I am 51, just completed my first lesson today. Your video and fellow followers are great inspiration to me. Will keep you posted, how things are progressing from my end.

You nailed this. I started at 46. Fast forward 5 years and this month, at the age of 51, I was able to hang up my IT keyboard and started at a freight company as an SIC (Second In Command). It's low pay, for now. The returns will start to happen quickly. There are many hopes and dreams buried in graveyards. (I think that was Zig Ziglar or Norman Vincent Peale or someone of that ilk?). Many in my circles thought I was down right crazy to switch careers. They asked me how I could do such a thing. Well, rather than looking up and thinking..."I wonder", I started asking questions and put one foot in front of the other. A gentleman I used to listen to on a podcast once said, "Time spent flying isn't subtracted from your lifespan". There is NOTHING that compares to being in the sky! I wish you the best!

Found your channel, and happy I did. I'm 45, got my PPL last year. Been contemplating a 2.0 career in aviation as well. Appreciate putting yourself out there!

Thank you for sharing your story. I am the same age and planning on pulling the trigger in August to start flight school. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

Trent, Glad I ran into this video! I'm 52 and neck deep in my instrument/commercial rating at a flight school. I often wonder what the heck I'm doing when I go to the school and see all of the "kids" there. I believe I'm the oldest one in training. The timing of seeing this couldn't have been better because I've been a little discouraged lately. Not going to lie, it's hard! It's nice to know there are people in similar situations. Let me know if there is any way I can help you along your journey. One thing that I've learned about the aviation world is that it's important to network. Not only for support and encouragement, but also eventually for job openings. Subscribed and following!

Hey Trent, i,m glad I found your video! I’m also 53 and decided to go back after 12 years of pause. I currently hold IFR/ commercial multi and working on my Single engine commercial . Not so easy as used to be when younger but your video gave the boost I needed! Thank you. You got my subscription.

Hey Trent. I found your video perfectly timed, as I’ve been on the fence of doing just this. Been a business owner for decades, and now want a change. As I always loved flying . . . now at 53 myself, figured I might as well give it a shot. I wish you all the best with attaining your goals!

Thank you for sharing your experience

59 and just passed my Solo. Looking forward to seeing more videos.

Good luck Trent! Don’t listen to the negativity out there and thanks for sharing such awesome information.

Thank u! Thank u!!!

Trent, glad I came across your video! I’m 47 and getting ready to embark on my PPL. Best part about it is that my instructor is my son. He’s a CFii and heading to the airline pilot world when he has enough time. It’s been a lifelong dream to be a pilot. Who knows, maybe I’ll be FO with my son as a CA!

Trent-Glad I found your video. I am 52 yrs old and just started flight training! (Literally just started, have about 4-hrs currently) I raised my kids and paid my dues to corporate America. I have always wanted to fly and now with this shortage I am looking forward to spending my career 3.0 doing something I love! The fact that I can still have a 10-15 year career flying and make good money totally justifies it for me. Looking forward to following your journey and possibly crossing paths one day.

Thank you so much for the motivation. Really love this video.

Great video! I’m about to turn 47. The last 25 years I’ve work between LE and, last 17 years, in medical. I’m burnt out and I’m sick of death. I’m at that career change crossroads too, I’ve always loved aviation, and now I’m just started groundschool. Finally, I feel like I’m pursuing what I should have been 30 years ago. It’s helped with mentally healing dealing with the trauma I have seen over the years to focus on airplanes. I’m super stoked, I look forward to following your journey as well.

Thanks for watching! If you've found this video helpful and would like to help me grow my channel, please consider leaving a tip: fly-with-trent.ck.page/products/tips

Looking forward for more videos! Good luck!!

Excited to watch this journey! As a fellow treasure valley pilot and can’t wait to see where this takes you!

Hi Trent, great video and motivation. I’m 44 and have a little over 1000 TT over the past 8 years while having full time career. Great info and starting the same track to get to the airlines.

