Flight Training - June 2014 - 52

ADVANCED PILOT»

CAREER ADVISOR

Attorney now, pilot later?
Swapping careers at 35
» By Wayne Phillips

» Q: I am a 35-year-old attorney. I am
seriously considering a radical change-
quitting law, and going for a pilot
certificate. It has been a decision I have
been postponing, but I am now determined
and fortunately I have the money I need
to invest in getting the certificate. I would
love to work for a major airline. Is my age a
problem? Will potential employers consider
my age as a pro or a con? If I were hiring
I would rather hire a 35-year-old graduate than a 19-year-old. Would an airline be
expected to do the same or show preference
for the younger (assuming both have the
same qualifications)?-JB
» A: JB, here is the short answer: No.
At 35, you should have a decent shot at

Program. Check out AC 61.138. Once you
earn your ATP, you will need to build
experience to a minimum of at least 2,500
hours for any big-time airline to consider
attaining the job of your dreams. However, you. Competitive total time for a major
you may be well into your mid- to lateairline new hire is about 5,000 hours with
40s by the time you come close to your
mega turbine time.
present-day earnings, presuming that you
You are certainly young enough to make
are making at least $75,000 annually.
it happen if you can manage the sacrifices.
We have gone down the reality path
Experience, not age, is the primary considnumerous times over the years in this
eration at the majors. But, if your financial
column, but bear in mind the significant
resources allow, it might be prudent to
financial and personal challenges that
jump in full bore and immerse yourself
you will assume. If you are a private pilot, into training with an academy. One stratyou can expect to invest at least $30,000
egy that you might consider is practicing
to progress through the ratings. Now, add law on the side. This will at least give you
to that another bunch of years earning
some additional revenue.
1,500 hours to attain an ATP. All the while,
Wayne Phillips runs the Airline Training Orientation
you will make entry-level wages while
Program (www.atopjets.com). Send your career
attempting to support a lawyer's lifequestions to careers@aopa.org and we'll publish the
style. Don't forget the new requirement
best ones here.
to attend the ATP Certification Training

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Flight Training - June 2014

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