Getting a job at 66yo
Posted by PercentageWinter4150@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 36 comments
So I'm a late bloomer...got my ATP/MEL about a month ago, and am looking for a job. I think my age is gonna be an obstacle. Any suggestions where to look? I just want to fly, don't need the money, just fulfilling a life long dream.
Scary-Comfortable754@reddit
You can't fly commercial after 65
PercentageWinter4150@reddit (OP)
You can't fly for the airlines after 65....you can fly part 91/135 though. Read the regs.
Scary-Comfortable754@reddit
Who would want a 66 year old to fly their plane- Not the owners insurance company
I'll tell ya that
SEA_tide@reddit
In Alaska, it's very common to have pilots older than 65 because they often have much more experience flying in the state's unique conditions.
Scary-Comfortable754@reddit
Yeah, but they could die of natural causes at any minute...I wonder...do they let doctors perform surgery after 65?
usdwisrdewoh@reddit
Die of natural causes at 65?? That’s still pretty young. I’d rather my surgeon be 65 with life experience than some kid “building time”.
Scary-Comfortable754@reddit
Trust me..You wouldn't be getting him at his peak...
Young people think getting old is just a few aches and pains....lol
Ok-Selection4206@reddit
Specially, you cannot currently fly Part 121 once you turn 65 in the US.
KC-Chiefsfan23@reddit
Lot of young people dying to get their career started that actually do need the money and that first job.
usdwisrdewoh@reddit
Yeah, who cares? Let that young person struggle like everyone else to get their foot in the door.
KC-Chiefsfan23@reddit
Some old rich guy who just wants to fly a job for fun vs someone trying to build a career and feed their family. Not saying he’s selfish for having a dream but it’s a tough industry right now and I think he should move on for the younger generation
usdwisrdewoh@reddit
I get what you’re saying, but that’s life. I’m not giving up anything to anyone to fulfill a dream or a life goal. Those youngsters out there will make it if they really want it.
PercentageWinter4150@reddit (OP)
Thanks for all the comments, positive and negative. Again, I'm doing this because I want to, not that I need to so no matter the outcome I'm good with it. I can always hop in my Comanche and go fly wherever/whenever I want. Fly safe everyone!!!
ltcterry@reddit
I retired from government civil service at 62. I'm now 66. I began working the flying transition the last couple years of work.
You'll be able to find some sort of job. Entry level is still entry level regardless of your age. You could become a talented instructor/mentor to people in the community and charge a reasonable hourly rate.
What interests do you have? Are you already an instructor?
If you're collecting Social Security be aware you're in the 61-67 window for a while longer. Watch your income and expenses.
PercentageWinter4150@reddit (OP)
Yes I retired from the govt at 62 also. I am a CFI, been doing that for a few years, but would like to do something else. Just got my ATP/MEL a month ago, did it on my own, paid for myself.
ltcterry@reddit
Ask around town. Look for charter companies w/ in an hour drive.
Your big advantage that you’re not going to leave for an airline job.
If you don’t mind sharing, where are you?
PercentageWinter4150@reddit (OP)
About an hour west of Boston. I was called by Ameriflight, but their schedule is horrible, not for me.
Guilty-Box-7975@reddit
You are a new hire with zero experience... and you expect prime schedules in the best bases?
You are gonna have a bad time unless you adjust those rose colored glasses.
PercentageWinter4150@reddit (OP)
No rose colored glasses here....this is something I'd like to do, I dont have to do it. Financially im set i am just trying to fulfill something I always wanted to do. If it happens, fine....if not im good with it.
senor_diego_garcia@reddit
my BIL who aged out of AA and got type rated on the piaggio and pc12 and now trains younger guys for a part 135 charter company. this could be a good avenue to look into.
senor_diego_garcia@reddit
why downvote? the industry is insanely competitive right now...i have an atp rated friend who's 30 and took him 2 years to find a gig after getting furloughed from spirit. even flying boxes regionally is extremely hard right now. don't sugarcoat it
Baystate411@reddit
Well...there's the entry level job you were looking for
babi-guling@reddit
Cape Air might be a good fit for you. Look them up, several bases in the Northeast and they hire a lot of +65 pilots. Only requirement is ATP mins
ltcterry@reddit
Visit your local EAA. Go to FAASTeam meetings. Talk to flying clubs. Are there any university programs near you?
It takes time to get things moving. But keep building relationships.
theboomvang@reddit
Insurance is really cracking down on older pilots. Without a lifetime of experience to offset this, it's very much an uphill battle to land a non-sketchy jet job. Try but also explore some corners of the industry.
FeatherMeLightly@reddit
Survey, 135/91k jobs.
Commercial_Meat_8522@reddit
Is this a joke?
PercentageWinter4150@reddit (OP)
Why would it be a joke?
Commercial_Meat_8522@reddit
Isn’t retirement 65?
UltimaA380@reddit
Much more options than just airlines
PercentageWinter4150@reddit (OP)
Not for part 135 OPS...no age limit.
OrionX3@reddit
Probably some corporate jobs but CFI/lead CFI jobs seem like a natural fit. Lots of good schools could use a lead CFI that isn't going to bounce to an airline in a year
Schwalbe262Guy@reddit
Corporate, I also hear JSX
retiredaaer@reddit
You can probably find work as a corporate copilot. Find corporate flight departments in your area and talk to the Chief Pilot.
BrtFrkwr@reddit
Some of the pipeline and survey companies operate under Part 125 and there isn't a maximum age limit.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
So I'm a late bloomer...got my ATP/MEL about a month ago, and am looking for a job. I think my age is gonna be an obstacle. Any suggestions where to look? I just want to fly, don't need the money, just fulfilling a life long dream.
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