Is 35 too old to become a commercial pilot?

Airline recruiters generally prefer you be 35 years or younger when applying for an entry level position, however there is no law that regulates the maximum age to begin your aviation career (just a forced retirement from the airlines).

At what age can you become a captain pilot?

You can hold a commercial pilot certificate as young as 18 years old, but most airlines require applicants be at least 21 years old, which is a prerequisite for the Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

Can you be a pilot at 35?

35 years of age is definitely not too late to become a pilot. It is possible, but be prepared to see people in their early 20’s earning much more and at higher positions than you. Pilot training is roughly 3-ish years, give or take a year. So you should be done before turning 40.

Is 40 too old to be a pilot?

There is no maximum age to become a pilot with the exception of working as an airline pilot. By law, airline pilots are required to retire at 65. So while 40 isn’t too old to become a pilot, you might face a couple of issues along the way, including your health and current commitments.

How old is the average pilot?

In 2020, the average active commercial pilot in the United States was 45.3 years old.

How long can a 45 year old become a pilot?

A forty-five-year-old has a maximum of twenty years left of a flying career, assuming your medical is maintained. At some long-haul airlines, it can take 15 to 20 years to be promoted to Captain so you need to be realistic about what you can expect in terms of career progression.

How long does it take to become a captain in aviation?

Once there, it might then take 2 years to become a Captain, or it might take 15–20 years, depending on their attrition and growth. The good news is that you don’t have to stop flying at 65, you just can’t work at a major airline anymore.

Is it too late to become a commercial pilot at 40?

The airline may not hire you as a pilot at forty if you are not in your best medical condition, but you still can work as a pilot in general aviation. Thus to become a commercial pilot at 40 is not too late. It means your opportunities to work are slightly narrow.

Is there an age limit for European airlines to recruit first officers?

Whilst European airlines should not place an age limitation on applications, there is speculation that some would prefer to recruit younger First Officers where possible. Whilst it’s open to debate, some people suggest that younger cadets learn at a quicker pace and are better at taking on new information.