[modernicarus]

We're in similar boats. I started flying in 1990 but had to stop after I got my Instrument rating and ASEL/AMEL commercial due to personal issues at the time. I have always regretted stopping and have always wondered what my life would have been like had I been able to stick to it.

Well, I stopped flying but the world continued to turn. I'm 40 now and just beginning to work on my CFI (self-study) with plans to eventually go into flying aviation relief missions, but I am open-minded about other opportunities (flying or otherwise) as well. I don't think I'm too old to start flying again and find a career doing it, but I am too old to continue working at a job that I don't like just because it pays well. I want to do something that I enjoy and has more meaning than just a paycheck.

I found a few books that I was thinking about reading. One of them, that you might be interested in reading as well, is by Barbara Sher titled, "It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now: How to Create Your Second Life at Any Age."

I would also not recommend getting a loan for flight training. I am currently saving for my CFI (have $3k so far) and am planning on having the writtens done before I begin the flying portion (hopefully May or June). This should allow me to save another $1k and be more focused on learning how to teach and fly from the starboard seat.

Anyhow, I probably didn't help you out much, but at least you know you aren't the only guy out there getting a late start. Good luck to you.