Pro-Pilot Playbook Podcast #43 // Am I Too Old to be a Pilot?

We received several questions on this topic. In this episode we answer Ron, Will, and Bruce's questions on determining how old is too old to start down the path of becoming a professional pilot.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro and Update
4:16 Question 1 from Ron
12:47 How aggressively should I go after my Commercial Certificate?
16:53 Question 2 from Will
26:52 Question 3 from Bruce
38:10 Making the final determination of just how old is too old to become a pilot

[@americantrailrider7031]

I turn 50 in April, retire from job A after 30 years at the same time, with a great retirement. This Monday I start ATP here in FXE. I don't think I am too old, I am super healthy, and still have 15 years of majors if I want. My aim is corporate, but you never know.....

[@DangleDeke4]

Good for you! I would do the same. However, remember that you have to fly for the regionals first before the majors.

[@americantrailrider7031]

@josh .doherty yup. I'm in no hurry. Any money to fly Is a bonus for me

[@williamsellman1]

Hells yeah!

[@PumpUptheJam81]

@@DangleDeke4Not necessarily. You can skip regionals if you meet the unrestricted ATP minimums you get from 135 ops etc.

[@dks13827]

how goes it in 2024??

[@thesoultrekker]

56 years young and just getting started. Loving it and giving it my best shot. Loving all the advice here, thank you 😊

[@JayCProps787]

I’m 42 and I’m en route for my PPL

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Awesome!!!

[@brianaguthrie5887]

Thank you guys for another episode and for continuing to motivate me!! Love it when I see a new video out.

[@scotthinkle1021]

Great episode guys, keeping me motivated to keep grinding on another snowy day in Pittsburgh!!

[@williamsellman1]

Thanks for answering my question. Keep up the good info. It’s a marathon and you your channel will blow up soon!!! Will

[@DangleDeke4]

You guys are the best. I’m 21 and you guys have sold me on following my dream. You guys change lives thank you.

[@thepenmen22]

Did you start training yet?

[@Flightdreams29]

I think we’ve heard the crack/cocaine joke at least 3 times now but I love it every time 😂

[@ryanlive819]

More like 20 lol

[@robertyoushock]

I could afford ATP if I had a $ for everytime :)

[@sammisox]

Just came across y’all’s channel. Love your content and it makes me feel better thinking I was too old to start flight training in my mid/late twenties

[@davidbakerscuba]

I’m 50 years old and about to retire from a first responder job for the last 25 years. I just started my private pilots license and I am hooked. When I fully retire from the city in a few months, I’m going to dedicate full-time to the rest of my certifications. I’ve always been into high adventure like Scuba diving and horseback riding. I’m looking forward to aviation as a second career and exciting hobby. Thanks for all of your advice on this channel. It is appreciated.

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Hey David that's great! I really appreciate the comment. Good luck on your journey.

[@B-rad-and-LBs-adventures]

Great podcast guys really like this one

[@TheSchwartzIsWithYouToday]

I turned 67 this summer. I like to say that I'm now "semi-retired" which means I get to finally chase my own dreams instead of working on somebody else's. You're NEVER too old to go after your dreams!

[@timothyburg9652]

Pilot Playbook, Love your channel! Just had a couple questions I wondering if you could help out with. First, can I come into a flight program with some flight training and certs complete? My plan is to get my private this year, instrument next year and finish my commercial rating before I retire. Can FlexAir help with CFI, CFII, and MEI while building flight hours to help get to the regionals faster? And will the GI Bill completely cover the cost for flight training after PPL or should I plan on using some money out of pocket? Second, can I work with FlexAir in KS immediately after my 6 months with SkillBridge? I’d like to have a guaranteed next position in order to be able to support my family. And lastly is a question about R-ATP. I’m halfway done with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics at ERAU. If I also have a commercial certificate at a 141 flight school will I be able to apply for a R-ATP at 1,000 hours? Not sure if the flight training has to be at ERAU or not with that certificate. FYI, I’ll be training at the aero club on Eglin AFB. It is a 141 school. My mine concern is the transition point leaving the military. If I can sign a contract for a guaranteed position I know my family will be taken care of. Also, just for reference I’d like to work for Envoy Air and maybe one day American Airlines. We’re planning on living in the Charlotte area in NC after the Air Force. Thanks for all your help! -Tim

[@Cblizy]

Knowing what I know now I cant believe I asked this question when I was 30

[@josephe.pokrakajr.1837]

What types of health issues would rule someone out for a career in aviation?

[@b_lovan]

I live 20min north of Minneapolis, and am wanting to do the same thing. I’m 33, a current medical professional with prior military service. Are you located in Minnesota? Just curious what flight school you’d recommend here. I live 1/2 mile from an ATP school!

[@DallasFort1857]

I'm highly considering becoming a pilot however my biggest concern is obtaining the funds for flight training. my credit score is in the low 600s and I believe that this will prevent me from achieving my goal. Any advice?

[@mrmattkeyable]

Use a credit repair agency and re-apply for the loan in 6 months.

[@MarioMaresSr]

I am 52 do I have time to be a pilot

[@topofthegreen]

I don’t see getting any flying jobs over 65, they want young pilots, trying to fly for a living will be an uphill battle.

[@propilotdoug311]

Hey guys, it's Doug here! I was wondering what either of your opinions on Muslims becoming pilots are. After all, you really can't ever trust those guys, am I right??? Thanks for your input fellas and thanks again for a great podcast!

[@topofthegreen]

65 is too old to fly as reflexes slow down and that’s a safety hazard. The insurance companies make it so expensive for you to fly.

[@2Greenlid]

Too old for reflexes? Staying ahead of the plane is not about reflexes…from a 63 Y.O. Pilot 😂 it’s your mind that counts…

[@topofthegreen]

But the insurance companies make it hard to be employed, and old pilots are not desirable as health issues come into play.