to watch our last live discussion of the industry outlook you can join our group coaching at valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code "CoachItForward" for one month free to view the latest video for free. There are many negative comments online that you may be basing your opinion on. I suggest your listening to our episode about my Theory of Negativity and How To Stay Positive at: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp088-carls-theory-of-negativity-and-how-to-stay-positive/ Remember to take one step every day towards your career goal!