How Jeff Barkes Became a Corporate Jet Pilot in His 50s (Career 2.0)

In this video, I'm joined by Jeff Barkas to share his story of how he became a corporate jet pilot as career 2.0 in his 50s.
Thanks for watching!
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👋 About Me 👋
After a successful business career where I've started and sold a number of companies, I've decided to get out from behind my computer to pursue a lifelong passion and start career 2.0 as a professional pilot. My goal is to get to 1500 hours and then either work for a large regional, a major, or possibly even cargo. You can learn more at www.FlyWithTrent.com.
My Social Accounts:
Instagram: / fly_with_trent
LinkedIn: / trentdyrsmid
Twitter: / trentdyrsmid
Edited by The Tweaky Tales
(www.thetweakytales.com)

[@aldohattonduran5227]

TRENT! These videos with real life real time information from our age group 2.0 career pilots ARE PRICELESS 🙌🏻🇺🇸🛩️🛫👑 REALLY! the best 🏆 motivational inspirational tools that exist! Thank you so much!🇺🇸🛩️

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you like them!

[@mad85123]

Just got my private at the age of 37. These kind of videos help me continue this aviation journey!! Thank you

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Congrats!! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!! BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.

[@KINGRIDEZ44]

Congratulations I’m 34yrs and just starting my training

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌🙌

[@freedomsuperlady482]

42. I had the opportunity in 2015 to join the jetblue program, but was a single mom of 3. I am now 42, empty nest, and realizing I could do this. For me, time to get there and make money is important. It helps to hear from older people on the journey. Thank you.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome! Go for it!!!!

[@jaredfink5617]

Jeff knocked it out of the park. He is so down to earth, relatable, and easy to listen to. Mad props as a guest!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Agree! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@jeffbarkes1704]

Thanks, step 1 is get a new microphone, step 2 better lighting but really enjoyed it!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@theghastlygamer5326]

Thank you for these videos gives me motivation that 40 is not too late for me

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Definitely not too late! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@reeltrides911S]

Great video. So I’m 66 with all the ratings except CFI and I worked at a 135 flying BE200 and Merlin’s but not loggable but obtained great experience. Now getting current again and would be very happy flying SIC on a small jet for a 135 or 91 again. Retired, and 50-100k is perfect for me. Just want to fly and travel again. Cheers

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@Mo-bd4bn]

I work with Flexjet and Sentient as a flight planner, and it’s true lots of pilots are needed

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Who do I send my application to? 😝

[@robschoeneck5877]

Copy That!!

[@Mo-bd4bn]

@@trent_dyrsmid send it to Flexjet

[@Mo-bd4bn]

Conyan air charter is in Boise

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@cmass87]

Jeff was a great guest and story to share. I love these career 2.0 stories. I’m 36 with 40 hours just about to wrap up my ppl and I need to make the full jump and start career 2.0. I can credit your story and FWT community here for keeping my fire alive and know it is realistic. As always, thank you for

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You bet!!

[@jeffbarkes1704]

Thank you for that. It is EXACTLY what I did when I made the decision. I used many You Tube channels to keep the fire burning. It was a lot of hard work but the final reward made it that much sweeter.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@asherhudson439]

Really enjoying this content being a 40yo a month away from gaining my CPL. However I’m based in Australia so would love to hear from an Australian 2.0 pilot tell their story here if you had one in the network? Who is either still based in Australia or relocated elsewhere. Perhaps an international series to cover off numerous countries to expand your audience?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Noted! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@DJ99777]

The opportunities available in the US to not bear any resemblance to what’s available in Australia from my point of view. I have ex students up in northern Australia that have been waiting around for their first jobs working the ramp for months. Having said that it’s never been a better time for career progression. Good luck scoring that first job though. Once you do you’re looking at a couple of years hard slog on minimum wage.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Patience, grasshopper.

[@paulnagel8161]

Love seeing the interviews with guys who are on the 'other side'.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Me too!!

