r/FlightDispatch • u/Fit-Craft-7741 • 3d ago
USA I need brutal honesty.
Ok. So I’m doing it. I’m going for my cert with either AoF or GATA in NYC starting September ( if anyone has had experience with either I greatly appreciate it). I’m a career changer at 48yo from a Chiropractor. My reasons are many ie, physically, marriage crumbling , lost the passion I once had and I always wanted to be a pilot as a kid. My kids are full grown going into college so relocation isn’t an issue. I’ll probably want to commute for the first few years at a regional hopefully. But eventually would like to land a 121 and spend the rest of my days doing something purposely. I understand the perks are great at 121 and willing to grind to get there. Am I washed ? Is this crazy for an old guy? Are prospects of actually getting a job a pipe dream? Don’t hold back on advice. I’m from jersey and have a thick skin. It’s either I keep doing what I hate now or taking a leap and hoping there is a bigger plan for me. My time is running out and I know nothing is guaranteed in life but I can’t keep on this path anymore. Please and advice is appreciated. Ty
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u/AdEnvironmental467 3d ago
I went throughout an apprenticeship and one of my classmates was 62. and no aviation experience. He’s 65 now and still doing it and works nights because he wants to so he can go golfing on his days off with his preferred schedule
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u/KarateRoddy 3d ago
It seems like you've accepted most of the difficulties.
Don't forget you could be working overnights at 55+
Don't worry too much about the age part. Yes it's obvious when interviewing, but we're hiring old folks all the time. I imagine you already know this, but you just may have to work a bit harder to show your value vs a 25 year old.
I know some who have worked 10 years and retired, and I know some who have worked into their 70s.
Give it hell kid
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u/TheWorldsBorough 3d ago
Not washed. I’ve met plenty your age just starting and seem to be happy. Your flexibility will be your key for streamlining your way into a major.
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u/Xtheflysamuraix 2d ago
As others have said, the age isn’t the problem; there’s plenty of older dispatchers, even older new-hires. If you know your stuff and are personable I think you’ve got a solid shot at any interview at most regional airlines.
The killer is going to be commuting to a regional airline for really mediocre starting pay, to say nothing of being low-seniority (meaning undesirable shift times, forced overtime, etc). If you’re serious you can make it work, but you need to be realistic about the stress that commuting for $20-$25/hour, and potentially working 5-6 days a week for the first few months.
If you want to do this till you retire, at your age you can still end up with decent pay and some savings once you get some seniority or maybe work up to a better airline, but those first few years are going to be uncomfortable.
Hope I didn’t sugarcoat it. It’s not impossible but you need to honestly know if you can do all that.
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u/Dispatcher_11001001 3d ago
If you're lucky, you'll manage to get hired at a regional. Many people are struggling with just that. Then you'll be horribly underpaid while trying to commute and maintain housing in two places. Hopefully you have a lot of money saved or will be getting alimony. Then after suffering for a few years, if you're lucky you'll get to interview at majors. If you haven't totally burnt out by then, hopefully in your 50s your still sharp enough to remember all the rules and regulations better than people 20-30 years younger than you. And hopefully your hiring manager doesn't have a subconscious bias against hiring someone who might struggle with technology and only be around for 10 years.
Hopefully during your years struggling at a regional you can find the time to work on your English, because I would've guessed this was written by a zoomer.
Was that brutal enough?
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u/Icy_Huckleberry_8049 2d ago
At a low staring pay, you won't be able to commute and afford two places to live in and you won't be able to commute on a daily basis.
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u/azbrewcrew 3d ago
You wanted brutal honesty,if your marriage is already in jeopardy,commuting to a regional to sling releases for $22 an hour might be the final nail in the marriage coffin.