Im 38 and thinking of getting a commercial pilots license. Am I too old since I have to start from scratch?

Question

At 38 Im planning to change careers and already have admission to 2 flight school. Now does anyone know wether it is too late for me to embark in aviation at this age? Im still undecided on HCPL (helicopter) or CPL again due to my age! Can some one please advise me?

Answer 1

You are too old to think about an airline career; they simply won't hire you.  You can certainly get a Commercial Airman Certificate or your country's equivalent, and probably have a career in instructing, charter, law enforcement, or aviation small business.  There are many rewarding opportunities.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Go for it, but do it for the love not for the money because it will take a while to build hours.  I know a guy who is 55, quit his job, working on his insturment rating now and plans to go though commerical.  He won't fly for the airlines but he's following his passion.

Answer 3

Helcopter is a good bet. Pilots are in demand for those today, plus you can get your required licensing quicker. As for a commercial jet, you are never too old, but it takes LOTS and LOTS of flight hours to have access to that particur license. You have to start from a single prop, work your way up to doulble prop, then jet, then not sure how many more before you hit the big dawgs. I've always wanted to do the same. I have learned lately that helicoptor pilots are in need. Coast Guard would be awesome. My gf flies in  a medi helicopter daily, and one of her pilots is 70 plus.

Answer 4

It depends how bad you want it and what you are willing to sacrifice.  Nancy Aldrich, a retired United Airlines captain, received her private pilot's  license when she was in her mid thirties.  She was born in 1939 so you can imagine the prejudices she faced, being a woman, while on her quest.

http://www.captaingramma.com/index.html

Answer 5

All I will say is you will be limiting yourself if you go the helicopter route. There are many many more fixed wing commercial pilot jobs available than helicopter jobs.