Some pilots will never be promoted to the role of Captain as they are simply not deemed 'Captain material'. It's a bit like being qualified as a pilot – just because you are qualified doesn't mean you will get the job, you need to be a suitable candidate.
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Some first officers have waited decades to become a captain while others can upgrade in just a few years, but we'll set an average range of 5-12 years from first officer to captain at a major airline. That means from 0 experience all the way to major airline captain, one can expect a timeline of 15+ years.
A second officer or a flight engineer wears two stripes, a first officer (co-pilot/second-in-command) wears three stripes, and a captain, also known as a pilot-in-command, is awarded four stripes.
Some pilots choose “good” schedules over being a captain on a less desirable schedule. Many factors; family, second job, hobbies, residence (commuting to work from another city), reserve flying (no real schedule except days off, maybe), destinations, etc., go into each different pilot's decision.
Women pilots were also formerly called aviatrices (singular aviatrix). Women have been flying powered aircraft since 1908; prior to 1970, however, most were restricted to working privately or in support roles in the aviation industry. Aviation also allowed women to travel alone on unprecedented journeys.
Most pilots are retiring because of age: At least 5,773 retire each year because they hit the mandatory retirement age of 65. By 2029, not a single baby boomer will be able to legally fly commercial aircraft, says Mark Baier, CEO at Aviation Manuals and an aviation safety expert and licensed commercial pilot.
Fatigue is particularly prevalent among pilots because of unpredictable work hours, long duty periods, circadian disruption, and insufficient sleep. These factors can occur together to produce a combination of sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm effects, and 'time-on task' fatigue.
What if an airline does not have enough flying for a pilot? Fortunately, most pilot employment contracts and CBAs include a monthly hour minimum. This minimum requires the company to pay its pilots for a minimum number of flight hours, regardless of whether those hours are flown.
The good news for those who are above the age of 17, is that there is no maximum age for getting your private pilot license. The world is your oyster, and it is never too late to go for your private pilot's license. That said, getting your medical certificate is required by the FAA to fly solo.
While commercial airline pilots are currently mandated to retire at 65, these same pilots that are forced to retire can still fly corporate and charter jets beyond the age of 65, said Representative Troy Nehls, a Republican, adding the change could help address a pilot shortage.