Is 44 years old too old to start Pilot's License training?

Question

I'm 44,and I drive a tractor trailer for a living.I like to study more so now than in my youth.I went with a pilot friend of mine recently...and he gave me the controls for 10 minutes while we were in a twin engine beechcraft at 3500 feet.He allowed me to do basic maneuvers....I love the sensation!I don't have any kids or prior responsibilites that would distract my study time.Is this worth trying at my age?

Answer 1

If you want it as a career ,, so you cant !

if you want it as a hoppy ,, then go for your Private Pilot License ,,

you need to pass a simple physical examination Class 3

and you need about 10,000$ for the private pilot training and studies ,, check flight schools or local airports in your country

happy landings ;)

Answer 2

Age is never an issue. I regularly fly with a gentleman who gained his Pilots Licence when he was 45, and that was commercially! If you just wish to fly for fun, then....h**l yeah...go for it!

Age discrimination is far less likely these days, just be aware that employers will still look at youngsters for the fact they can get so much more out of them in terms of working years! The training can be done at your own speed, but will be costly. It will also require a lot of effort as well if you wish to aviate for a career. However, that said, you and your motivation will carry you to your goals.

Safe flying!

Answer 3

Don't listen to any of these idiots below the first answer. As long as you can pass a physical meaning get a first class medical and you have the skills and knowledge of a good airman, you can become a commercial pilot. Your career may not be as long as a 20, 30 year veteran and also keep in mind that the age cut off is 60 for most airlines. I was 18 when I started flying and it's been a passion of mine ever since I was 5. You just got bit by the bug at a later age. GO FOR IT! Get this, you will discover that a lot of pilots have a CDL and come from a truck driving background in some capacity. My former flight instructor from Brooklyn NY drove a bakery truck to help pay his way through flight school and college. He just got hired to fly 767s for Continental Airlines and he's 37. It was challenging but the reward is now he's flying a heavy bird and texting me from Paris, Honolulu and Rio. So if you feel it and can do it. FLY FLY FLY. Also, if you have the money or the good credit to get the key loan you can do what is called an ab-initio program ie. Delta Connection Academy at Sandford Airport in Florida. You can go from zero time to the left seat of a jet in 1 year and a 1/2. The program is really intense but that's a short cut if your dedicated.

(Added on to reply) to John B - First of all sir, my answer was aimed to address a desire   to be a commecial pilot for an Airline! Secondly I AM A PILOT and work the line in the Industry. I also attended an aviation college to get my ratings. so unless you are currently flying commercially and I doubt you are. SHUT THE h**l UP! A lot of people here had good valid points in response to his question. so I don't think were all wrong! You said yourself you don't even fly you just KNOW a lot of pilots... and if you actually READ my post correctly instead of tryin to be a know it all j******f and saying everyone is wrong, you would have noticed I said A LOT of pilots have their CDL I didnt say most! since you don't work for the same airline I do or went through the same part 141 and part 61 program I would suggest you learn your place... behind the fence watching take offs and landings - DOUCHE BAG. Excuse the outburst I just hate know it all expert observers

Answer 4

Go for it!!!!!!!! You're not too old. There are alot of pilots your age. Go for private pilot certificate. There's alot of info on www.aopa.org

You can later get a muli-engine rating, instrument rating, and much more without having to do it for a career. Flying is awesome! You can do it!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

pick another hobby we have enough pilots crashing and wasting fuel and impacting the environment-if you want to go somware read about the place at the library and stay home thyeres enough people anyplace you go so no one is needed any ware and if you need a thrill help someone close to home

Answer 6

You're never too old to stop learning! Why not go for it?? Time will pass regardless of whether you do it or not. You sound thrilled at the feeling it gave you and if nothing else it can be a hobby you can enjoy. Go for it!! =)

Answer 7

Hey, always wanted to drive an eighteen wheeler. Envy you guys and admire your skills. Never flew a 747 myself and that's the only eighteen wheeler that flys as far as I know.

Here's your first lesson my friend. Never, I mean never listen to an answer that you read here. Every one above me has it wrong in some way. First there is no age limit to private or even comercial flying. The 65 year rule is for 121 airline pilots only and there are plenty of non airline jobs out there.  Second, you do not need a first class medical unless you will need to excercise the priviliges of an airline transport pilot. You likely never will. And finally, if you do find yourself crashing, hope you don't, please do the rest of us a favor and aim for the house Glen S lives in.

And Stephen S, most pilots have a CDL and drive trucks? I don't know of one and I know many many pilots. Jeez man.

Answer 8

Stephen is correct except you can now fly until 65 provided you can pass the physical.

Go for it. In theory you can have your ratings in under 2 years and with a little luck you can make a living flying. It takes a little luck for all pilots really.  You might not like the pay of junior pilots but who knows you might just end up buying your own plane and starting a delivery company with the contacts you have made driving for a living.

If you don't believe anything is possible, look at who is running for president. lol.

Answer 9

no unless you forget everything

Answer 10

Heck yes its worth trying! The only things that might hold you back would be of course money (that's what really makes airplanes fly) or not passing the flight physical (if you're going for a private pilot rating, you only need a third class and its hard not to pass that unless you have a prior condition of some sort. You might want to get the physical first just to see before you throw out the money on lessons).

Check out these sites for some add'l info:

www.aopa.org/learntofly/

www.beapilot.com