[@Alberto1B]

Really good interview and perspective. I am a part 91 Gulfstream G650ER Master Technician and DOM on my own pilot journey and see some similarities in my world. PPL completed. Trying to find the best path for me as a 46 yr old career 2.0 person.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@TheSchwartzIsWithYouToday]

Another great interview! I'm 67 and am looking at getting my PPL, but not interested in flying as a second career at this point. (If I was 55, then definitely!) But it's great to listen to people >50 talk about this stuff. For most of my life, I've looked at "the future" as a 30-year runway; but passing 60 and 65 it's more like, "what can I do now that won't take 10+ years to master?"

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment! I read every comment personally 🙌

[@jgnderitu]

So inspiring. I am 42, wrapping up CPL with instrument rating in the next 3 months, then instructor rating. Jeff just re-motivated me. Thank you for hosting him.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@KINGRIDEZ44]

Trent I love your interviews they open our eyes at an early stage someone like me who is about to start from 0-1500hrs soon

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad to hear!!

[@georgesmith7988]

That was so generous of Jeff to participate in this interview. Thanks to Trent also.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@shawncupp6015]

Turning 49 in March...you've given me much to think about. Great content. Keep it up!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@garydavidson4544]

Thanks for giving me motivation at 49 and just started back flying.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Woohoo!! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!! BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.

[@TakeNoneForTheTeam]

Super, Super interview. I sent paperwork to get on the wait list for an equity ownership club this week. Their corporate charter requires a PPL. Just joined a club for the lessons. First attendance is their Christmas party Sunday. At nearly 50 years of age, I'm riding this adventure with excitement. Good thing is that this is something to do in retirement 8 years from now, and not a needed career. So super excited. Again thanks to you both for your time!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video so much! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@MagnificentOne]

Great interview. Also thanks for addressing the SIC time. I’ve seen people take SIC jobs for single pilot operations as a way to skip CFI not realizing the hours don’t count. It’s actually happens quite a bit. PDPs have to be explicitly outlined AND approved by the FAA under 135. Just having an “in house” PDP will lead to a very disappointing log book review come interview time. Thanks for the content!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@gear_up_guy]

great info that I wasn’t aware. I am starting career 2.0 moving from Rotary (Army) to jets now.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@djwashx]

Love the story big congrats Jeff!!!!!!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@Mate2Frio]

My uncle was a very good pilot and a great golfer. The cooperate guys would favor him to fly them around as he'd play a good game with business deals being made on the golf courses.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌🙌

[@chrishester3738]

Another great interview! I'm a lot like Jeff, while the airlines are in my sight I'm pretty open to wherever my career might take me and part 135 is definitely on the list. After spending years in corporate America riding a desk I need the variation in my days! Flying in and out of the same airport every day or dealing with crummy schedules for the first several years doesn't sound great. Really appreciate this great insight and thoughts on 135 vs standard careers. Cheers and safe flying!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@chrishester3738]

@@trent_dyrsmid Always! Love these videos, they are super insightful and helpful for those of us making this our second careers. Greatly appreciate the time and effort you put in and for the special time your guests are offering up to all your audience as well. Cheers.

[@jeffbarkes1704]

I can tell you, it is so much fun for me to fly into smaller, many uncontrolled, fields with local places to eat and people to meet. The concrete jungle of many of the airline airports (which we also go into) just is not as fun to me. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@chrishester3738]

@@jeffbarkes1704 thanks for taking the time to reply! Greatly appreciate the insights and your time for this interview. If you are ever in Colorado (KBJC or KCFO) give me a shout!

[@carlosaleman1]

Thank you for bringing all these people to give us there input...

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@PilotJourneyPNW]

You ask the best questions, Trent! Exactly what I was looking for. Very valuable to learn more about the Part 135 world... Jeff's answers were vey informative and relevant!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@ronaldcampbell17]

These videos are so helpful. I love having different pilots on and hearing their opinions.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Ronald! Me, too! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@jdean2131]

Great Video! For us older pilots….60 plus you’re probably looking at part 135. Netjets has an age 70 limitation…but other 135s do not. The challenge for us…the FAA Medical…that is the Dragon we slay……

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Yup.