I'm super excited to follow your progress as you make this journey! I'm a 40 yr old school teacher who always dreamed of being a pilot. I'm now seriously considering if I could make it happen. Good luck and I look forward to seeing your progress.

Hi Trent, I'm 56 and have my private and instrument ratings, plus 500 hours flight time. I've been thinking about going for the commercial and multi engine ratings and pursue a career, but have been on the fence about it. Your video is helping to encourage me to take the plunge. Good luck with your progress.

Hey Trent. Enjoyed the video and you make it seem so possible. Can’t wait to watch all your other videos and follow in your footsteps steps.

Thanks so much Trent 🤟🤟🤟

Hey Trent, I’m 53 as well and have been seriously pondering this journey for the last few weeks. I subscribed to your channel. I will keep up with your progress. I live in Texas, but with the world getting smaller, I’m sure our paths are sure to cross. The 1st cup of coffee will be on me!😊

Great video! I just started working on my private pilot certificate in the last few months part time because I have a day job. That’s really awesome that you already have your private! I’m around your age. Looking forward to your video updates.

Hey Trent , Im an x flight attendant, a burned out nurse at the moment 😢and I hve always wanted to be a pilot . Every job has its pros and cons , never met a pilot that hated his job . It’s for individuals who don’t mind change , I’m a Gemini and in constant need of change . Your video has inspired me to go back and do it , Im trying to save money , not easy as a single mom but I can’t wait to achieve this goal . Thank you so much ❤❤

Almost 41, I haven't got a penny to my name but you inspire me and give me hope. Subscribed to your channel!

Great insight Trent. I'm still a young whippersnapper and not even considering a career in aviation, just studying for my PPL and ran into this video. I love that you're going for it...53 is still young. I invite you to be a guest on my Podcast, I love sharing stories of people who're doing extra-ordinary things. Good luck on your pursuit.

Hello Trent ,very inspirational ..

This is an inspiring video. I'm about to turn 55 and have my instrument rating, 450 hours, and I own an airplane. I hem and haw about whether or not I want to pursue this path. Every time I think I've made a decision that I'm not going to do it, something else comes up - like this video - that makes me reconsider. Good luck on your journey. Maybe I'll follow you.

Thanks Trent! I’m 48 and working on my commercial. It’s 100% possible! I’m also a good friend of Doug’s. Best wishes to you, your training and your goals👍

Hi Trent. Im so glad I found your channel! Im 19 and have about 30 hours going towards my private but ive taken about a 2 month break to reevaluate my decision on becoming a pilot. I worry often about my decisions and if they are the right, wrong, or best ones but the truth is this is my dream and you helped encourage me to get back to training! Thanks for sharing your journey and I look forward to seeing you fly the big jets someday!

Good video. Hopefully you have more to come

Great video, very inspiring and informative. I am in my late 40s and thinking about pursuing the dream. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work. 🙂

Brent I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your videos I’m 54 from Seattle been in the same career path as yourself and now after watching your videos and then contacting my high school friend who is a career American Airlines pilot says the next 10 -15 years will be your best opportunity our industry has seen to become a commercial pilot! Again a huge thank you and best of luck in your journey!

I enjoyed this video very much and you have inspired me to dust off my dream of being an airline pilot. I'm 48 and thought when I was 45 it was too late, but after watching this, I'm going for it. I'm looking forward to following your journey as much as I am at going thru mine!

Hey Trent, Subscribing -- I'm an early-stage entrepreneur (had a few failures) and also have a love for planes/aviation and will eventually be able to move forward with that dream! Thanks for being an inspiration!

Hi Trent, I am a 30 year Captain at the world's largest regional airline. Please heavily educate yourself on what the life style that a new airline pilot has. Many years ago all I wanted was for my son to become a pilot, I mean his middle name is Jett, but convinced him to go into engineering instead. I would recommend you fully look into the drastic change you would have. Like zero vacation! Very little time at home for family. Spending the next ten years in a hotel over Christmas. Basically, it's nothing near what it used to be!

