Be honest, is trying to change careers to be a pilot at 40 a fool’s errand?

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Alone_Crow_1146@reddit

I am currently creating a solution specifically aimed at aspiring pilots or technical professionals who want a career change for airline pilots. It will enable the students to raise funds without incurring heavy debt in the shortest possible time - 12 to 18 months. Once I am ready to launch, I will post again on this site, with the administrator’s permission of course.

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nerferderr@reddit

And you do what now?

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Icy-Ad7443@reddit (OP)

Cybersecurity

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sudo_vi@reddit

I work in cybersecurity too. 34 years old and also looking to make a career change into aviation. I was planning to start at a Part 61 down the road from me next month, but I blew through my savings buying a gravel bike and an engagement ring for my girlfriend haha. Turns out buying jewelry when gold is at an all time high is a bad idea. I'm going to save up enough money to get my PPL, make that my focus, then once I have my PPL decide whether or not I want to go all in.

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runnymountain@reddit

I encourage you to pursue it.

I don’t love it when people say “do it on the side.” Aviation career is high moat. Commitment is key. Muscle memory is real. If you fly less than 2 times a week in your primary training, you’re extending the hours to get you to be proficient at flying. That’s added cost. And a lot of people quit along the way, for various reasons.

Simultaneously, with a finance/investment background, I do agree to avoid spending as little of your savings as possible. I don’t know where you have that 120k, but if you have it invested right, it can easily grow 50% or 100% in a year’s time. I don’t mean meme stocks or crypto. I’m talking about legit stock investments, like semiconductor etc.

I’m younger than you. I had a decent career in corporate America business and tech, but it was empty and I couldn’t find reasons or motivation anymore, and I’ve encountered multiple layoffs during my career. I made my decision for this career change, but in a way it was also imposed on me (in a good way.) For example, I thought I was going to get a job offer, after dragging it for a few weeks they decided to restructure and freeze the hiring. Eventually it becomes, I was not happy doing what I was doing and I just couldn’t see much longevity. It was either work 10 more years bulk save up and FIRE, or go become a pilot and be happy with the work and lifestyle that I don’t care if I have to work til 65 and the pay is great. I am diving in for it full-time, worst case scenario I find another job to make some money while I train or if unfortunate tried and failed.

It’s scary. I sometimes doubt myself and ask “do I have what it takes?” And at the same time, what’s the point of life anyway? I could work and save money, and then get hit by a car tomorrow or diagnosed with cancer. I’d rather die pursuing/working as a pilot than living a sad slavery life in corporate America.

Bottomline, I hope you can find an arrangement where you keep your current career and fly 3-4 times a week. - at least until you get your commercial & CFI, and then teach full-time to hour build. If not, leave the job and go for it full-time, hopefully you get to CFI within a year. But make sure you do research on reliable flight school, and make a bulletproof financial plan.

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gimp2x@reddit

Similar boat here, take what you can while you can until AI consumes your role, until you’re 65, a cockpit will always be waiting

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ResoluteFalcon@reddit

Even after 65!

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Icy-Ad7443@reddit (OP)

Similar as in you are in cybersecurity now or you were and changed to flying?

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gimp2x@reddit

I’m earning in that sector, buy my own jetA, I’m aware this won’t work forever, it works for now

Don’t envy the airline pilot life right now

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bottomfeeder52@reddit

what’s more foolish, doing it and maybe failing but knowing you tried, or saying you always wanted to but never gave it a shot when you realistically could have? we’re only on this rock for 75-80 years so you’re about half way done. what do you want to do with the other half?

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Sea-Order1318@reddit

This guy knows what’s up. I started flight school at 31 after regretting not being a pilot for the previous 10 years. I have a family and it’s definitely risky but it been worth it so far. If you don’t have a family depending on you, I can’t think of any reason not to give it a try.

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Mobile-Two-5793@reddit

Did you pay out of pocket or take a loan out??

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Sea-Order1318@reddit

I took out a loan through my school with Sallie Mae. I was fortunate to find someone to willing to co-sign so I got a really good interest rate. It has helped me go faster because I don’t have to worry about where I’ll find the money and I can just focus on flying everyday. Private took me 2 months and in total it should only take me about a year to finish.

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EnthusiasmHuman6413@reddit

405 bench is crazy dude.

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bottomfeeder52@reddit

tbh it’s probably not entirely accurate right now. since I started flying I am way more cautious with my numbers. can’t risk a shoulder or wrist injury or pec tear. my 315 is still the same reps/sets it was when I had that bench though.

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EnthusiasmHuman6413@reddit

Hey…. I think you can list your max all time. Updating it would be crazy.

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novwhisky@reddit

For real, how else you gonna attract the girls after getting banned from all the dating apps?

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EnthusiasmHuman6413@reddit

Is that a Nathan Fielder reference? That guy was wild.

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campus159@reddit

Still… how you fit in a cockpit with pecks that

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Aurrr-Naurrrr@reddit

Legit the first one. Speaking from experience. Chasing your dreams is all well and good but hell no trying to switch into aviation at 40+ is not a wise move

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BeenThereDoneThat65@reddit

I did it at 58, and now I fly a Gulfstream all over the world

So I can empirically say youre wrong

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Aurrr-Naurrrr@reddit

Lol bullshit you started flight training at 58.

