Are you too old to become an Airline Pilot | when to start your pilot training | What to consider

[@russellbonds3842]

Great video! In 1999 (28 at the time), I went from zero hours through Commercial and CFI in 10 months and for around $30k. I went to the regionals in 2001, but that dream was cut short on 9/11. I got out of professional aviation for the next 20 years and only flew as a hobby. In 2022, I went back to the regionals and obtained my ATP and a type rating. The FIRST thing I noticed was how much harder it was to learn things at 50 vs. 28 years old. But I continued to press on and now am a captain flying private jets and hold three type ratings.

[@pilotkaity]

That’s awesome thank you for sharing your experience!!

[@chipilot]

I’m 38 and left corporate flying 9 years ago, I’m now trying to go back. Your story was very inspiring

[@Parr4theCourse]

I think the airlines are talking about raising it to 67, but arbitrary age cut-offs are a double edge sword. I'm 67 don't drink/smoke (never did). Started running at 59 to stay in shape, ran my best 5K @ 23.08 / Half Marathon @ 2:00:32, At 67 don't run as far, but still run 2-3 miles 4 days/week. Got my PPL at 60, IFR at 61, no desire to be a professional pilot, just flying for fun and loving it. Only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! Your right . . . Everybody is Different!

[@pilotkaity]

I love to hear that you’re taking care of your health! Definitely a wide range of health depending on lifestyle choices

[@donwhitton7791]

Started gliding when I was 16 (1984) . Pilots license at 18. Instructor then ATP...then the industry crashed in the early 90s. Went into ATC. Just retired in November after 30 yrs and started back flying as an F/O in a Medevac operation. Love it. (makes me feel like I'm giving back to the community) Pay sucks (2 weeks pay is same amount as 1 Overtime shift in ATC) but fortunately I have my ATC pension. So yes, you can get back into professional flying at the age of 56.

[@pilotkaity]

That’s awesome!

[@melissamitchell3901]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@pilotkaity]

Glad you liked it!

[@DaveKirkpatrick-dp9np]

Great video.. wrapping up a 30 plus year military career this year. 10 years marines as a maintainer on the AV8D harrier and most recently a crew chief on the KC135 Air refueler. I hold a Commercial multi eng instrument with approximately 1100 hours. Held CFI CFII and MEI but havet flown since 2001.. ouch... At that time, i was flight instructing, flying skydivers, and part 135 charter ops for a company near KPIT. after 9/11 my flying dreams came to an end. However, i am going to try and make a run at it again and would love your thoughts. My plan is to get current and at 1250 take a crash course and get my R-ATP. I have a proffesional pilot Associates degree as well. Would love any any all opinions on best way to achieve this. Goal is regional airlines or corporate.. thoughts/opinions on that would be welcome too.. Thanks, Dave

[@pilotkaity]

Hi Dave congratulations on retiring from the military! It sounds like you just need to find somewhere to train and get your CFI, CFII, MEI redone. I’m guessing you let them lapse? Or did you renew them every 2 years online? I’d get those back to being unexpired and then just rent a plane to get current and proficient again. After that just start looking for jobs!

[@DaveKirkpatrick-dp9np]

@pilotkaity your thoughts on regional vs corporate once im marketable at 56 with 1500 hours ish

[@darronvanaria2952]

I just turn 73 and I can’t see so well out of my left eye. I’m also nearly deaf because I played drums in college. I only need a walker about 30% of the time, mostly in the mornings. I’m going for it.

[@pilotkaity]

😂 are you ok?

[@SmittyPilot]

The new LightSpeed Headset does have enhanced audio for those that have lost hearing in the upper and lower ranges.

[@pilotkaity]

@@SmittyPilot oh wow that’s a good feature

[@coryyoung3097]

Katy, great video! What is the name of the company that you worked for in CO as a CFI training the Air Force and USMC cadets?

[@pilotkaity]

Doss Aviation

[@SmittyPilot]

So the FAA did NOT approve the airlines for pilots over 65 and internationally it's the same. But I believe that is just for the airlines and not private corporate flights. With that said, as a current private pilot that got my license in my 60s, it is possible if you dedicate yourself to learning, are committed to be fit. Why fit? as you learn you may have to pull a 1500lb aircraft out of the hanger, climb up on a ladder to check fuel. While you may consider IFR rating, understand the dedication and time it will take to stay current - the currency rate is very low, and would you seriously fly in IMC by yourself especially if the plane you are flying does not have auto pilot?

