Q-  I am thinking of changing careers.  I am 35 years old.  Do you think I can become qualified as a pilot and get a job as a pilot before I get too old?  Bill W.

A-  Bill--

I’ve been asked this question often.  Certainly, if you can begin your pilot training, and keep it going consistently, without too much delay, you should be able to enjoy a 20 plus year career with a small airline.  Or, if you’re lucky, and qualified, become employed with a major airline, depending on their hiring needs.  Your pilot training plan needs to be aggressive, without much delay, in order to enjoy an aviation career.  If you not interested in flying for the airlines, there are good corporate aviation departments out there who need good pilots.  Review some of the training assets via web links I have on the STUDENT PILOTS page of this website.  Good luck!

Q-  I have a DUI on my record, when I was in college a few years ago.  Will that be a detriment to me becoming employed with an airline?   Andy T.

A- Andy-

Is it only one DUI?  If asked on the application, you should disclose it.  Be honest.  They may find out if they do a background or criminal check.  And, many airlines are doing the criminal checks these days.  Will it affect your employment status?  It depends.  The interviewers may ask you about it...and if you explain it as a one time problem, when you were in college - a mistake...they just might take it at face value.  On the other hand, some employers might shy away from even interviewing you, particularly if they have 5,000 other applications.  I would apply anyway, and use honesty as the best policy.

Q- I would like to get hired with a major airline someday, but am concerned about the amount of travel required and its effect on the family.  Can you share with me how you handle the travel issues?  John W.

A-  John-

Perhaps you should go to air traffic controllers school.  They don’t travel very often, but do have a very important role in the safety of aviation.  Travel is tough on the pilot and the family alike.  You must like travel in order to deal with the stress it creates for the pilot and family alike.  Honestly, travel can be fun, and an adventure.  Sure, I’ve never enjoyed packing and repacking a bag- not my favorite chore, but part of the deal.  An airline career is very rewarding, in many aspects, and the family works together to lessen the stresses that potentially come from frequent travel.

Q-  Which path would you suggest for an airline career - the passenger airlines or the cargo airlines?  I’m interested in going in the most stable direction possible.  Gene M.

A-  Gene-

I am a bit biased as I’ve been flying for a major cargo carrier for 24 years.  For me, its been very stable, and the cargo industry has enjoyed immense growth and stability.  The same can’t be said for the passenger carriers, however.  The major aircraft manufacturers study the need for future airline aircraft, and have consistently forecast that the airline cargo business will continue an unprecedented growth rate for the next twenty years, and that thousands more cargo aircraft will be needed to fulfill that growth rate.  Guess what?  That means there will need to be at least two pilots in each of those jets.  Likewise, the passenger airline aircraft needs are forecast as well - but in a different manner.  Passenger airlines turn over their jets more frequently than cargo carriers, and new jets will be needed, yet the forecast growth rate of the passenger industry is nowhere near that of the forecast cargo industry growth.  So...my answer-- for long term career stability, qualify yourself to become employed with a major cargo carrier.

Q-  I am a private pilot, and mainly fly for pleasure.  I’ve considered getting an instrument rating, but not sure if it is worth my while, as I don’t fly that much, maybe 100 or so hours a year.  Do you think I should get an instrument rating?  Albert S.

A- Albert-

You didn’t mention a lot about why type of flying you’ve been doing, but it sounds like a few cross country and local flights.  You also didn’t mention how long you’ve been a private pilot.  Yet, only you can determine your justification as to spending the money for obtaining an instrument rating.  Would I do it?  You bet.  Why?  It will make you a better pilot, more in tune with the national airspace system - which you’re paying taxes for anyway.  It might lower your insurance rates, and allow you the opportunity to broaden your flying experiences, such as flying in weather other than visual conditions.  Its always good to be challenged.  Good luck and enjoy!

Copyright Byron Cobb