[@micclay]

Thanks, Jeff .

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@micclay]

@@trent_dyrsmid No problem.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

✈️

[@michael_viteritti]

Amazing, thanks for the interview with Jeff, Trent :D

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@ericm333]

Jeff and Trent kindly appreciate sharing . Gem 💎

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Our pleasure!

[@JimRobertson60]

Jeff is a rock star! He and I have known each other for over 3.5 years but never met in person. We have spoken on the phone, texted and DM’d each other when we were both on the aviation career search path. Now I’m at FlyExclusive where Jeff used to work. We still support and encourage each other and he’s an awesome mentor and friend. Thanks Trent for interviewing Jeff and than you Jeff for publicly sharing your aviation passion. It’s great so see how you’ve persevered.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@ericajuoga1162]

Great video

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Eric! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@mohammaddurrani4800]

Great job Trent!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@ericm6631]

This is so helpful and inspring! Thanks, Trent and Jeff!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Eric, Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@curtisaitken7027]

This is so motivational and giving me thoughts and hopes. Love this video.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@OregonBroker]

Another EXCELLENT interview.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patrickmccartney3993]

Great video Trent. I love the 2.0 videos. They encourage me. Thanks Jeff for sharing how you did it and giving us some insight into the 135 career path.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Patrick! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@ChiragPatelempired]

Hey Trent, I have watched lot of your videos and they are very motivating. I am in the career 2.0 mode. Thank you for videos. You should make one about getting a medical certificate and those that would have challenges getting one and how to overcome them

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’ve just asked my AME about this. We’ll see if he’s willing to do an interview with me.

[@richard_392]

Awesome video lots to think about

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Hey Richard! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@brgranger]

Really like these interviews, and for a guy that says I don't want it to be a career and kill the best hobby I have ever found, it inspires me to think if I really would enjoy being a commercial pilot!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌 Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@mannygathers2114]

Awesome interview Brother! Keep it coming🫡

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you! Will do!

[@TruckinTrader1]

Thank you Trent, this was great video to give some better perspective of 135 life. I appreciate all these pilots taking time to give real life information. Trent, have all the pilots put their contact info out there? Thanks again

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!! (Not sure what you meant by “all the pilots”)

[@richard_muschette3009]

Thanks for the video Trent it's very motivating in all aspects.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Richard, Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davi.tylerr]

Thank you! Are you or have you interviewed someone in the airlines ?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Not yet.

[@v1kng99]

Thanks again man great video

[@trent_dyrsmid]

No problem 👍

[@DanteAyers]

Thank you for information.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

You are welcome!

[@TGAV8]

Awesome

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@davidaoregan]

thanks for doing this stuff,

[@trent_dyrsmid]

My pleasure!

[@mattyt4082]

Fantastic job guys!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thanks so much!

[@Patelivision]

I'm very interested about the people Jeff said are getting their hours in Guam or the Bahamas

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’ve asked Jeff to keep an eye on the comments for questions he can answer….so I’ll let him answer this one. Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@BluemanNW]

Great topic! Mainly because you were asking many of the questions, Trent, that have been rolling around in my head! 🙏

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wmartonejr]

Keep these interviews coming Trent!! 👊🏻

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Will do! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!! BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.

[@The_Raven_]

I love your videos so much!!! You are my inspiration sir. Did I mention I'm a pilot 😅

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@The_Raven_]

I wish I can come fly with you and build hours!!!! :)

[@trent_dyrsmid]

.

[@reneekline5927]

Excellent interview. Very informative!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AlbertoRestuccia]

Great interview and content. Thanks man

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!

[@nathansemakula2635]

This is really awesome information. I am in the middle of the career 2.0 transition phase and in my late 40's. I am having trouble getting started. It just seems roadblock after roadblock. I want to take advantage of the shortage before I hit the 65 age limit. But any suggestions you can share?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Hi Nathan… All of my best ideas are contained in the videos on my channel. Step 1: get a medical. Step 2: choose a Flight School. Step 3: get started. BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.

