Too old?

[Vertigo]

I'm 53 years old, good health, thinking of a career change. Am I too old to start as a commercial helicopter pilot?

[Goldy]

I'm 53 years old, good health, thinking of a career change. Am I too old to start as a commercial helicopter pilot?

 

WOW, 53 !! Holy crap thats old.

 

(I'm 48 1/2)

 

After years of piddling around with my license, I finally decided to sit down and go get my commercial helo. Should have it right after the first of the year. I am not a high time guy, yet have already been told by one 135 group that I could start flying on a couple of their contracts when I get the ticket.

 

SO, I guess the answer will always be :

 

-What is your attitude / relationship building / people skills?

 

- What licenses / medical class do you hold?

 

- How many hours and what type do you got ?

 

I honestly don't think age is on that list. However, many employers may see an older guy and naturally think he may have a couple thousand hours from a military background. May be surprised at first to see you with 300 hours in your pocket. I say if you have the first two, lots of people will help you get the hours.

 

Goldy

[fry]

I'm 53 years old, good health, thinking of a career change. Am I too old to start as a commercial helicopter pilot?

 

Yes because you apparently do not remember making this same post earlier.

[Sparker]

If you start tomorrow, (assuming no experience) you will most likely be 55 by the time you are done being a CFI... Do you have any experience (PPL) so far? You are the only one who can stop you from doing it... barring any medical problems.

 

Goldy is right. How much are you willing to sacrifice to have a ten year long career at this point?

[Vertigo]

Sorry about the double post.

 

I just can't see myself doing another 10-12 years in my present job. The pay is good but I hate it. I have the cash to get my CFI in one shot, but don't want to be considered "over the hill" and unemployable.

[Chi-town]

Becoming a professional helicopter pilot is not a cure for a midlife crisis. I'm approached by prospective students over 50 all the time lookng to go from 0-CFI and 9 out of 10 have given up at various stages because they just don't have the patience, energy, etc. to be a CFI. I know that when I'm 55 years old, I don't want to be crammed into an R22 when it's 100 degrees outside teaching some kid how to hover.

 

Just my opinion after a few years of observation.

[Sparker]

Becoming a professional helicopter pilot is not a cure for a midlife crisis. I'm approached by prospective students over 50 all the time lookng to go from 0-CFI and 9 out of 10 have given up at various stages because they just don't have the patience, energy, etc. to be a CFI. I know that when I'm 55 years old, I don't want to be crammed into an R22 when it's 100 degrees outside teaching some kid how to hover.

 

Just my opinion after a few years of observation.

 

Jeez, Chi! You're making me think twice!!!! :lol:

 

Vertigo- You won't be unemployable, but realistically (even if it shouldn't) your age may reduce some job options within the industry simply due to the experience required, and you may want to retire by the time that dream job comes around....

 

Chi is right though, the chances of a new career being the "cure-all" is very slim.

[Vertigo]

Jeez, Chi! You're making me think twice!!!! :lol:

 

Vertigo- You won't be unemployable, but realistically (even if it shouldn't) your age may reduce some job options within the industry simply due to the experience required, and you may want to retire by the time that dream job comes around....

 

Chi is right though, the chances of a new career being the "cure-all" is very slim.

 

 

I appreciate the input, even though it's been a bit on the negative side. I have pretty much decided to at least go ahead with my PPL and reevaluate after that. As far as the nay sayers go, I'm reminded of the story of the "Young Bull" and the "Old Bull" standing on a hill overlooking a herd of cows. The Young Bull says "let's run down there and screw one of those cows, the Old Bull turns and says "how bout we walk down there and screw em all".

[Goldy]

I'm reminded of the story of the "Young Bull" and the "Old Bull" standing on a hill overlooking a herd of cows. The Young Bull says "let's run down there and screw one of those cows, the Old Bull turns and says "how bout we walk down there and screw em all".

 

One of my favorite lines...great Sean Penn movie too. Anyway, I would encourage you to get your PPL and see how it goes. I thought my previous post was mostly encouraging...never know how words are taken though...your PPL will get you involved and meet some people

[Sparker]

I have pretty much decided to at least go ahead with my PPL and reevaluate after that.

 

Excellent Idea. Sorry if we came off negative, but it wouldn't be much help if we all just blew smoke up your ass. Hope it goes well, and enjoy the flying.

[Vertigo]

Thanks fellas, this whole thing more about the journey than the destination. I've wanted this for over 25 years, it's now or never.

[IFLY]

I just turned 50 and can't wait to give up my cubicle. Got my commercial last week and plan on having the CFI and CFII by the end of the year then waiting for someone to leave for the gulf and make room for me. Probably by March or April. I plan on flying until I'm 100.