Thank you for making this video. I'm 48 and looking at the end of my current 20yr career at the beginning of next year. I've flip flopped for a few years about flying as 2.0 but thought I might be too old. This pushed the needle. Thanks again

Really enjoyed your perspectives. I'm 48, got my PPL last year and my IFR rating this spring. Starting my commercial training soon (not necessarily with the intent of shifting careers) and have been wondering "what if" more frequently lately. After almost 20 years in IT and most of that in leadership roles, your "why" resonates deeply. Excited to see your continued journey, thanks for sharing it.

Trent - we're so similar! I'm 47. I started flying again in my early 40's (got my PPL in my 20s). Stopped again to focus on my business. I too am an entrepreneur. Things got busy again, but started thinking about it hard after I sold my company back in '19. In '22 I exited, been building a new agency / coaching business, but I still think about flying all the time. It's been a dream of mine since I saw Top Gun in 1986. I've got ~120 hours and started working on my IR. Haven't flown in a few years, but damn seeing this gets me thinking!

Thanks Trent, I'm 56 now and working on beginning my pilot journey in a month or so. Looking to hopefully finish in 8 to 10 months. Always good to hear others have successfully made this journey at my age. Every now and again I wonder about doing this at my age then I hear stories like this and I get re-energized. Excited to see your journey, I will post on mine as well. ✈👨‍✈

Thanks for watching! I'd love it if you left a comment with what you'd like to see from me in future videos. Thx!! In my next video, I'm going to cover my plan / budget for flight school, how I'm fast tracking the whole thing, the school I selected, etc...Look for that in the 2nd half of April.

Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤❤

This is a great video. I’m 54 and have wanted to switch careers as well. I hold a PPL and I am working towards my instrument. Like some of the other commenters, I’m not able to quit the day job and attend flight school full time so it will take me somewhat longer to achieve the dream. I think like you in that I want to have a great paying career longer than my current career. I’m a firefighter now and am not sure how much longer I can be effective in that line of work and heck, I just love flying. Thanks for this video. It is truly inspiring. I look forward to watching your progress.

Thanks for these. Im 43 and I've always wanted to do this. Still dont have my Private and I am still in the process of figuring things out.

Trent you are my new hero! Will be following you closely and have your plan as my back up plan from a corporate career ! Private pilot on off for most of my adult life, working on my IR! One sugeestion for content: make a cumulative excel of time required and what is the most optimal way, i.e. how much PIC, how much XC, advanced, dual, IR, etc. Will be making one for myself so that every hour forward counts towards the goal. All the best!

Beautiful video Trent! Much appreciated.And, to all you haters commenting so much hate on this thread, YOU GUYS NEED SOME MEDITATION JEEZ!

great story Trent!

This video just motivated me even more. I have been working on an ambulance for 9 years and this spring will make it ten years. hearing your friend that worked in LE, just got me extremely motivated.

Hi Trent, I’m 59 and right on the brink of a ‘career change’. As an older guy, learning new stuff gets harder, and life is typically more complicated! So lots of things to influence the decision. Your videos and discussion help - keep up the good work.

I'll be 51 this week and I was wondering this very question. Thanks for providing this information.

Almost 43 and hoping to start studying for my Private Certificate! Look forward to following your journey as I begin mine.

Wow, you're describing me! Started flying at 17 and then life got in the way. Went back a few years ago and now I have my PPL with 130'is hours. Am about to turn 50 this summer and pondering a career change. Thanks for sharing this. Following with much interest as I may be joining you shortly.

Excited to see where this goes! I have contemplated pursuing flying for an income in some way, but have concluded that I love it so much - I don't want it to be a job. Also the older we are, the more something finicky on a medical could just take it all away in a moment. That said, this is awesome man good luck!

I’m 50 and I’m going to go for it. Thanks for the encouragement.

I just turned 52 and also just started this same journey last week. I got my Private back in November and now starting work on the rest of my ratings at an accelerated part 141 flight school. Best of luck to you!