[@pilotkaity]

These are all very good points

[@ElizabethScott-tx4zs]

Hi great video! I am 50, have a passion for flying and just joined a flight school that is projected to finish in four quarters. I have very few actual flight hours so basically starting from scratch. I pan on having a solid career as a professional pilot for as long as possible. Can you give me any advice of what to realistically expect at my age? I’ve been very health conscious my whole life and appear much younger than my age however I’m concerned that when I’m ready to apply for a position my DOB might be an obstacle.

[@pilotkaity]

I would recommend focusing on building your flight hours and getting experience in the industry. That will be your best asset!

[@ElizabethScott-tx4zs]

@ Great! Thank you :)

[@myaviationdiary]

I am an aircraft maintenance technician, planning to get into modular ATPL course. I am currently 31 and would start my pilot training at 34 after saving necessary funds and also recieving my aircraft maintenance licence by than. Most probably on a dual role as an aircraft maintenance technician and per time student pilot I might finish my training at 37 or 38. What would be your suggestion and opinion regarding my career planning? I had been with aviation for three years previously served as airport customer service transitioned into maintenance technician now my ultimate goal is to permanently set myself as an aircraft pilot. I am also a graduate Mechanical engineer completed my BSc. So I would be really grateful to know your suggestion and opinion. Thanks & Regards

[@pilotkaity]

I think I’ll make a video to answer this better 🙏

[@devaharshithneelam7568]

Hey Kaity. I am 19 and a proffessional athlete. I am planning on playing until 23 and this is when i finish my college degree and if sports doesnt work out the plan is to join a flight school and purse pilot as a career. Any pointers on what to do and can you please further guide me if its gonna be too late

[@pilotkaity]

23 isn’t too late age wise. Just find a flight school and get your ratings

[@JamesBund786]

Hey Kaity, I’m 21 right now and I’m thinking of trying to save up for the full amount (which here in the uk is around £100,000) which would take around 4 years. Should I do this or shall I take out a loan? I really need your advice regarding when the correct time for me to take out a loan would be, should I do it when I’ve saved £30,40 or 50 grand etc…

[@pilotkaity]

I can’t make this decision for you there are pros and cons to both options. I’d sit down and write a list of the pros and cons and then just make your decision. Either way make sure you already have a medical before you start training

[@EntertaningAmerica]

Do you have a reason for not using your GI Bill and/or VA benefits to pay for your training?

[@pilotkaity]

Mine covered a percentage because of how my Officer contact was and it was still cheaper not to use it since 141 schools are so marked up

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

Health is key and no peer reviewed research data exists to show supplements or snake oil treatments work. All men and all women should monitor their own whole and free hormone levels as they age. HRT is for everyone as they age eventually. Most men only have 20% of the testosterone at age 60 that they had in their 20s. Same with women and most women start HRT in late 40s at onset of menopause. Women need TRT also. So says more than one of my docs, one a HRT expert and former USAF flight surgeon.

[@SailorGerry]

How old is too old, if just wanted to fly the bush in Alaska or northern Canada (as a CP, float rating and night endorsement)? What is 'realistic' that regard. Also, do you have the contact details of that school in the Midwest (Lake?): full name of school, airport, nearest town, web site, e-mail address, telno, etc. Thanks in advance for your kind assistance.

[@pilotkaity]

I can’t tell you an exact age. This video has 5 things to consider for you to decide. Everyone’s situation is different

[@YusefWakeel]

Do you think it’s worth it to train on older planes and/or do training in the Midwest to save on costs?

[@pilotkaity]

That really depends. Older planes can be fine but need to still be maintained well. And as far as going somewhere to get lower cost training that could work as well but just depends on your living situation

[@YusefWakeel]

@@pilotkaity Yeah true, there’s a flight school I found in the Midwest with good reviews and reputation. It’s about 50k there to go from 0 to CFII. School name is Lakes area aviation. I talked to a guy that went there he got all his training done for 30k but he was a very great learner and anamoly. So I figure 50k for me is a good estimate.

[@pilotkaity]

@@YusefWakeel that sounds very promising

[@YusefWakeel]

@@pilotkaity it’s a smaller part 61 school but they still do accelerated flight training. My only worry would be adjusting to newer cockpits during airlines training, would it be hard to adjust?

[@pilotkaity]

@@YusefWakeel as a professional pilot you have to be able to adjust to whatever is new in the new airplane so I honestly wouldn’t worry about that

[@matthewmckee1114]

Has anyone started in your late 30’s?