[Chi-town]

Jeez, Chi! You're making me think twice!!!! :lol:

 

Vertigo- You won't be unemployable, but realistically (even if it shouldn't) your age may reduce some job options within the industry simply due to the experience required, and you may want to retire by the time that dream job comes around....

 

Chi is right though, the chances of a new career being the "cure-all" is very slim.

 

I never claimed I was all sunshine and roses. Getting a PPL is a great idea to get your feet wet. I just like calling it like I see it so no one can ever say I blew smoke up their ass.

[K-38]

In my humble opinion...yes, unless you are already a fairly experienced airplane pilot you are probably too old to start a career as a commercial helicopter pilot.

Sorry. But you can always get your P.P.L., and fly helicopters for pleasure.

[bossman]

Thanks fellas, this whole thing more about the journey than the destination. I've wanted this for over 25 years, it's now or never.

Fly helicopters, sail boats, race cars, or sit on the couch and watch TV. If you've got the health and the finances for it, have fun. You'll never regret the decision to fly helicopters. It may get a little frustrating about 8 to 12 hours into it, but hang in there. The bottom line is that it's your life and your money, do with it what you want. Just remember that when they finally stuff us with cotton and put us in that box in the ground, there's nothing going with us. You can leave a bunch of money behind for the relatives to fight over or you can spend it and enjoy the end of your living adventure. Either way, someone will have something to say about it. Do what YOU want to do. You'll love the flying experience.

bossman

(an old fart taking his own advice)

[Mikemv]

To all of you "Younger" Old guys! I have been flying helos for over 40 years now and I will turn 61 as the year runs out. My recommendation would be to start with a FAA Class 1 physical to see how good your health really is. Then work on your PPC (correctly, no PPL in USA) and think about having to relocate, maybe frequently or at least a few times to stay employed after you attain all of your ratings. It will be a rewarding challenge to get PPC. Evaluate then and Best of Luck, Health and Happiness. MikeMV

[Wally]

I'm 53 years old, good health, thinking of a career change. Am I too old to start as a commercial helicopter pilot?

 

Man, I'm 58 and... what was the question again? Oh yeah- I'm seeing my contemporaries starting to drop like the proverbial flies. The airlines force retirement at 60. Flip side: I know a few- a very few- pilots who flew well into their 70s, one into his '80s. The fact that they're remarkable tells a story, and the fact that they either owned their situation or were well established with an operator finishes it. You stand a good chance of flying thru your 50s and well into your 60s, (I see new hires in their 50s) at which point the job starts becoming problematic. If you can be established in a niche by 60, you could fly until your health becomes an issue, and should be "Hire-able", although I can't recall a new hire in his 60s. But, the market's changing.

Was I you, I'd ease into this and wouldn't sell the ranch in the meantime. Do the PPL, evaluate, and network. If it's rewarding, move to the next level, and network like crazy, and keep at it until whatever happens, happens. At some point you'll have the satisfaction of having done it to your heart's content and be able to quit, happy; or you'll know that it's something you have a shot at, and want to pursue. Working at "IT" is a LOT of WORK, and not for everybody, It's probably not at all what you think it is.

I've screwed up more than I care to admit, and I'm sorry 'bout each and every one. But the "what if I had"s are more poignant, even the ones that coulda killed me...

Edited November 20, 2007 by Wally

[bspindeli]

It's really cool to see people of any age flying!!

[Vertigo]

Apperently most everyone associates age with illness, so I'm going to kill that problem first. I'm scheduled for a stress test, cardiac echo, carotid doppler, holter monitor, and lipid panel on Friday. If that goes well, then hold on $%&@?!$%&* here we go!

[slick1537]

Well really, the medical would be my biggest concern about becoming a pilot. Hell I am only 20 and I have already changed my diet and lifestyle to keep my medical hopefully long into old age. ( High blood pressure runs in my family)

[robertson]

My Dad was flying all his life. He never let his age slow him down. Eventually his health slowed him down, but he was happy 99% of his life.

[sticktime]

You will be looking for a job about the time we pull out of the war. Save your money.

[Sparker]

You will be looking for a job about the time we pull out of the war. Save your money.

 

Do you have actual knowledge of what will occur when(if) we "pull out"? The military is trying retain it's pilots, it won't be like 'nam. Spare us your predictions.

 

Job Market after Iraq

Pilot Career Outlook

Edited November 27, 2007 by Sparker

[Sahid]

Sparker,

 

It was only his opinion! You crack me up sometimes with your posts.

[Sparker]

Sparker,

 

It was only his opinion! You crack me up sometimes with your posts.

 

Glad to get someone a laugh,

 

I bugs me sometimes how people throw in such off-topic stuff to discourage people.

 

 

 

 

everything sucks... don't be a pilot.