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Most_Incident_7530@reddit

Anyone who claims to have started flight training at 58 under normal circumstances is just a flight school commenting on reddit

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MaybeARunnerTomorrow@reddit

What was your path? I constantly think about it at 32.

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fortinbrass1993@reddit

Same age as you and I’m thinking about it. Going to get my medical done soon and if that pass, I’m jumping ship. It’s scary, it’s expensive. And it’s a long grind. And if I make it, It would be so cool. If I don’t, I got back to my old job. Catch you on the other side as well mate!

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digmeoutwhiskey@reddit

I love to see this type of encouragement

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Dabeastfeast11@reddit

I dont think his move would be that foolish. Even if it took 5 years to get to the airlines he would still have a 20 year airline career and could still continue flying after that if 20 wasn't enough. If they had family or was like 55 then it'd be a little different but I think they're in a good spot

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Aurrr-Naurrrr@reddit

*could have a 20 year career if he has no setbacks, stays healthy and actually manages to get to an airline in 5 years. If he's making enough to chill he should keep raking it in and fly for himself since he can clearly afford it

Just my 2 cents

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Dabeastfeast11@reddit

I mean if you take the worse of any situation then of course it sounds terrible, thats nothing groundbreaking. With the information presented there's nothing crazy about going into a flying career.

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BeenThereDoneThat65@reddit

u/MaybeARunnerTomorrow I'm having to reply here since the person I initially responded to blocked me, and I can't respond where I'm answering something under his original response

You asked, "What was your path?"

My path was long and winding

I got my PPL back in high school in the early 80's (Graduated in '83), and was offered an Air Force academy appointment and turned that down because I was having too much fun being paid to drive race cars. In the meantime, I got my IA, Comm, and Multi-Comm, bought a twin, and put 800 hours on it. Coming out of the 2008 financial crisis, I was offered a walk-in at Continental, but I turned it down because $18K a year was what I was making in less than three weeks doing what I was doing at the time.

Back in 2017, a close friend of mine bought a 135 cert, and we sat down and talked about what a "retirement career" would look like. I needed to work for 135 for a bit, get a type rating, and get my hours up. In 2021, my back injury took me out of what I was doing, and I had to find a doctor who could fix it, as I was no longer able to deal with the pain and couldn't walk or stand for more than 10 minutes at a time. In 2022, I got my back fixed. In February of 2023, my doctor suggested that I do something else rather than go back to what I had been doing. I applied to at least 150 places and got hired at a pretty decent 135. In October of 2024, I went to work for a good friend of mine to fly a G550 for his 135.

Aviation IS about networking. Yes, you need to be able to fly a plane, but what is more important when getting hired is your network and being someone people want to do a four-to-ten-day trip with. I just helped a friend get his dream job at one of the premier 135's at age 60, because a person that I met along the way, who became a mentor and good friend, introduced me to one of his friends, who became a good friend who gave me the inside information and wrote an amazing Internal Recomendation letter for a person that they never met but trusted my judgement and recommendation. Then it was up to him to land the job, and he was, and I quote from my friend, "Everything and more that you represented."

Find your mentors, be the person that someone wants to fly with, be humble, be open to learning, and pay it forward; that's how you get to work in the best job in the world.

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MaybeARunnerTomorrow@reddit

I replied to your chat as well! Thanks for the indepth reply!

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itsyournameidiot@reddit

Never giving a shot and failing.

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Nervous-Jackfruit503@reddit

Glad I found this thread - I was coming here to post a similar question. I'm 39 and 15 years into a career I've never loved and more often than not actively disliked. I briefly got into flight school at the tail end of 2019 but it was quickly derailed with COVID and then life just kind of got in the way.

I had basically decided that it was too late for me at this point and resigned myself to a career I didn't care for, but lately I've been really looking at how I could feasibly make a change and among a few other options, the one that I keep coming back to is returning to flight school and giving it a serious go. My biggest concern is financial as flight school itself is a large expense, and once I do eventually start making a bit of money with it, it'll be a pittance compared to my current salary. I also have a wife and son and have historically been the primary breadwinner, so the financial concerns have an added layer of complexity there.

All that said, my wife is very supportive and knows I've been miserable in my career for a long time. She's said for years we could make it work financially if I wanted to do something else, and I think I'm ready to just take a leap of faith. My plan at least through flight school would be to keep my job - fully aware that will make it take longer, but easing the burden and hopefully putting some more away to fall back on once I do eventually leave the 9-5 (more like 8-6 and the occasional evening and weekend... and no overtime as a salaried employee!).

Ideally, once I've got the certs to start making a little bit of money with it I'll leave the corporate gig to focus fully on flying and building hours, and will draw on savings to bridge the pay gap. I figure even if it takes another 5 years to get where I want to be as a pilot, I'll get to enjoy the last 20 years of my career instead of growing bitter and detached in a career that makes me dread getting out of bed in the morning. Societal programming still tells me this is a crazy move (or "fools errand") to be considering, but I know I'll regret it if I don't take the leap.

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will-fly-for-food@reddit

I’m 45 and did it. Not a fool.

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jumpseat320@reddit

I'm 43 with a PPL and thinking if it is too late. I know majors are out of my reach. Is Regional FO a possibility for me?

