Is 38 years old too old to start a career as a pilot flying small cargo or passenger planes?

Sure, you certainly can do it and fly freight or make it to a regional captain position (you may even make it to the majors if you try). Flying small freight really isn't a 'career' choice for most as they pay is bad, the work is very tiring and the work rules are not as desirable as in the airlines.





However, you need to weigh all the factors carefully. Getting into this career requires a substantial sum of money and the starting pay is $18K. After 3 years if you clear $30K, you are doing well. Even if you enrolled in a $60K ';academy'; program tommorow to get your training, you'd still be at least a year %26amp; a half away from a job interview (which is all you are guaranteed with those programs) for a $20K/yr job. You'd would be closer to 40 or 41 by the time you got hired and mandatory retirement is age 60. After 5-8 years, you may be making $50K at a regional.





The sacrifices you %26amp; your family are going to have to make, financially %26amp; otherwise, cannot be underestimated. I don't want to be a ';downer';, but you really need to be educated on all that's involved to make an informed career changing %26amp; life altering decision. If you decide to 'go for it', do so with no illusions.





I highly suggest you check http://www.jetcareers.com if you have not. They have message boards there, including a career changers folder, that will be very useful. Also try http://www.flightinfo.com and their boards. Many more resources than this forum for that need.





I made the jump in my 30's, and if I did not have a substantial sum saved and a very low house payment, I cannot imagine how I'd get by. I know someone who had the money and did the PPL thru CFI at a flight school and in 3 years they were new hire F/O at age 46. Unfortuntely, at age 50 my friend has left aviation because of the low wages (expected top out pay/retirement) and BS at the regionals. They did not want to stick it out till 60. Three years on the line was enough to find out that doing it for a living was not really living their dream- even though they thought (and proclaimed) so in the beginning.





Also, check out my site on flight training and careers for more isight and additional links of interest- http://www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.h鈥?/a>





Good luck with your choice.Is 38 years old too old to start a career as a pilot flying small cargo or passenger planes?
Not a good career move if you're looking to support a wife and family on the salary you could make as a pilot.





It will take you several years of very expensive training to get to a position where you're qualified to fly as a commercial airline pilot. Then, several more years at near minimum wage ($18-$22K annual salary) before you are able to earn a decent living at it.Is 38 years old too old to start a career as a pilot flying small cargo or passenger planes?
Yes, if you are talking about a career.
Assuming you have no aviation background -


you will be 41-42 by the time you are jet rated and commercially certified to carry passengers. Some employers may not care about your age as long as you're qualified.





flying propeller aircraft is less demanding on the body and can be more easily trained and certified for.





Bon chance!
You are never too old for anything. Even if you think that way 38 is not too old. Go for it man, something you like, you are passionate about!