Career Change to Pro Pilot - Second Acts

[@bradstanford211]

Doing it. I'm 51 switching from software development to commercial pilot.

[@aislcsales]

Hows your progress man? Im 40 retiring from a 20 year career next year. I have about 100k in cash I can use for school so no need for debt. But im scared and I have doubts of being not good enough or to old .

[@bradstanford211]

@@aislcsales I have my PPL, and I'm waiting on an instrument checkride. Starting to get into the commercial portion of training. I'm sitting at about 170 hours with the school, but 220 total time since I brought 50 hours with me from over the last 30 years. I'm looking at being 300+ hrs when I get done with the program, including some multi-engine time. If I can make it to contract work I will, but I'm starting to think I might be one of those guys that loves instructing. My 2¢: If you haven't taken an intro flight yet, do that within the next 30 days and find out if you like it. Heck, take two if you wish. If you're starting from absolute scratch (not a lifelong flight simmer or anything), go get three hours of sim time after your intro flight and get used to how to think in airplane. That's just enough time to see yourself improve in at least one aspect of flying, and see if you get hooked. That's a very minimal investment for what could be a life-changing discovery and accomplishment. If you're all cash, you could decide after PPL whether or not it's a career or just a community/utility in your life. Both are great, and worth the effort. As for ability: I have a classic picture of Louis Bleriot on my wall over my desk. It's this one: www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/bleriot-in-his-cross-channel-machine-photograph-courtesy-news-photo/517726678 Whenever I run into difficulty in my training, this is what he says to me from that picture: “I built my own airplanes when no one believed in manned flight. I crashed multiple times and had long recoveries from my injuries several times. It cost me over 780,000 francs to complete all my experiments. I was the first to fly over the English Channel which took 36 minutes and 30 seconds. For 10-15 minutes of that flight, I saw neither ship nor shore in poor visibility, all alone, and was blown off course, almost missing the land on the other side. Now tell me why you can’t accomplish what you’re trying to accomplish?” Don't be afraid of not being good enough, or being too old. Be very afraid of not trying and then spending the end of your life wondering, "What if?"

[@TheEdwardFrye]

Dan, Christy, and Bryan, this is such an on-topic podcast/video for me. I am right there with you. A hangar neighbor in his 50s just transferred from IT to the airlines, and I've signed up for a pathway program. When I was on your show, I was on your show, I was at 460 hours, now I'm at 775 and have completed my FIA test trying to find a way to 725 hours without paying for $6/gal 100LL at 16gal/hour. In the meantime I'm volunteering with the "Flying Samaritans" and "Angel Flight West". Great episode!

[@TakingOff]

Thanks for the comment Ed. We loved having you on the show. 210’s are expensive time builders.

[@genxpilot69]

Why is it that Dan thinks anyone 50+ years of age should not pursue their ATP employment goals? (I can post link here to video where Dan stopped mentioning age groups in a cringe manner when he reached those persons in their 50's in reference to career change to ATP/Commercial pilot) Regardless, Dan's negative attitude has only provided me even more incentive to succeed).

[@SnglCoil]

I am a couple of years older than you, Bryan. I just made the jump from IT to the airlines earlier this year (with 2 years of flight instructing in between). I have kids similar in age to yours. From my experience, all of your concerns are valid. Is it worth it? Yeah, I definitely think so, but the sacrifice with family is real. The one piece of advice if you go the airline route. Avoid commuting if at all possible! And definitely keep listening to Christy. She's bringing some great knowledge and experience.

[@keithcarlson5344]

Christy - love this. I am 43 and have been a successful mortgage lender for last 13 years. I am now working seriously on my time building and plan to hit my 1500 hrs by end of 2024 and career changing to airlines. Great info and very inspiring! I completely agree with Christy's point about perspective. Yeah, part of me wishes I had done this 10 years ago, but I know that now once I get that airline job, I have so many life experiences and perspective outside of aviation to really appreciate that airline job once it happens.

[@pilotchristy]

Thank you for listening and recognizing that! 🥰

[@seattleraf]

32 years old and 10 years in tech. Got my PPL earlier in the year and just starting my instrument. I consider it a hobby but over the last few months a little voice in my head has been telling me “you could just do this professionally if you wanted to” and it hasn’t gone away. Realistically though I’m in a very fortunate position to be making what I make today (it’s what even allowed me to get into flying to begin with!). I think I’d need to be a captain at a major to be where I am now. So I think I’ll keep treating it as a hobby for the next 2-6 years. I’ll keep building hours and eventually probably go for my CPL (again, even if just for fun!) Then at that point I’ll re-evaluate. But at 32 it’s quite exciting thinking about the possibility of flying professionally by the time I’m 42…who knows!!! Or maybe I’ll decide to stay in tech but have my own plane by then. Either way I hope aviation sticks with me.