I really appreciate this video because I just started training to obtain my PPL at 42 years old. I have been in the corporate tech world and have been struggling to find meaning with this work. My father was a professional pilot flying well into his late 70's and both he and this video has inspired me even further to work towards chasing that dream. Thanks for the videos and look forward to seeing your progress.

47 Year Old, I start with my Private Pilots Training very soon. Thank you for confirming my same thoughts on this.

Man, this is awesome! I'm 52 and was thinking the SAME thing! Thank you so, so much.

Nice vid. I'm 51 and I'm doing a career change also. Covid hit and killed my company. (Mostly) I've been fluing since the early 90's... and I'm just realizing that I can fly and finish out the rest of my working life having fun.

Looking forward to more videos! I'm in the same boat. I've been a software engineer for 20 some years, but now I look forward to rekindling my interest in aviation and get my PPL and see where it takes me.... I don't think I'll be a pilot for a major airline (due to the generous vacation time that I now enjoy, I don't want to give that up) but possibly start a new business, owning my own plane (jet hopefully) and work when I want to would be ideal. I spend too much time in front of the computer as part of my current work so I am considering a second career in aviation!

You are looking good at 53 Trent, never too late if you still in good shape! I can also add that opening small airline company somewhere in Asia could be a good idea and then promote recruting same age brave guys! I'm 35 and doing my ATPL theory to finish with CPL/ME/IR this year.

Great inspiring video. I'm 49 and to become a pilot is my childhood dream. I am inspired to take some real action now. Thanks.

im 54 just start flying half year ago in China, almost finish the sport licence, wonderful video, look forward to have a lifetime change moment like you! cheers

You made my day.

GOOD VIDEO. I noticed there is a need for pilots but i have 15 years as a structure mechanic and its time for a change. Its never too late to fly. Jacksonville Florida

just starting ground school with flight portion coming very soon. I am almost 32 and I was thinking I was already to old to shoot for the airlines. so you video gives me hope that that can still be an option for me!

Thank-you for the video and research. As a 53 year old private pilot who had professional pilot career dreams in his youth, I've wondered with the recent shortage if a 2nd career in aviation was realistic. Just got back into the left seat 2 years ago after 20 year hiatus and am building time and experience. I just completed a tailwheel endorsement and flight review last weekend. Next stop for me is an instrument rating then we'll see about pursuing a commercial. Good luck in your journey and look forward to watching your videos.

Just began my Private Pilots Licence. When I began stalls and spins I was immediately hooked. Seeing this video has me shooting for commercial now. Thank you

I really appreciate videos like this. Sometimes it's easy to say, had I done this, or that... I did that while sitting at my desk last night talking to a colleague. "You know, I could've been airline pilot by now." .... With all that being said, still working on PPL at 37, and working towards my check-ride. All I can do is to remind myself to keep moving forward. Progress is better than no progress, and who knows what the road may hold along the way, but one thing is certain: the old cliche still applies, I may actually land aviation as a second career, but if I do nothing, than I am 100% positive I won't.

Great video Trent, I'm looking forward to following your journey. I'm in a very similar situation but at 45. I've had 4 businesses so far, my current one is getting sold (to my employees!). Just don't want to do the business thing anymore.

Great video! I started 4 years ago taking lessons while working and completed my ratings including CFI a few months ago. It's a long and sometimes crazy journey! 50 isn't too far off in the distance for me but it's something I knew I had to do. I bought a 150 to build hours when I had 30 hours total time. Keep pushing forward and posting as you go along!

Great content Trent. I’m a 49 year old retired NYC Fireman who is aiming for a 2nd career as a professional pilot. You’re doing a phenomenal job informing us salty guys. 💪🏽

Wow 🤩 ! What an amazing video. I became 56 years old for some days before and I was thinking the same. My biggest dream must become true, but I had always the same question. Like you, I am freaky in all this msfs sim-stuff from my teenagertimes until now, got already some flight lessons from a pilot friend, and well… I need to go this way. Thank you very much for your motivation and your inspiration…greets from germany and happy flighing 🛫✌️

HI TRENT. 48 FROM AUSTRALIA, looking at it my self re-educating been a home dad for many years always wanted to fly did a TIF already :) thanks for makign these videos all the ebsat with the channel..also a new sub to you :) wac

I’m 54 and headed down the same path. I’ll reach out periodically to see how you’re progressing. Good luck!

