You have been itching to get into flight school but have been holding back, not having enough money in the bank or a steady job to support your training. Now you are 40 and have decided that it is time to take action and become a pilot!
But is anyone really too old for flight school?
The truth is, there are many people who have been itching to fly but have held themselves back. For some it is a case of saving until they have enough in the bank, for others it is a desire to move on from their office jobs and to pursue a career they never thought they could achieve.
If you are interested in becoming a cadet pilot, there are many options available. Some of the major airlines have their own indigo cadet pilot program, while many of the regional airlines in the US also offer a range of incentives to cadets who join them.
Cadet programs are an excellent way to get into the airline industry and it can be very rewarding. Some offer monetary sign-on bonuses, flight benefits and guaranteed jobs all the way up to senior captain.
But is it worth it?
There is no denying that becoming an airline pilot can be very rewarding, but it is important to remember that your chances of achieving this are going to be much lower after age forty. At this point, it makes more sense to view a flying career as a retirement plan than as a new job.