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Icy-Ad7443@reddit (OP)

How did you do your training and how long did it take? Do you have work now?

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will-fly-for-food@reddit

Part 61 starting in 2022 at 42, did pipeline patrol from 400-1500 hours November 2023 - August 2024, and just got my type rating this past July for a corporate job flying part time. Totally worth the career change IMO.

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Icy-Ad7443@reddit (OP)

Pipeline patrol is interesting. Where are you located? We have a lot of oil and gas industry down here in the gulf so they might have something similar

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will-fly-for-food@reddit

American Patrols out of Midland. I averaged 160+ hours a month.

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Brave_Strawberry_206@reddit

Do it. My dad just retired after 45 years on private aviation. Never seen anyone genuinely love their career more than most pilots. I wish I would’ve let him teach me to fly. View from the office up there is unbeatable!

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ChiFxxd@reddit

I’m 50 at ATP minimums. I have a CJO with a regional but I can’t take the huge pay cut at this age. Decided I want to keep my current career and find a way to fly on the side (ferry pilot, contract, 1099, CFII, etc). I ran the numbers and even if I upgraded to captain and got to a legacy in 4-5 years I’d never make up the salary.

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runnymountain@reddit

You must already be making 200k+ then?

It’s hard to think getting a legacy salary in a few years exponential growth, retirement contribution, lifestyle etc. wouldn’t outweigh staying in current career.

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Icy-Ad7443@reddit (OP)

What o the numbers say you would make?

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run264fun@reddit

Talk to a CFI that went through that school to give you more accurate numbers.

$90,000 might be possible for PPL, IRA, CPL, & CFI but if you add Mulit, CFII, & MEI that might be a low figure

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bottomfeeder52@reddit

totally depends on location. being from the bay area i’ve drooled at some of the dual given wet rates in ponduk midwest.

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BluProfessor@reddit

Yup, location is everything! I went from 0-CFI and spent less than $30,000 (from Dec 2022 - August 2025). The actual number is incredibly variable based on location, skill set, and hustle.

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runnymountain@reddit

30k to CFI sounds crazy. Like buying a plane and selling it may not even be that cheap…

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turtelmann@reddit

Go for it but take care of your health. Eat well, hydrate, and mind your sleep hygiene. Health issues are aviation career killers especially as we age. And one DUI and you’re done. Good luck!

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Ok_Meaning3875@reddit

Maybe instead of taking the normal path- why not earn your private and buy and airplane? Like go out and buy a Sonex or something and go on an adventure and work on your other ratings slowly and when you’re done you can sell the airplane?

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AutomagicJackelope@reddit

I did it at 47.

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datbino@reddit

Look man…. You have 120k, you can do whatever the fuck you want lol. At 40 no one’s opinion should matter.

But you could literally get your ppl and then buy a plane. Grind the hours out while keeping your real life, and you’ll know pretty quickly if you can do it every day.

At 20, you can fail at anything and take your time At 30, you should be focusing on quickly failing At 40, I’m not there yet- but come on dude. If you wanna do it. You should already be flying

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Lumberjack-1975@reddit

I got my commercial license at 40.

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rbuckfly@reddit

How much flying have you done so far? Are you sure you’d love it or what is driving you in this decision?

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dawg-golf@reddit

I did, now I have ATP+ hours and am still trying to get hired. But coming from law enforcement, flying is much more enjoyable.

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tifa3@reddit

Not worth it imo

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CrucialParadox@reddit

Do it. I did, and it’s fantastic.

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Militarybrat123@reddit

You’ll turn 40 anyway.

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TobyADev@reddit

Go for a discovery flight first I’d say

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InternationalHour860@reddit

If you're doing it for the money then it's not a good decision. If you're doing it for the love of aviation/new awesome adventure then it's totally worth it.

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mustardgas_roses451@reddit

Don’t go to a “fast track” school. Get your private at a part 61 and keep working your job. Especially if you make decent money and don’t absolutely hate your job. This will ensure you actually like flying before you commit to the school. Many schools are only interested in profit and are quite predatory.

I’m in the same boat wanting to switch to aviation as a career and around 40. I did part 61 the entire time and took my time and continued to live life. It took me just under 2 years from zero to CFI. I don’t have MEI or CFII but I also don’t have any debt.

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appmanga@reddit

THIS, THIS, THIS. Get a toe in the water before you go off the high board.

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jalen9923@reddit

I did it at 48… I’m doing the CFI work now… if you believe it then you can achieve it

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shutterm4@reddit

Go get your PPL for hobby flying and make a decision from there. This isn’t an all or nothing proposition.

Do you want to be the guy that tried and didn’t make it or the guy who dreamed about it and never tried?

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babyp6969@reddit

It’s a fools errand but if you love flying and have literally no responsibilities to anyone like you say, you might be the fool for it.

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Aurrr-Naurrrr@reddit

I swear to God the people who encourage this are living on a different planet

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SRM_Thornfoot@reddit

I swear to God the people who discourage this deserve the sad, safe lives they lead.

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Aurrr-Naurrrr@reddit

Wisdom is also knowing when shits passed you by but ok live your pipe dreams

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betterme2610@reddit

Sound like a starving cfi or someone scared of competition

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Aurrr-Naurrrr@reddit

Neither. Just a guy who pursued the dream and the real world got in the way.