Hello Trent, glad to see your video! I’m just one year behind you, and I’m trying to sell my wine business and would like to get an Helicopter licence 😅😊😊I want to thank you for this inspiring 🎉🎉🎉

This is awesome stuff! I'm 43 and worried that I'm getting too old and feeling the pressure but wondered about making the adjustment to less income. Also, wondering what a potential bad economy looks like for the industry and how that could extend a period of less overall income. I'm just considering jumping into it and using ATP as my path. I've heard good and bad about using them as a resource, but the bad remarks seem to be very much personal preference related. Look forward to using your channel and insights for inspiration over the next few months as I look to make a transition. - Brandon

Hey Trent, I just found your videos. You’re super inspiring man. I’m 40 years old and I’ve been with the airlines for almost 20 years doing cargo and flight attendant. I’m ready for my next jump. I’m hoping your videos can help. The plan is to take 2024 off and get all my licenses, wish me luck haha

Retired at 53 and now studying full time aviation. Have a PPL and almost ready for instrument check ride. Hope to finish all my ratings by the end of the year. Good luck!

Love the video Trent. I suppose the algorithm found me because our stories are incredibly similar. I had even been thinking about documenting my experience as you are doing now. I rather enjoy the naysayer comments because I love hearing what I can’t or shouldn’t do. Bring it on I say, there have been MANY things throughout my life that others have said “you’ll never be able to do that”. I’m taking it one step at a time. As with anything challenging, my very short journey so far has seen highs and lows. Just getting lessons done has been crazy - weather argh! Then I lost a week (of beautiful weather of course) while the trainer was in maintenance. My goal is to have a second career as a pilot. Maybe it’s not for an airline but there are many possible careers. Looking forward to your next video!

Trent, Great video. You’re right about the general scope of the ROI… Forgive me if someone else already mentioned these items. If they have, add it to the stats… I attend and work at my flight school. I would consider bumping up the cost. Most people don’t get their certificates in FAA minimums unless they attend an accelerated training program where it’s required to finish that quickly. Probably a good transition to my next point… variables. Weather, your struggles, DPE availability… In your early stages of training and even as you progress weather will play a huge role in time of completion. Your personal minimums will will increase, but in the beginning stages be very low. This will ground you a fair amount. This also depends on where you train (I’m in Denver, lots of weather challenges). There are certain areas of the country where weather is more favorable. That being said, good weather doesn’t make good pilots. Mostly talking about crosswind control here. KBJC, just east of the foothills of the Rocky’s will force you to build strong crosswind tolerance (of course consider aircraft tolerance) Also, everyone struggles with different things at various degrees of difficulty. Everyone struggles with landing to some degree. Personally, I had a fear of stalls in the beginning. In Commercial I struggled nailing my lazy eights (maneuver). You won’t know until you get there. Be patient with yourself. Another variable is DPE availability. I know that scheduling a DPE in most areas can be challenging. If they are booking far in the future and you’re ready now, you’ll need to “proficiency fly” in order to stay sharp. On the other hand if you try to schedule too early (before you’re ready) you’re creating an external pressure that could cause less than desirable performance. As far as the ROI, I’m sure you’ve found it, but if you haven’t… airlinepilotcentral.com is a really go

Im 36 and training for my PPL. I think I may be too old, but your video is definitely inspiring!

I'm 54 and prepping for my PPL check-ride. Alas, I can only get a Class III physical, but still it's great to see I'm not alone in being late to flying.

WOW! That's what I was looking for. I'm 42, and becoming a Pilot is my childhood dream, I really tough it is too late... This really inspires me! Thanks a lot!