[@GregLopes]

Thank you for this discussion, it’s super impactful and helpful. I’m 40 years old and 15 years into a military career (not as a pilot). I grew up as an aviation addict but couldn’t afford to finish my PPL when I was in college. Now, looking a 2nd act wheh I retire from the Navy in a few years, it’s really nice to see that pursuing an aviation career is a real option. THANK YOU!

[@scout5784]

I started in aviation after a career in law enforcement. If you have any questions about that for those Christy spoke about, let me know.

[@joshparnell7755]

“When I’m at work, I’m at work; but when I’m home, I am home.” That’s what I want. That’s the biggest reason why I want to make a career change to flying.

[@lostlocalhost]

If I could leave a 20 year IT Career paycheck for flying, I'd do it. Them golden handcuffs.

[@KevinSmithAviation]

Excellent, excellent podcast. This hits home 100%. I am slowly moving in the right direction, provided time and finances. My instructor has introduced me to the Civil Air Patrol chapter at the airport I am training at. They are a good place to consider for building hours. Its all volunteer flying, but it doesn't cost you anything but time. All new glass panel 172's. I will be looking into that more one I finish my PPL. Thank you three for doing this podcast. I definitely needed the extra encouragement to keep pushing forward. Hopefully I can find my spot in the professional pilot arena someday soon. Keep up the excellent work. Safe skies my friends 🇺🇸🛩️

[@earnedwings5206]

Great information guys thank you very much for sharing. I’m in the same position as Brian and yes I have the same concerns however I’m only at 598TT and am working with a chase plane (military following drones) company in southern CA. currently but the schedule is not consistent so I’m trying to stay afloat financially as well as build time. Having my own PA28 180 helps but this is part of the financial management/juggling piece of the process. I’m 48 and have exited the mortgage business after 25 years to make this dream a reality.

[@TakingOff]

My sponsor Colten Mortgage-- Brant is the owner of the company and has his own 210. But he's happy with his company, I don't see him switching to airlines. ALthough if this market keeps up...

[@PghGameFix]

I was a Chemist, and then turned into a Consultant. (Fixing games is a hobby) But covid more or less killed my consulting job because travel stopped. I've been flying since the early 90's, and I'm now working towards my ATP. I'm 51, and was able to pass my class 1 med... and it's kind of a full time thing now. I just realized this is a podcast... so I downloaded it to my phone, and will be a listener from here out.

[@88ifly]

This is a great episode! Currently do roofing and hate my job. I have my private with just over 300 hrs and have most of my IFR training. Every day since the summer of 2008 I think about flying!

[@ibgarrett]

I’m not sure if it’s the angle of the camera, the headphones, the lighting, the haircut or the fact that she’s not wearing her aviation leggings, but Christy looks so different. 🤷‍♂️

[@RedNeckWelding]

Excellent content Dan, I’m 42 and after 23 years owning a welding business I’m currently pursuing a career in aviation. I hadn’t ever considered a career change as I actually enjoy my trade, but a neck injury caused me to think about how my body would feel 10-20 years from now and I made the decision to get my ratings. My decision was a bit easier as my youngest of 2 daughters graduated last June and received an appointment to a federal services academy so that’s one less tuition I would need to worry about, and not having kids at home to support I felt the financial risk was lessened. I’m hoping to finish my Instrument rating soon and commercial this winter. I would stress to anyone the importance of networking, the gap from 250 - 1500 is the hardest to jump and I’m fortunate to have made many friends and connections to the point that I have a guaranteed job as soon as I earn my commercial. Keep up the great work!

[@TakingOff]

Congrats Jason... and double congrats on your daughter getting the appointment. Keep us up to date on your progress!!

[@alanmcnamara9155]

What a great podcast, so good to see three different perspectives on this topic. Dan - the outsider, Christy - the insider and BrYan - the outsider looking to join the club. Fascinating!

[@kevinphillips9408]

Great video guys. Thank you for sharing your experiences and the way you got to where you are now. I look forward to your futures.

[@prussiaaero1802]

just 4500 subscribers from Christie "rip-cord" Wong hits the silk.

[@gary5481]

Geronimo.

