Maybe he was working as a baggage handler while he was training to be a pilot?

While working as a baggage handler I had a lot of co-workers that were training to become pilots.

It's not impossible if you have the right kind of support. Probably a program through the employer. The biggest obstacle to achieve this would be money and pure opportunity - and if you already work for an airline... Of course, you have to be able to fly and commit to the work. Good for him.

Many airlines have programs for line workers to go through pilot training. It’s very difficult and selective but absolutely happens.

As a example, Delta airlines has the Propel program, which is you go through the company pathway current employees can interview and get selected to get aid in becoming a pilot, and eventually come back and fly for delta once they accrue enough hours