[@wingmandyl]

Love your content, I'd love to connect with you. Currently around 300hrs CPMEL with G-V type rating. There's alot to the Part 91 world but little information on the web, maybe I can share some of my experience.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Please DM me. Thx!

[@cindy6576]

I’d like to DM Jeff with a question. I am in flight school, 58 years young. I was familiar with part 135 operations and knew several captains prior to beginning school. My goal is building 500-700 hours of time as a CFI for a part 135 FO job.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I’m sure he’ll reply. Just find him on social.

[@ramzial-shurman]

Thank you Trent for the content!! Quick question. I'm 25, married with a daughter. I'm currently working as a mortgage loan officer and am almost done with my PPL. Heavily thinking of a career switch towards aviation as it is becoming a passion of mine. Any suggestions??

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Yes……GO FOR IT!

[@jgnderitu]

Go for it, sir. I am 42, married, with 3 kids. Got my PPL in 2019, then restarted training last year. I should be done with CPL/Instrument Rating in the next 3 months. You are much younger and you have many more years to enjoy a career in flying.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@ramzial-shurman]

@@jgnderitu thank you for the wisdom!! This helps alot 🙏🏽

[@jeffb9370]

Well this is really career 3.0 for me, 1st career was as a loan officer for 20yrs. It was what I was doing in the 90s when I got my PVT and IR. The reason I stopped is because the money I was making as a loan officer was WAY better then what I could have made as a pilot at a regional back, I think pay was like $13,000 and that was IF you were lucky enough to find a job (BTW, I was 24 then and married). Back then you could not support a family. With the pay for most 1500hr pilot jobs today you certainly can support a family and the long term income will get you to a level that very few careers enjoy. Happy to answer any questions you have!

[@sixdegrees6434]

I would love to fly 135. I just don’t know how to get to the US without a job. Only 600 hrs

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Yep, that’s a challenge, for sure! Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!

[@j.alva305]

Hey Trent, what are your thoughts on going to ATP vs a smaller school?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

I think Tyler from venture West Aviation could give you a better answer to that. He attended ATP before starting his school. My opinion is less informed than his, but I share his view. I prefer going to a smaller school. If you would like me to make an introduction to Tyler, send me a DM on IG.

[@cmass87]

I’ve been in my own head about this question too. ATP obviously pumps out tons of pilots (just hit 20,000 recently). They do appear to be more expensive but they are flying modern aircraft. Compared to a cheaper school with upgraded (glass g1000) 172s from the 70’s for example. I would love to hear other thoughts or even personal experience of others on the pros/cons of ATP and others. This is coming from a guy (me) who is almost at PPL checkride at a school with old Cherokee 140-180s and every time you close the door, something falls from the ceiling! Planning to do Instrument through civil air patrol and work on commercial at a more modern school compared to my current.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@cj99cj991]

Great interview! Can you provide Jeff’s IG/FB contact (unless I missed it)? Thx!!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-barkes-6a40bb17?

[@mukhiddintashpulatov8865]

👍

[@trent_dyrsmid]

👍

[@dsd-downshiftdave8056]

I'm 46 thinking of quiting my 9-5 just looking into flight school Iso are you saying I'm not too old for me to want to be an airline pilot? Do you have to work every hour of the day?

[@trent_dyrsmid]

46 is definitely no too old!!! Go for it!

[@paidtourist6563]

I make more money driving semi truck than a right seater makes flying a Phenom 300 part 135...Very interesting

[@trent_dyrsmid]

But which is more enjoyable?

[@paidtourist6563]

@trent_dyrsmid Oh I'm definitely going with flying on that one

[@trent_dyrsmid]

👍

[@jeremyanyim4080]

2026 I’m getting my private pilots license. Mark my words

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Marked! BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.

[@jdean2131]

Marked! Good Luck 🍀

[@trent_dyrsmid]

🙌

[@josbren8943]

Great video

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Jeff had a great story! Thank you so much for watching!!