What Does It Take To Become A Pilot At An Older Age?

While starting a career in aviation as a young pilot has benefits like gaining experience as years go on, there is a steadily growing number of mature professionals deciding to take up the pilot's hat in their forties and fifties.

- Alison Dsouza

This sort of measured increase underlines the notion that becoming a private, business, or commercial pilot can be achieved at almost any age based on the available statistics.

In 2021, out of 250,197 flight school students, mature applicants in 40-44 and 45-49 age groups accounted for 20,740 and 13,375 respectively, while those in 50-54 and 55-59 age groups accounted for 11,754 and 9,753 respectively. Though taking up a small percentage overall, mature applicants show a constant increase.

It's always great to see people getting into aviation and becoming pilots at an older age. They set an example to others that are thinking about switching their careers either to follow their true passion or to change up their lives. Mature applicants and students often find easier to pay for their own education and are financially more stable. It is also noted that they are generally more responsible which allows them to make measured choices, especially under pressure. The truth is that the life of a pilot is not an easy one, as it carries a lot of responsibilities and accountability.

If someone in their 40-50 decides on journeying down the pilot's career path, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age, and hold a Bachelor's degree with good scores in Maths and Physics or hold aviation-related college degree. If those requirements are met, then the applicant can either enrol in a flight school or with Airline Pilot Programmes.