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betterme2610@reddit

Just because you L’d doesn’t mean it’s someone else’s pipe dream.

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Aurrr-Naurrrr@reddit

Ahh another jerk with delusions of grandeur

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Ok-Selection4206@reddit

Even a 20 year career flying all over the world and make millions while doing something you enjoy and are able to. You would be crazy not to if thats your dream. With the numbers today you will make a killing. 40 is young!

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sprulz@reddit

At 40 this person’s got 25 years of a career ahead of them. Probably 23 years left after getting all their hours. How has anything passed them by?

If they can be realistic about their expectations, i.e., they’re probably not going to be a widebody captain at a legacy, they can still have a rewarding career.

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Aurrr-Naurrrr@reddit

Yes in a perfect world so no they really don't have a shot at 23 and may be lucky to squeeze out 20 barring health issues. Dude has enough money to fly for himself. It makes no sense to me to swap that out that security for the major expense and uncertainty of jumping into flight training.

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sprulz@reddit

Yeah it’s a risk, but anything worth doing is. I would absolutely encourage him to hang onto his job as long as possible to keep his salary and benefits, but he also has no dependents so that automatically makes it easier.

Also what airline do you work for where ageism is a factor? I’ve met plenty of second career folks in this industry who got in later in life. If you have the hours and the airline is hiring, you’re in. That’s all that matters.

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betterme2610@reddit

25 years is a long f’ing time to work. Plenty of time ..

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templeofsyrinx1@reddit

He seems to be the perfect candidate. Good luck OP! go for it baby

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redwoodbus@reddit

That depends on your current financial situation. How much is saved for retirement? And how much income would that get you at a safe withdrawal rate once at retirement age? Do you own your home? If you're in good shape there, then go for it.

But if not, yes it is foolish unless you want to work in retirement or rely only on social security. The industry doesn't owe you a good job. Maybe you'll make it, maybe not.

You can make a pretty big financial blunder in your 20s and recover, 40s and later, not so much.

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Far-Desk1199@reddit

Buy a plane ticket

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Zealousideal-Cap-535@reddit

My best mate started flights school at 38 after having a career managing call centres and all sorts. He doesn’t regret it one bit. It was tough as he’d been out of education for so long, and had to get back into the study mindset, but he loves it too.

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Joe-from-daBronx@reddit

I started flight training at 47. Worked full time at a great paying city job while I trained and was done in 2 years. Instructed for the next 2 years and just put in my 2 week notice because I got called for the airlines. I’m now 51 so hoping to stay healthy God willing and have 24ish year airline career.

Having the money saved is HUGE. Most people don’t. Don’t count on 9 months to train. Just accept now that no one can predict how fast you learn, maintenance issues, weather delays, etc.

I have only one regret and it’s that I didn’t save more money in the 16 years I was at my city job. The CFI struggle is real. But the end is now in sight.

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DMLToys@reddit

If you’re scared after saving up the money and have no family to take care of maybe you shouldn’t do it. I have a family and zero dollars. If I had a $125k in the bank I would have already started because I wouldn’t want to die wondering if I could do it. I have to question the want if you have perfect conditions and still question if it’s a fools errand or not.

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shanehkg@reddit

Never regret the things you’ve done, only the things you haven’t.

Go and live your dream brother. It’s the best.

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Fluxcapasiter@reddit

Nope, my instructor is 49 and already has 20 years in as a firefighter EMT. he has every intention of making it to an airline

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flyingkiwi9@reddit

Do your PPL and CPL while still working.

See if you want to commit at that point.

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No_Leader1154@reddit

I’d keep that 120k in savings if I were you. Flying’s cool but having your shit taken care of is cooler.

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Snowboarding_Pilot@reddit

I’m 41 and doing it. Keep going. All the 23 year old CFIs will tell you you’re crazy but they haven’t spent 20 years at a career they don’t enjoy yet. You still have 2 and a half decades of a career. My advice is to get your PPL at a part 61 to make sure you like it before quitting your job and taking out a $90k loan. I know people that have spent years dreaming of becoming a pilot only to be bored after a few flights.

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Dbeaves@reddit

In the current hiring market. Yes.

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Independent_Stop_495@reddit

Absolutely TRY IT. If you have all of the above, make sure your flight school isn’t draining or delaying you. I’d say find a CFI who has no goal to airlines aka a retired pilot doing it for the passion

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Particular-Hearing25@reddit

You can make a ton of money with the 25 years you have left to be an airline pilot. Go for it and save yourself from living with the regret of not giving it a shot.

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jjkbill@reddit

It's not too late and not foolish to change, BUT I would say don't quit your job just yet. I get the urge to get it done ASAP but by far the smartest thing would be to spend the next 12 months getting your PPL while still working. This will ease the financial situation and also give you security in case you struggle in the training.

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ashishvp@reddit

If you NEED this as a career, Id say no. Don’t risk going broke for it at any point.

But if you wanted to treat this as a hobby that COULD earn you money, then yes, it is still technically possible

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Creative-Grocery2581@reddit

It’s possible. And anything is possible. My instructor is in his 40s and now has 2000+ hours. He has been waiting since October of 2024 for any calls. He was into IT and now trying to switch careers. I don’t know if airlines have age preferences. But if they have to invest on training a pilot, they may plan to get as many years as they can from the pilot.