[@pilotchristy]

🫣

[@jimbuck795]

I have a question for Christy. I'm 57 years old, have my private and instrument rating, and have about 500 hours. Would it be worth pursuing an airline career even though the mandatory retirement age is 65?

[@TakingOff]

Hey Jim, she might chime in, but she was so quick to say absolutely to someone in low 60's that I believe she would say worth it. But I'll let her address it.

[@jimbuck795]

Thanks.@@TakingOff

[@clarencewiles963]

I understand it’s likely to go to 67 but like the other guy said corporate.

[@VictoryAviation]

Part 91 and 135 has no age limit as long as you can keep your aviation medical current 😉

[@pilotchristy]

I think you can absolutely get a couple of years in the airlines! Plus, as someone said, as long as you can hold a second class medical, you can fly corporate after 65. 😊

[@NathanBallardSaferFlying]

Such a great conversation. Love this episode so much!

[@marcusalexander5251]

Great episode! I love how how animated and chatty Christy was. I can definitely feel her passion for the subject.

[@pilotchristy]

I love where I’m at! Thank you for recognizing this. 🥰

[@michaelfagan2403]

Christy is definitely passionate about flying...animated too...I'm not sure she'd be able to speak if she put those hands on the chair under her legs.

[@Seducers]

Bryan needs to make eye contact with Christy when she is talking to him.

[@kendodson4134]

Big fan of Bryan, definitely wish him nothing but the best, I really wish I would have done something similar when I retired from the fire service. You got this buddy get it done!

[@paratyshow]

👏✅ Always great but BrYan makes it just a bit better.

[@Mike-01234]

The only hurdle I see at an older age is passing the medical.

[@Hedgeflexlfz]

You will still take a huge pay cut form tech

[@benjantz7470]

Thanks for this episode.

[@BlueSky-uz1tv]

If I had known then what I know now. Years ago I was doing contract tech work. I should have gone to A&P school somewhere. Almost all the tech work was remote or some "project due by" type work. I could have easily handled the A&P school and the tech work. Now the clock ticking away the time I have left is very loud and my A&P dream is gone. Bryan - with AI a lot of routine tech jobs may disappear but specialty contract tech work will be around. You may find out it's not one or the other. You can make $60+ an hour just helping people get their PC past the blue screen of death. That's about 10gal of 100LL.

[@justplanefred]

Christy you need to go up in a helicopter. It is a unique experience in comparison to flying in GA planes. Much like it’s different flying in a GA plane vs riding in a Commercial Airline. I’ve probably been a passenger more in helicopter than all my fixed wing rides. That all probably sounds amazing but I have less than 10 hours as a passenger of commercial airlines and 1 hour in a 172. One day maybe I can pilot my own plane or at least with my own certificate. The closest thing I have to a certificate is a Part 107 for SUAS…

[@dgriffin60]

2 factors for me make career change not feasible 1. My age 2. Getting a Class II or Class I Medical At 58yrs old I’m pushing the window for return on investment Medical, I have a VA disability and fighting the VA to get papers and then the chance the FAA will deny the request to upgrade from Class III to higher, or any scenario between VA or FAA is just too high a risk when considering time and $$$ invested to just have a denial end my chance at getting to a commercial job Here’s hoping that Brian gets what he wants Christy - congratulations on your success

[@TakingOff]

You could always try and get a First Class and see what happens. But yeah, Im same age. To me, there's not enough time to get a return. So while CHristy says it's not too late... I'd probably draw the line around 55.

[@dgriffin60]

@@TakingOff getting my med is possible, but with every 2yr renewal, I would be playing Russian roulette with which Dr was going to give me a denial and then my career is on hold or worst case ended So I'm happy with my ppl, my basic med, and my airplane(Piper Arrow), and being the coolest grandpa to 6 amazing grandkids P.S. I'm 4hrs into flight training for my IFR certificate, so I'm still moving forward

[@TakingOff]

@@dgriffin60 With a First Class, it's a lot worse-- every six months at our age. How exciting on the IFR! Extremely important rating.

[@Aleksandar6ix]

I had some bad luck getting into aviation. Right now, I’m 42 working as a retail store manager in Canada (where flying and pay doesn’t touch American standards) and I have difficulty imagining how I would ever afford to get back into flying and launch a career in aviation. I don’t know that an airline career is for me so that limits the options, especially when I have to live on my own income in a very expensive place. Before I even touch a yoke again I still have to get mentally and physically back into shape….if I find myself stuck in a motivational hole, how can I expect to manage an unpredictable life like flying?

