My Flying News

No. You are not too old to be a pilot. Pilots can be any age, assuming they can pass the medical test.

This is a question I am getting more and more recently. I am trying to understand why? Maybe because I am looking a little older? It may be because of the pilot shortage, and people are seeing that flying can be a rewarding career. Perhaps recent global events have people rethinking their life and career choices?

What is the maximum age to be an airline pilot?

The current age limit in the United States is 65. There is talk that this will be increased to 67 soon.

Either way, this is only an age limit for large or part 121 airline flying. Part 121 is the regulations that cover large scheduled airlines. Many other flying jobs do not have any age limit. Corporate pilots, charter pilots, and flight instructors, to name a few.

In fact, many airline pilots retire from the airlines and find other flying jobs. I have worked as a check pilot for a charter company, and most of my students were 65+ retired airline pilots.

What is the maximum age at which airlines will hire pilots?

This varies by airline. I have been in new hire classes at two different airlines. The first was a large regional airline, and the other was a significant low-cost carrier. There were new hires in both of my classes who were over 60.

Airlines will hire you if you fit their culture, have the pilot qualifications, and they can get a couple good years of service from you.

The answer to the hidden question. Career changes are not easy at any age.

A passenger approached me recently and asked if 45 was too old to be a pilot? The answer is no. Then he asked the real question. He had an established 6 figure business career, a wife, and children who were accustomed to a particular lifestyle, and asked how long it would take to replace his income?

That is a much harder question to answer. Theoretically 2 to 3 years. However, if you do it for the money, you are making the wrong choice. Excuse the pun, but the aviation industry has ups and downs. You and your family will most likely have to sacrifice for a while.

Learning to fly is very expensive. Then, assuming you “make it,” you will be junior. Very low on the airline seniority list. You will not have weekends or holidays off for years.

I am biased, but being a pilot is great, and I believe the sacrifices are worth it. I hope this article helped you realize you are not too old. I hope to see you out there in the skies!