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pilotPOV@reddit

Living a life of regret is not living. I’ve hired second career pilots, for many aviation jobs they are preferred. But, ultimately, follow your dream if it’s attainable.

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Designer_Solid4271@reddit

You might want to take a view of this perspective https://youtu.be/hOzX3OvT0Go?si=rxcsQWUe0uCLjao4.

Wayne Gretzky was famous for saying you miss a 100% of the shots you never take.

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FrGravel@reddit

You only have one life, go for it. You won’t get a second shot at living it. Just be ready to leave your pride behind though. Learning new things can take a little longer than when you were 20.

When you will be 100 years old and on your death bed, what would you regret? Doing it ? Or not doing it?

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Bowzy228@reddit

If you’re ok with the possibility of not making it to the professional level after spending all that money, I would say send it. YOLO

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WhenInDoubtGoAround@reddit

I switched careers in my late thirties. I thought I was crazy but I made it. I’m currently in my forties and loving every minute of it. Of course, right now the pay isn’t good but I know it’ll get better as I progress. Do I regret it? Not one bit.

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LRJetCowboy@reddit

Here’s an idea if nobody has said it yet. Why not keep your day job and do your PPL with a 61 flight school? See how it goes, how you do and most importantly, how you like actually flying. You save the majority of your savings and the worse thing that could happen is you end up with a private certificate.

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yowzer73@reddit

Spending $90k to get it done in less than a year is a lot of wasted money, IMO, unless you already have a firm job offer on the table. That grind gives you so few real world experiences, and I've run into a handful of instructors who went that route and clearly had been indoctrinated into some pretty bad flying practices. Then at the end, it's a big unknown whether you can get a job you actually want.

I started with hobby flying, and it was during my instrument rating in 2020 that I thought I might like to do it as a source of income. I went on to do commercial and CFI, working on CFII now. I have zero debt other than my mortgage, and I have gotten a lot of real world flight experiences flying for fun and volunteering with Young Eagles and Angel Flight type orgs.

I instruct in my free time, only one student towards a certificate at a time plus flight reviews, WINGS, and club checkouts. If I want, I might try to go Part 91, 135, or 121 when I turn 55 in a few years, but I won't have to if I don't get a job offer that's appealing. In the meantime, I can do all sorts of networking and experience building to see what I might actually like to do for a third career in aviation.

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MeringueSensitive779@reddit

I'm kind of in the same boat, but a bit younger and less money.

I figure it's a huge risk, but if it pays off you'll be flying as a job (incredible), and getting paid well while doing it.

It depends on your risk appetite though, I couldn't do it, but I think the way I'd do is fly part time until I got my CFI certs, then make the switch then.

Less strain on finances, and you'd have more saved up for the poor times as a CFI.

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PlaneShenaniganz@reddit

Life is too short to have any regrets. Go all in, and if you want a career, NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK.

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OccasionTiny7464@reddit

100% do it if you want. 120k is plenty, you could buy a cheap tailwheel and hire a CFI and build time for a lot less than 120k. Also there are other jobs that are fun and rewarding besides the airlines. I started my career change at 34, and at 37 I was hired at a 135, I plan on retiring there. The flying fart can isn’t for me.

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AnUnnervingGoat@reddit

Not a fools errand. You have a decent handle on what it will take and it seems like you are in a position where you can afford the delayed ROI. And there are ways to do your ratings & certs for cheaper than 90k. I went to a university program and finished with about 76k debt. So, yeah - maybe look around a bit before cutting that check.

Also, you don’t /have/ to be a CFI. Go buy a 172 for 30k and fly it around. Or better yet, buy a share in one for 8k and do the same thing. Or join a club with a few different planes. I’m finishing simulator training rn and there are two guys in my class who did career changes. One is like, 48 or something. Neither were CFIs.

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Sipnifs@reddit

I quit and have multiple small businesses and make great money now. If I could go back in time I would. My biggest regret in life is quitting aviation. I’m at peace with it now. Money aside, there is nothing better on this planet than the smell of 100LL or Jet A in the morning.

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jadesforest@reddit

Started at 30 after wishing I had started in my 20’s. The biggest regret I had was going full-time right off the bat, I really wish I would’ve kept some of my previous work to cash flow as much of training as possible, even if a little slower. I’m a 2-yr CFI now and I would suggest start flying in your situation, but wouldn’t suggest you quit your job yet and definitely wouldn’t spend 75% of your savings, at least until you know definitively that this is your path and calling.

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thisadviceisworthles@reddit

If limited to a yes or no answer, I would say no.

But, I don't suggest you quit your job or go zero to CFI right now.

Get your PPL/SPL first, while working, and then quit your job once you have 250 hours and you instrument and commercial written finished. If you start while you have a good paying job, you won't be learning under the pressure "if I take to long, I run out of money" and it opens up other options like financing a plane to build hours.

I suggest you leverage your current role:

Cut your expenses to maximize savings. Every dollar you save now increases the odds of making it to the airlines. Start studying for your PPL written, I used Fly8ma.com, but there are plenty of options. I suggest buying a program that includes the endorsement.
Find local pilot meetups, I suggest EAA meetings if you can find when and where they meet. Just show up, and tell anyone that will listen "I want to learn to fly", everyone there will have opinions, some will actually be helpful.
Go find 3 local school/clubs and get intro flights from each. From those 3 choose your instructor and club/school based on the intro flights (and log the hours).
Get your PPL/SPL (I suggest PPL, but if you go SPL, get the endorsements needed to build the CPL experience requirements)
FLY, a lot, at least 200 hours (250 if you go SPL) && study and pass your IFR and CPL written.

