So we all know that even though the official “ineligibility” age is 33 for UPT, squadrons typically aren’t even giving you a look if you’re anywhere close to that. Some squadrons have explicitly stated that you shouldn’t even apply if you’re over a specific age because they won’t give you an interview (I have seen as young as 27 formally, but informally may be even younger). I am 30 and have been applying for a few months with a strong packet and have seen this first hand. I swear, this old dog is still capable of learning tricks!!!

So here is the question, BD fam – are we expecting this “ageism” to be even worse now that IPT is being implemented? If so, how much worse?

Previously, you could skip the old IFT with a PPL which probably gave some squadrons that warm and fuzzy feeling when extending an offer to an older dog because they didn’t have as much to get out of the way before being UPT eligible, but now it sounds like IPT is a requirement even with a private, multi, and instrument rating. This tacks on a good 4-5 months of training prior to UPT, so where does that leave us older-than-20-somethings???

Here is a bonus question: do we feel that AFRC squadrons are any more willing to accept age than Guard squadrons? If so, why?