I turned 53 in January. I got into flight because of wanting to be a helicopter pilot. Hoping to get a job doing some type of rescue if possible. I purchased MSFS 2020 and though I'm still into helicopters, planes have now become the primary. I've been a sim "pilot" since 2022. And it's been great learning and doing online flying. Alone and sometimes with a group. I'm very happy you made this video. I haven't had major doubt about becoming a pilot. But, I have wondered a little here and there though if I should go for it. I decided I will. Now it's simply a money thing. Thanks for making this video!

I am subscriber 5,5xx! Thanks for these videos!

I am a Chinese airline pilot, finished my fly training here United States, got my FAA license and back China building my A320 time now, I really encouraged by your video, hope in the future I have the courage and chance to begin my second career in aviation when I get older.

So inspiring, Trent. At 37, I thought I was too old. I've only had two TIF's a number of years ago so, I would be starting from scratch. Fear was the biggest reason for me not going ahead. Money was the second but, this has definitely lit the fire in me again.

Thanks for the video and the inspiration! Best of luck to you in your career. I got my private through Multi engine commercial in Florida in 2006-2007. I was offered p a great non-flying opportunity in California and took it. My plan was to come back to flying full time after 5 years. But, I just kept going with my non-flying career and now at 45 I’ve decided to go all in and get my CFI and work towards the airlines. I do regret not coming back to aviation sooner, but I still have at least two solid decades to make a great career out of flying. To anyone reading this, don’t listen to the naysayers, especially the negative pilots already sat at the airlines making $300k a year. I know several pilots both private and professional and flying is a passion that can certainly be a career. You only live once, so go for broke and do it if you really want it.

Just found your channel and will be following thru. Currently 51. Always eanted to be q pilot sunce i wae a boy. My dad was getting his PPL and took me up. Plus going to all the airshows. For some reason i stopped prosueing it. To this day i dont know why i didnt go for it. Anyway the bug is seriously back. So it will be interesting to see how you do plus the other info you get. Unfortunately unlike you i have not been successful financially and that is another added challenge besides age. Ie im on the broke side of the spectrum. So occuring debt with zero buffer would have to be taken into serious consideration. As i have q with and 3 kids afes from 7-15(got started late there too). Anyway ill be watching and following along so who knows maybe ill take to the skies myself!

Thank you

I’m 65 ❤and excited about getting my private pilot license. Starting ground school next week!

Awesome!! I'm 40 and now I'm thinking about it...

Wow - this has been inspiring. I just turned 57 and just getting re current after not flying for 30 years. 350 hours and Instrument rated. Went to school for commercial pilot and ran out of money (hmmm not sure how that happened 🤔) I have wanted to get back to flying for so many years I thought I was past prime. But indeed today is so different for the reasons you mentioned. I am so encouraged by how many others are in the same boat as I am. I was planning on just getting my CFI to help justify the cost of flying recreational. If I could fly professionally that would be a dream come true.

Really enjoyed this video. Similarly, I'm 48, earned my PPL in '96, took a very long break, and started flying again a year ago. I look forward to hearing about your progress in future videos. Cheers, and hopefully we'll share a cockpit someday 😊

Hi Trent. Im 53. And i looked up your video. I would love to become a pilot. I gained some experience from my brother who is a corporate pilot. He really encouraged me to go for it! But i was worried that im too old to pursue this. But You just gave me the encouragement i needed I live 30 min from an ATP school. I went for an orientation. I hope to pursue this. Thank you for this video!

Great video, I am 56 years old, I have PPL over 4 years, and over 350 hrs PIC flight time. You inspire me. I really want to change my life as a commercial pilot as my career.

Starting this journey just about to turn 50. Thousands of hours of flight time as a backs eaters and a 27yr military retirement as a senior officer will hopefully make career 2.0 easier/faster, the Navy firehose training method is all I know. Thank you for sharing this video, looking forward to watching all your videos.