5a. Bonus: Buy a plane for time building (I suggest getting a tailwheel endorsement and a cheap taildragger like a Talyorcraft or a Luscombe, but a tricycle gear trainer will have less of a learning curve). If you can find a partnership that can be even better. BUT... if you buy a plane make sure you budget for renting a plane while your plane is in the shop, owning a plane is a lot of fun, but it can slow down your time building if you stop flying every time is goes to the shop.

Only after meeting commercial requirements do I suggest you quit your job, if you can get your Instrument before quitting, thats even better, but you could be looking at 3-5 years and 2500 hours between getting your commercial and making more than $60K/year.

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proudlyhumble@reddit

Guy on my class at a major was 61, happiest dude in the whole class.

Also, I didn’t start until 33. Best decision I ever made.

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burnheartmusic@reddit

So turn that 3 year plan into a 5 year plan to leave wiggle room for alllll the things that can slow you down

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DogeLikestheStock@reddit

No debt or family do whatever makes you happy dude.

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EnthusiasmHuman6413@reddit

Are you going to regret not doing it when you’re 80?

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Icy-Ad7443@reddit (OP)

Probably. I regret many things already haha

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EnthusiasmHuman6413@reddit

Then do it. I’m in my 40s. I fly with a guy that didn’t get a regional job until he was 60. One of the best pilots I know.

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captainmarkyD@reddit

No regrets man, live the dream.

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BlueSkiesFL@reddit

If it's a dream go for it! And if you wanna save some money we can get all your ratings done for WAY less. Im talking $30k+ less. We are in Florida as well check us out. Website is BlueSkiesFlightTraining.com in the Gainesville/Ocala area.

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Icy-Ad7443@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the info. I will check you out.

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Just-Advertising-480@reddit

I’m 6 years younger than you doing it with similar finances. Taking the long route. I can’t tell you that it’s a dumb or smart decision but I can tell you that if you think you’re going to get hired right away after being qualified you’re probably in for a rude awakening. I see so many of my cfi coworkers just getting obliterated financially trying to speed run on their own dime.

I be actually dropped out of corporate America and became a firefighter simply so I can work 2-3x a week and fly 3-4 days a week with healthcare and without using any of my savings.

I’d highly recommend working part time/finding something that pays healthcare. You’re 40 man. Acls, car accidents, god forbid cancer - shit happens.

Awesome dream that you can pull off but I really think you’re looking at pursuing it in a VERY risky lens.

Also why speed run now? Bad economy and until tarrifs get dropped, less cargo. I’m going to get downvoted to oblivion but you probably have 4 years till hiring gets a good pick up cycle.

You can do it though. I’ll be a gray headed rookie with ya.

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LegalRecord3431@reddit

Can you cite a source or methodology other than just pure spitballing for the “4 more years until hiring happens” claim?

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joe6419@reddit

I disagree with his take, yes, the airline industry is extremely sensitive to economic conditions. But you don’t have to derive the health of hiring purely based on economic indicators. You can look at total passenger demand, and airline expansion plans. Total passenger flight hours are still growing fast and Airlines are still looking to expand.

The real issue with hiring comes from two factors. Previous over hiring and lack of available aircraft. The pipeline got clogged up with too many new hires. At the same time Boeing’s aircraft deliveries slowed to a halt and airbus has a backlogs reaching into the 2030s. Each new aircraft requires 6-12 new crews. Both manufacturers have thousands of aircraft on backorder.

I’m currently a CFI at a 141 school and hiring for us has already started to pick up because most people are in cadet programs. People with extra experience, such as flight hours in turbine aircraft are getting picked up right at their hours without any sort of cadet program and we’re talking R-ATP mins of 1000 hours.

Reddit has this extremely negative take on anything hiring related, so keep that in mind when you’re looking through comments. Not many successfully hired individuals are coming to Reddit to comment, it’s just individual struggling to find a job.

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Just-Advertising-480@reddit

Thanks for being civil. Good takes all around. No points to argue 🤝

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Just-Advertising-480@reddit

First of all great username considering the comment.

Personally I think the current administration doesn’t care about the American economy. Not a Republican or Democrat take, just my individual perception.

Per the economist: “America’s economy is still growing: output expanded strongly in the third quarter, driven by consumer and government spending. Yet other indicators point to mounting strain. Inflation, which had been drifting towards the Federal Reserve’s target, is moving higher again as firms pass tariff costs on to consumers. Meanwhile, consumer confidence has fallen sharply and the labour market is cooling.”

Today’s summary goes on to state that the economy is growing due to government spending, but business spending has steadily been cooling. Unemployment has risen from 4.4% to 4.6% for the year. Inflation has been sitting at 2.7% but we had a long government shutdown where they weren’t spending money.

Historically, this administration spends without recourse. We also have a new head of the Fed in 26… they will probably get someone who will cut rates per the administrations economic beliefs. This along with high government spending will increase inflation. Accordingly, businesses aren’t spending right now because they can’t plan when tarrif policy changes weekly, so growth will be less than it is now. The growth of the last year has largely been locked in on getting international trade locked in before liberation day.

