Hello

[SherwoodF-NC-609]

Hello Jerry, I am in the process of making a mid life career change from the IT field to the airline industry, any information and insight you can offer would be helpful.
I am in my mid forties, married with three children. I have always wanted a career as a pilot, but my late mother talked me out of it as a boy. I have gotten the bug to fly again, so I am not looking for funding to begin my training.

Thanks in advance for any information you can offer.

Sherwood.

[Comair Jerry]

Sherwood, thanks for stopping by and posting.
I'll be up front with you... Flight training, and getting hired at the regional airlines will take a good chunk of time out of your life. If you have an understanding family (and a financially capable spouse), then I'd say go for it!
If you're going to do this, do it because you want to fly, because if you're doing it for the money.... it's not there. With three kids, I'm sure you have your hands pretty full. Flight training will take around 6 months, then you'll need to build flight time and eventually get hired at a regional carrier. Once you're hired (Realistically speaking, 2-3 years from now), It's another few months of training and then who knows how long you'll be on reserve before getting a steady schedule. I'm letting you know that if you choose this career path, you have to be committed, determined to succeed, and you have to go in head first. I will help you every step of the way, but I think you should do some research, and speak to your family about your decision. Check out airlinepilotcentral.com for pay scales, and pretty much any news at the regional level right now. Cheers!