[@BeacomOfLight]

Starting at 35

[@PumpUptheJam81]

CFI at 43. Met plenty of older guys than me just starting. I didn’t do the family thing so I do whatever I want.

[@mncnAirsoft]

You would still have a long career. I’m 47 and about to finish commercial and go on to cfi. I already have a life long pension from my current job. In your 30’s go for it, I would recommend not going into debt.

[@ahmadsamadzai8255]

​@mncnAirsoft I'm 48 and about to take the commercial checkride. Not going the cfi route but instead getting my 1500 in the c150 I own.

[@pilotkaity]

Good question I’m curious to know too

[@YusefWakeel]

I’m about to turn 24 years old and I been thinking about this since I was 21 😅 only thing keeping me back is money but I’ve been saving up now

[@pilotkaity]

Are you planning on saving up the entire amount before you start?

[@YusefWakeel]

@@pilotkaity I have $20,000 saved now. Trying to get around $45,000 saved by the end of the year then thinking I could go for it. I don’t want to fly part time, I just want to go all in and get it done quick.

[@pilotkaity]

@@YusefWakeel yep I agree. My only advice is don’t wait too long. Get in and get it done even if you have to take out a smaller loan. At your age taking out a bit of a loan isn’t a horrible idea in my opinion. Just get it all done fast and get your career going

[@JamesBund786]

I’m in the exact same situation as you, I’m 21 right now and planning to work and then take out a loan at the halfway mark, any tips??

[@pilotkaity]

@@JamesBund786 I did the light sport CFI route which saved me a lot of money. I did all my training for under $35,000. I have a couple KZbin videos on this and a pdf guide of all the rules etc linked at the top of my profile in the Stan store

[@lululuis93]

Question, is CAU aviation school any good?

[@pilotkaity]

I’m not familiar with that school so I can’t really help you there sorry

[@joserafaelgarciamorales8724]

It's never too late for flight for the fun of it.

[@pilotkaity]

True!

[@HolladayAviation]

Re #5 I’ve seen many more young people that are not all there than older people…

[@pilotkaity]

That’s definitely true but each individual starts with a certain cognitive aptitude and then it decreases over time. That’s more what I’m saying.

[@sharonperkins2941]

So, I just turned 58. It’s probably too late, isn’t it? 😢

[@pilotkaity]

It really depends! What did you think of the points to consider in the video?

[@sharonperkins2941]

@@pilotkaity What concerned me is the retirement age of 65. I feel like I’m running out of time. I’m working on my health. I don’t have anything holding me back. I can come and go as needed by the airline. I’m in Tennessee. I’ve been looking at MTSU but that’ll be 4 years of school and however long it’ll take for me to get the rest of the 1,500 hours by flight instructing. I don’t know if they’ll have me after that for commercial pilot. Or! Is there a retirement age for private pilots companies like Net Jets?

[@pilotkaity]

@@sharonperkins2941 I would not do a 4 year school at this point. You’re going to need to find an accelerated program if this is going to be a realistic option. And you will need to be willing to not work at the airlines since the 121 retirement age is 65

[@sharonperkins2941]

@@pilotkaity There’s no retirement age with Private or Corporate is there? That would be fine too!!! Flying something like a Gulfstream or a Lear jet or an Embraer 300…that would be fun! 🛩️🩵🛩️

[@pilotkaity]

@@sharonperkins2941 that’s correct. The insurance companies do become a problem at a certain age though so you will want to research that before making the jump

[@shpplman6]

Tbolts rule!

[@pilotkaity]

I’m confused

[@shpplman6]

@@pilotkaity it’s your hat. It looks like the 389 Fighter Squadron from Mountain Home AFB. Otherwise known as the thunderbolts. So if you hear someone saying T-bolts rule or shock em you’ll know why now. First time seeing your videos. Love the content!

[@pilotkaity]

@@shpplman6 ah that makes sense! It’s my husband’s hat and he was a JTAC so that’s the connection.

[@topofthegreen]

The FAA says 65 is the cut off for safety reasons as you become a health risk, with more medical problems its a safty issue.I would never borrow money for this and end up with no job and massive debt.

[@pilotkaity]

Pilot’s can fly part 91 and part 135 after that

[@wez123123123]

Same rule should apply for presidents 😂😂😂

[@pilotkaity]

@@wez123123123 right 😂

[@topofthegreen]

What people fail to realize is that the medical are hard to get.