I think 4 years because there will be a need for a new administration whether, Republican or Democrat, to come in and have a year policies that cater to economic growth. Until then discretionary spending and American businesses that can avoid imports probably lead to less US flights at large.

Again, personal opinion.

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Ethealtes@reddit

With that much in savings you'll probably be fine. If your worried about switching to the airlines and aging out, remember that part 135 exists. Fly private jets/turboprops until you die.

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RedWingFan5@reddit

There were at least 3 guys in my new hire class who changed careers. It was their first airline at 52, 42, and 36. Go do it if that’s what you want!

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digmeoutwhiskey@reddit

No sir, don’t give up.. you gotta try .

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CaptHugemeat@reddit

Im doing it at 38. I’m a little ahead of you training-wise. I have my PPL and my instrument checkride is in two weeks. But I’m all in. Working my current job while getting the rest of my ratings this year.

I’m giving myself 5 years from now to get the rest of my ratings, find the ever-elusive CFI job, get my hours and get hired at a regional. Any sooner would be a bonus. I also own a share of two aircraft to supplement my hours.

Reading some of these negative comments on here is scary and discouraging, but I think it’s possible. Plenty of industry experts on here think it is too. Just like you, I’ll regret not trying, at the very least. Go for it. We’re in it together.

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Schwalbe262Guy@reddit

Let’s say at worse you get your 1500 and get into an airline at 45 so it takes 5 years. You still have a 20 year career… If you are doing it for the love of the game go for it. You are already about halfway done with your life bud, don’t get old and regret it

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BeenThereDoneThat65@reddit

If this is what you want to do, GO FOR IT

Please don't listen to those who are saying it's too late. Its not

I made a career change at 58. At that time, I had 1265 hours and got hired to fly an Excel. A year later, I'm in a Gulfstream G550 flying all over the world

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joe6419@reddit

I’ve got a good buddy who did his first discovery flight at 46, he’s a captain at a major now. Said it was the best decision he ever made, his happiness in life skyrocketed as did his monthly income lol. he was already substantiated in another career when he started.

You’ll have less time until you retire, but you’re sure to have a much better life until then. Even if you have to retire at 65, there’s still opportunities in the industry afterwards.

Being a bit older can actually give you a huge leg up, especially is hiring. Some airlines prefer older individuals, because their income doesn’t have to scale for as many years. That’s a fact I heard from a regional hiring manager.

On top of all that, why live a life where you never tried to reach your goals. Nothing would be more depressing than being at your death bed wishing you did when you no longer can.

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GeoCello@reddit

I have a friend who took his discovery flight at 38- he’s now 45 and flying 747s for Kalitta

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aftcg@reddit

Fukkin go for it!

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NonVideBunt@reddit

If you don’t have debt or a family to be responsible for you’re about in the best position possible to make the jump considering your age. You only live once. I’d start flying while still keeping your day job. You absolutely can make the switch if you commit.

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anactualspacecadet@reddit

Yeah i think so

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oh_helloghost@reddit

Have you done a discovery flight?

If no, go do that.

Then go get your PPL in your afternoons and evenings. If after doing that you’re still convinced you want to make a career out of it, then go for it.

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hartzonfire@reddit

Im 34. About to start working on ratings. I plan on paying as I go. Thankfully my job allows me too. Once I get to instrument-I’ll decide if I want to go commercial and then CFI. If I take the plunge-I intend on trying to make the switch. If not-I still get to tell people I’m a pilot at dinner parties (/s).

That said. Let someone tell you no (via an interview, not Reddit). Flying is man’s greatest transportation achievement. Being able to join that club, even if it’s just for hobby purposes, has always been a dream of mine and it sounds like it’s yours too.

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Wide-Charge-3159@reddit

My buddy get did it 41. He was a CFI by 42 first officer for medevac at 43 47 he’s manager and captain of one of their outlets.

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Otherwise-Pen70@reddit

Well, for starters you are kicked to the curb when you turn 65 so if you are 40 with all your ratings and an ATP, I'd say heck yeah do it but If you are at zero hours and looking at possibilities consider checking out a "Pilot Mills" Like ATP or United Aviate. It will cost you about $80 or 90K but in 6 months you will have your Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi Commercial, and CFI. and about 275 hours. Then you are looking at 5 years to get the flight time for your ATP. Will the airlines look at you in your 40's???? Yes. United Airlines hired a guy who was 58 years old back in 2017 or there about.

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EezyBake@reddit

You have 120K in savings? I’d get your private for the fun of it, keep your regular job for now, and see if you really like it.

Best case scenario is you get your CFI in a few years and have fun being a teacher on the side, long term maybe you do a charter operation when the economy is back up.

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tombiowami@reddit

What is it about being a pilot for a job that entices you vs simply flying for enjoyment?

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BuyTheDip_@reddit

I’m in the exact same boat, but turning 30.. The way I see it is we only live once, and I’d rather fail at something I tried than not try at all. But there has to be a level of practicality with timing and cost.

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blueBaggins1@reddit

Gives you plenty of flying time, go for it

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UtopianVirus@reddit

Not at all. You’ll regret never trying if it’s something you always wanted to do.

