To become a long haul Captain, you would need a minimum of around 5,000 flight hours which would take at a minimum 6 years to achieve. At many long haul airlines, which aren't expanding significantly and don't have a pilot turn over, it can take between 10 – 20 years before being promoted to the position of Captain.
How old is the average airline captain?
Airline pilots in the Americas are younger than those in other regions, with an average age of 48 years. This compares to Europe, which has the youngest average age of 43.7 years.
Is 42 too old to become a pilot?
Some students ask themselves, “Am I too old to become a pilot?” and wonder how long they will be able to pursue a career in the air. No one is too old to attend flight school, as long as they are physically capable of operating an aircraft.
How long does it take a pilot to become a Captain?
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