47 and gotta fly!

[GaryG-TX-609]

Hi Ken, my name is Gary Garza. I live in Austin,Tx. I currently run my own business and I do ok financially. My son recently graduated from UT in Architecture and I have finally come to the point in my life where I can chase the dream I have had since I was a kid. I have the time and income but I worry that 47 may be too late to step into a career like aviation. I dont want to come across negative but I read online that commercial airline pilots are generally put to pasture at 60. Does that include the smaller multi-engine outfits as well?

Well there you go Ken. Let's see where this first thread leads me.

Thanx,
Gary Garza

[Republic Airlines Ken]

Hi Gary,

Welcome! First off, with respect to age, as of about a year and a half ago, congress passed the age 65 rule into effect, which now says you're "put out to pasture" on your 65th birthday rather than your 60th. That's related to airline flying, and doesn't affect certain other types of commercial aviation, but either way you don't turn into a pumpkin at 60. Your only requirement is to be able to (at the airline level) maintain an aviation 1st class medical. Typically that means good general health (some specifics here and there - EKG, etc) and eyes correctable to 20/20. If, like you've said, you have financial stability and time, then you're probably in a good position to consider something like this. You will definitely want to learn all you can about the aviation industry, training options, expected timelines and your career options, and these forums are a good place to start, so take a look around and let me (and the other coaches) know how we can help.

I'm going to be out of coutry for a little under 2 weeks tomorrow, but please let any of us here know what's on your mind and your first questions. I'll check in a few times before I'm back but one of us will make an effort to get back to you quickly.

-Ken