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Not_Maurice_Moss@reddit

You will only fail if you quit.

You have 25 years from today at a 121, longer at a 135. Do it. Go fast.

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AirborneHentai82@reddit

Start flying

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confusedguy1212@reddit

Please don’t. Yes it’s foolish and the reward is going to be minimal and what’s worse is that you’ll end up hating flying.

Keep doing what you’re doing. Use your money to keep flying fun and stick to leaisure flying.

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ltcterry@reddit

It's not too late to change. You need to realize you won't make it to the top, but you can fly for almost 20 years at an airline. That's making $400-500k in today's pay. Are you OK with that, as the multi-level marketing "recruiters" like to ask?

You've done great saving $120k. If this is 401k money, don't spend it. "Never touch the principal" is how you keep from running out of money.

Don't quit your job "to train full time." There is too much uncertainty for that. 80% of people who start Private don't finish.

Work. Train on the side. Trim your expenses. Pay off your debts. Don't leave your current job without a good replacement job lined up.

You may discover that flying is a great adjunct to what you do now. You may discover that you're offered a cool flying job you weren't expecting but can take because you're qualified.

Give it a try. Get Private done. If you make it through that you've achieved the first milestone. You have a whole future ahead of you. And only you can decide if it's right for you. I'm biased. I love it.

Remember - one step at a time and no radical changes.

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Icy-Bar-9712@reddit

I started late in my 40s. Haven't hit 50 yet and almost at ATP mins. Not sure if I'll go airlines or corporate. But depending on the eventual route I may have 20 years in the air.

Or, just like everyone else I could lose my medical tomorrow.

But I can say that I've absolutely loved the journey so far and would not trade it for anything.

Life is too short to not chase dreams man. SEND IT!

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LikenSlayer@reddit

Go for it! I have a friend who started at 45yrs old. But he had family, bought his own light sport aircraft to time build. Hit 1500. Got hired on at a regional "Skywest". Sold his airplane and recoup more than what he bought it for. Hes 48 now, & loving. Still has a lengthy aviation career ahead of him.

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Bluebaru2@reddit

The advice here two years ago is seismically different than what is here now. If you have savings, work full time and pull from the savings to get your certs along the way. Then you wrap up all your certs and - bam: still 100k+ in the bank for when it really gets shitty (instructing).

You can do it, plenty of other people have, plenty of other people will. Will you make a killing? No one knows, but you KNOW what your path looks like now. Does flying for a living look better? Only you can answer that question.

I am 31 and almost to mins. What will my airline career look like? Fuck knows. But instructing alone has been 10x better than any desk job I ever had.

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valspare@reddit

Is it to late to change your career at 40?

Maybe not. But you're facing mandatory retirement ~65 depending. You may be able to do corporate or freight longer.

Some things to consider is training costs in dollars and calendar time to achieve your IFR rating, Commercial Pilot, multi-engine, and the 1,500 hours to become minimally qualified.

Plus cost of life/living until you start making real money in the airlines, is a real issue/concern.

I would suggest that with $120K in savings at 40, which is quite impressive, spending that cash upfront at a flight school may not be the wisest choice.

There other was to achieve their goals. Buy a plane post PPL or go in a reactional share, or join a (harder to find) avn club. Build time that way.

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MyPilotInterview@reddit

I would get your sports pilot license, then sport instructor. At that point you can start building time. While you’re instructing in the sport world get your IR, ME and commercial ME. This way you’re earning money, building time all while you’re getting your ratings.

A client of mine got a CJO at a legacy this month and he’s 56 - albeit he will not retire as a wide-body captain, at the most desirable base, bidding his ideal schedule. But he can pick one many two of those things -

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AutothrustBlue@reddit

Go headfirst into flying as a hobby and if you still feel that way in two years come back and we’ll talk.

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Mobile_Passenger8082@reddit

Short story, probably. Do you want the long story?

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Spirit_of_No_Face@reddit

I don’t think it’s too late, plenty of people start just as late and make it.. and you should definitely do it if it’s a dream - I mean, you only live once right?

But don’t think about “career change” or “1500” that’s all too far to be relevant.. do think about just getting your private first to prove to yourself you have what it takes, and its actually want you want. Worst case you’re still a pilot!

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Important_Repeat_806@reddit

I’m your age and started in my 20s. I would not start now if I had to start over.

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lordtema@reddit

It`s not too late by any stretch of the imagination. But it`s going to be hard work and you are not going to be earning any big money anytime soon either. As long as flying is what drives you and it`s the passion that primarily makes you want to become a pilot then sure go ahead.

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CaptMcMooney@reddit

not at all, max age for an internation airline is something like 65, you still have 25 years of flying ahead of you

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I have passed my 1st class AME. I have $120k in savings. I don’t have any debt or a family to take care of but the jump to change just seems so scary and fools gold. I talked with a rep from RexAir school in FL and it would take 9 months and $90k to get my license. Then I would still have to find a way to earn the 1500 hrs minimum to be eligible to obtain airline work which would take around 2 years it seems if you become an instructor. But it seems you will be poor as an instructor and the ability to find work as a commercial pilot seems more luck and timing than anything. I turn 40 in May and think it’s too late to change and I don’t have enough money saved to do it. Am I correct or am I wrong g for being negative about my chances?

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