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Career Transition

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by aifiji, Jun 10, 2007.

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  1. aifiji

    aifiji Rookie

    Jun 10, 2007
    3
    #1 aifiji, Jun 10, 2007
    Wanted to get some thoughts from anybody that can share some experience. I am finishing up Phase II of my IFR training, and plan to have my instrument rating by September. I am currently a packaging salesman, and am not very happy with my career. When I first started my private, I had every intention of making a career as a pilot, but over the past couple of years, I have become so wrapped up in my career, I put that dream on hold. I know with full dedication, I can have my commercial rating by the end of the year, and am willing to quit my job to build hours as a CFI. The question I have, is I am 33. Is this too late in life to make a switch? And how long does it take to build enough hours to get picked up by the airlines? I still have many many years ahead of me and if I am going to switch, I need to commit now. Are there people my age making this transition out there? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Der Meister

    Der Meister Formula Junior

    Aug 16, 2005
    657
    Glendora/Prescott
    Full Name:
    Alan
    #2 Der Meister, Jun 11, 2007
    31 isn't too late but its defiantly not 24. you could get picked up with some commuter airlines with 800TT and around 100-150ME time, assuming you have a degree in something. with out a degree I'm thinking more around 1000TT. Then the "big guys" want some where around 2000-3000TT with around 1000(PIC ME Turbine) before they will consider you. As far as a time frame its really up in the air it could take 6 years it could take more, but if you do plan on making it a career then you need to network, big time, times could drop if you know the right people.

    This site has the min times and pay scale for most airlines.
    http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/
     
  3. aifiji

    aifiji Rookie

    Jun 10, 2007
    3
    #3 aifiji, Jun 13, 2007
    Thank you, the website about regional airlines is very helpful. One more quick question, as a flight instructor, I know the hours will vary depending on where you are at, but how many hours are typically accumulated a month by a flight instrcutor?
     
  4. Der Meister

    Der Meister Formula Junior

    Aug 16, 2005
    657
    Glendora/Prescott
    Full Name:
    Alan
    #4 Der Meister, Jun 13, 2007
    i would guess about 50ish, but i'm not entirely sure on that. And like you said it would depend on where and how many students you had.
     
  5. FlyingPoke

    FlyingPoke Rookie

    May 14, 2007
    6
    #5 FlyingPoke, Jun 14, 2007
    I'm just a lowly commercial pilot so far but I'll speak for the sake of it. I use airlinepilotcentral.com a lot also for my inside dig on the regionals, and pilotjobs.com also gives you a pretty accurate depiction of the hiring trend for regionals. However, minimums do not mean you will be hired at those times, just means you can technically apply, dont expect to be picked up at those times unless you know someone and they can pull lots of strings.

    As far as being too late, if you think you would enjoy this profession more and you dont mind the pay then you should do what you enjoy. FYI you can also get accurate payscales on either of those two sites as well as living conditions as a pilot. Good luck in your choice...

    PS With your age being a factor, and if you dont mind the massive debt, the ATP program on pilotjobs.com might be a good way to get on the fast track from what I hear...
     

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