[@Qrail]

Second chapter of Acts, I thought BrYan would show up to do a performance. Then I watched the video. My .02¢ is, go for the gusto, BrYan. Stop being miserable. I did one career for 48 years. My “avocation” was radio broadcasting, however there was never any money in it, unless you were in sales. I did 18 years, part time weekends, and had my fun being a mini celebrity. My real job, they actually paid me money to do something I loved. Drive. Yes, goofy hours, extra board, seniority, Union benefits, but when you go in at number 449, and retire at number 40, it all adds up. Thanks, Dan & Christy for putting this together. Edited for spelling.

[@bodriver9719]

Thank you for this discussion! It may not have been biblical, but definitely inspirational! I am in this process myself. I am a 59 year old, semi retired family business owner, 1200+ hour private pilot since 2016, instrument since 2017, currently working towards my com'l and plans for multi com'l right behind that. I don't know if airlines will be in my future (never say never), but definitely looking at doing something on the pro pilot side. I completely understand all of the emotions that Bryan is describing. This was a great discussion! Thanks again.

[@SuperAirplanemaster]

Hey, great job with the video! I want to add to Brian, I love your KZbin channel; keep up the good work. Here's another way to build flight hours without breaking the bank. You can become a volunteer pilot for the United States Air Force Auxiliary unit known as Civil Air Patrol (CAP). I've been with CAP for nearly 2.5 years and have accumulated around 80-100 flight hours during that time. It's a great opportunity to gain experience, and the best part is that it's a volunteer organization. We're considered Air Force airmen in the auxiliary sense, and we participate in various missions, including search and rescue, humanitarian aid, and cadet training. So, consider looking into CAP as an option to build flight hours. Thanks for the video; I loved it and can't wait for your next one!

[@PrestigeWorldWide777]

38. My story is long, but I’ve wanted to do this since I was 7. After a long break, I’m finally getting back into flying. Hopefully not too late before the hiring flow stops.

[@williambutler2177]

Bryan, I wish I had friends as good as yours. I'm a few years ahead of you in age, and although I had my IFR first you've surpassed me in both hours and ratings. I just got laid off (again) so unfortunately with no income source I can't imagine how to cover getting the additional 1000 hours and necessary ratings to make a career switch, but I completely agree with the feeling of having spent 20ish years killing myself in front of a computer screen and wanting more from my life.

[@MattHarvey-y8g]

I’m 48 and looking to retire from law enforcement and pick up where I left off on my flight training many years ago. Was part way through instrument when I stopped flying in the late 90s. Looking forward to a 2nd career in aviation

[@hivoltagedriver]

I am in the same boat, 20 years in IT and had to make a decision. Invest in more training to stay current, or make the jump to aviation which I have always been passionate about. I am now a Commercial Multi-rated pilot finishing up my CFI, and making that jump got me a GREAT career with a flight planning app company that we all know and love. They encourage all of their employees to keep flying, and enable us to do that. Not sure where my flying will take me, but I am happier now than I have ever been.

[@0akgrove]

Good luck Bryan. I feel we have somewhat of a connection since I am I.T. also. I have my private but am beyond the age of seeking the airline job but I wish you well in your quest. Go for it Sir.

[@justflylow]

What I never mentioned in my previous post is that I had at one time, laid it all out there and made an attempt to pursue an aviation career. It’s a heart wrenching story and it still is hard to tell. The worst part about it was the timing was bad. The economy was bad and crashed all aviation jobs and all other jobs were very hard to come by. This was around 2007. I nearly lost everything when I couldn’t get a full-time job for over two years. I am sure we remember the high fuel prices and recession that happened then. I will never fully recover from that loss. I have tried several times to get the job of my dreams but it never came together completely. I am doing fine at the present time but I just don’t know if I want to take a chance again. I know the odds are much better right now. I just don’t know if it’s the right move for me.

[@aorton7829]

Such a timely episode…. I recently started back at my instrument rating and doing that has reminded me once again that i am the happiest when I’m flying. I work in aerospace and support flight test, so I’m around pilots a lot. I regret not pushing myself to be a pilot and I don’t want to be an old man and still regret it. I am 41, 155 hours and making my plan to do this! Just hope I’m not too late to the party!

[@pilotchristy]

You’re not too late! Welcome to the party 🎉

[@aorton7829]

@@pilotchristyThank you!

[@justflylow]

I wish I was younger. I would certainly pursue it myself. My options are limited now because of my age and it’s certainly a better time than ever going to an aviation career. With the pilot shortage as it is, and the bonus pay offered with even the regionals paying more, it makes it less scary than it ever has been in my opinion.

[@mikekarbach394]

My former wife was a FA or a major. Her biggest regret was not pursuing becoming a pilot

[@craigsanders6925]

I have a friend that got hired this year for a regional, the month after he turned 21, he's loving it. Another friend is a flight attendant for United and recently completed her commercial enroute to flying for an airline.

[@flyingjeff1984]

33 years ago, the only option was to keep both careers 'cause the airline entry level was very poverty stricken. At least today, one can pay the rent.

[@berniebrown9115]

I have a idea for a show. It revolves around these questions. I have my ppl from 20 years ago . Stoped flying simply because I couldn’t afford it. I now can afford it but because I haven’t kept up my medical the sports pilots license seems the right way to go for me and several others. My question is what would it take for a person with ppl to get the sport license? What would be required and what would be prudent .

[@TakingOff]

Your situation is what I believe Basic Med was created for. You already have the PPL. That never goes away.

[@jmizzonini]

Interesting topic, I’ve been obsessed w aviation my entire life from about 8 years old, but went into marketing. Having a 30’s midlife crisis now while finally getting my ppl and fantasizing about being a pilot in some capacity lol. But just assumed I’m too old to go after it aside from being a hobby

[@TakingOff]

You're definitely not too old. If you're in your 50's IMO you're not too old.

[@pilotchristy]

Definitely not too old! I got my private at 34. 😁

[@RobOnRefresh]

This one struck pretty close to home for me. I've been working in the IT world for almost 30 years now (started as a programmer, moved into more of a consultant, now primarily a Senior Business Analyst). I'm so done with the day-to-day though. Every hour is a grind and as I do the latest ridiculously mundane task I keep looking up at the skies. I grew up with an ATC father and a love for aviation but never considered it as a career option until now. I just started flying recently, and passed my PPL written but looking to do more of an "accelerated" training option now. The most difficult part is carving out the dedicated time to doing that and stepping away from the "day job". My kiddo has 2 years left at University which helps a lot. Best of luck to you Bryan - get those remaining 300 hours and go for the airlines!

[@craigsanders6925]

The accelerated programs are expensive, a friend went through his training at a part 61, became a CFI and worked 6 days a week to build hours. He spent less than 60 K for all his training. Don't think you could do it much faster, a little faster for a lot more money.

[@RobOnRefresh]

@@craigsanders6925 - Oh yeah for sure I hear you Craig. It's not so much the speed that I'm looking for but the actual aggregation for lack of a better word. I think flying every day for several hours at a minimum is more efficient from a learning perspective than trying to do it piecemeal say 1 to 2 times per week with all of the other distractions that come with that. I think Dan and Bryan proved that with their multi-engine training videos. I wouldn't want to join a program like ATP or Blue Line Aviation though. Those are ridiculously expensive. I do know there are others out there that are much more reasonable and incorporate a form of "accelerated" training as Part 61. Just a matter of finding them ;)

[@craigsanders6925]

@@RobOnRefresh You can certainly do it that way. Flying several hours a day might be a bit much. Maybe two lessons a day. Depending on where you're located you can figure $2-250 per hour for instruction and plane rental. If you could afford to buy a 172 or Archer you could train in it and sell it when you're done. That would save a lot in rental costs. You would want one that is IFR capable as well.

[@RobOnRefresh]

@@craigsanders6925 - I am located in Canada at the moment (although I'm originally from the US) and unfortunately, the hourly rates at most of the schools are pretty insane. Every hour I went up in a 172 recently was about $400 (CAD) because of the pre-inspection, the quasi "ground school" instruction (maybe 5-10 minutes tops), etc. I had to stop primarily because of the cost. Now I'm just allocating funds to that endeavour for either a school or just an individual CFI. I'd love to be able to afford an Archer II but if rates stay the way they are currently I may have to wait for the prices to come down a bit (it's looking like more and more inventory is coming online which may help drive down the prices - at least marginally). Thanks for the feedback - very helpful.

[@kasm10]

Good luck Bryan you can do it

[@kasm10]

Where’s chewy. Bet he’d love to be there with you

[@TakingOff]

I know, right??? Christy would love that. 😜🐕

[@reyesben]

I love Christy. She’s so smart and has amazing wisdom, and obviously is a wonderful, mentor and coach. that said, I’m just gonna say it, you need to learn how to share the air. Dan and funny guy could barely get a word in 😂