New user: re 31 Years too old?

MOSES1 · February 23rd, 2007, 08:21

Hey Guys,

I'm new to this so please bare with me. It was great to read that someone was in the same situation as I am with the same questions.
I'm 31 years old and about 2 months away from completing my PPL in Canada. Flying has always been a passion for me and I finally decided to take the leap late last year with a little bit of a shove by the wife. I've now been bitten by the bug and want to make this a career however, I'm afraid that I might be too old.
I currently have a Bachlor of Applied Science Degree in Public Health and I have a great job as an Infectious Diseases Investigator in Toronto. This great job gives me and average of 80K a year with other great benefits. I have a wonderful wife who does the same thing as me with a 250K mortgage, student loans and 2 cars. We have no children as yet. Financial we are fine but I've always had that question nagging me. Am I too old?
This dream to be a pilot has been so strong that I stopped doing my Masters last year and decided to put my money and effort into accomplishing my dream. I'm hoping to get my commercial and possibly my ATPL in about 2 to 3 years. Once finished I would like to apply for a job in Trinidad and Tobago where my families from and enjoy the hot sun of the west indies. LOL.
Can someone tell me if this is realistic of me. Can someone also tell me if its economical to buy a plane instead of joining a flilght school to get me hours and endorsements.
I'm glad that there is a forum like this.

Thanks

SteveC · February 23rd, 2007, 12:21

<Moderator note: Rather than add-on to the existing thread I think that your questions are unique enough to deserve their own thread, so I split your post out here.>

Swen · February 23rd, 2007, 12:36

You are not too old.

Your degree puts you one step ahead.

You can complete your ratings at an FBO within a year if you work hard.

Resources

cavu4u · February 24th, 2007, 19:46

Got for it! You're not too old. I know of people in their later 30's that hired into regional airlines and I've heard of people in their 40's that got hired. Hiring minimums are consistently lowering and regional airlines are in NEED of pilots right now! We all know that the airline industry is pretty cyclical so, if this is what you want to do, I's simply say... go for it!

One note, make sure your family is well aware of the changes this endeavor might impose on their 'their' lives as well. If they aren't already on board, getting them on board early is a great way to 'include' them throughout the entire process and making what is already a pretty stressful process a bit more enjoyable. Good luck!

Stoneage · February 24th, 2007, 21:14

First: You are not too old.

Buying a plane can be a good way to go but don't rush out just yet and buy one. Get your license first then fly several different aircraft to learn what you like and dislike about each. Talk to aircraft owners about the costs of owning. A plane that is economical to operate (low fuel burn), reliable (not constantly down for maintenance) and instrument capable could save you a bundle and speed along your progress. It could be a nightmare if you are uncomfortable in the plane due to size restrictions, it costs too much to operate, or if it is broken every time you want to fly.

You haven't said if your wife likes to fly. After you get your licence take her flying, if she enjoys it, it may make airplane ownership the way to go. If she hates flying you probably should not buy one since it will be a liablity in her eyes.

If you have to borrow all or most of the money to buy the plane it may end up being cheaper to rent.

If you want it go for it. Not recklessly but thoughtfully. Remember there is nothing wrong with flying as a hobby.

- Best of luck to you - Stoneage

MOSES1 · February 25th, 2007, 11:13

Hey guys,

Thanks a lot for answering my questions. This definitely gives me more motivation to go for it. In regards to purchasing a plane, I think that I'll take your advise and fly a few different planes before I decide to buy one.
My instructor and I have definitely ruled out the 150 or 152 because I'm 6 feet 215 lbs and he's close to my weight and height as well. I also realized if I fly with the wife it may be uncomfortable as well because she's a tall women (5'9 and 135 lbs).

About my wife, she loves to fly if you take away the fact that she gets severe mid ear pain. We're kind of working on that. We did a 23 hour flight to South Africa late last year and boy was she in pain when we got there.
Does anyone have any great solutions to that mid ear pain that doesn't require us to fork out a few dollars or pounds (depending on your departure airport) to purchase air plugs?

Thanks again,

Moses

Sprint100 · February 26th, 2007, 00:57

I'm 32, so if I'm too old I just wasted a bunch of time and money

Flying Ninja · February 26th, 2007, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOSES1

Can someone tell me if this is realistic of me. Can someone also tell me if its economical to buy a plane instead of joining a flilght school to get me hours and endorsements.

Welcome to JC! I think it's plenty realistic for you if you have the desire, motivation, and a means to finance the endeavor without putting yourself in the poor house (or worse, owe money for the next 15-30 years on a loan) once you complete your flight training. I advise you to look at your flight training options carefully and account for every penny you are going to spend from charts to fuel to rental to fees to tuition to...you get the idea. Learning to fly is fun. Supporting that fun cost money...lots and lots of money. I don't want to turn you off to the flying but you have to be realistic about how you're going to make it happen. Which leads me to...

Buying and owning an aircraft is a great way to facilitate your flight training. But you have to keep in mind that there are costs associated with aircraft ownership as well as regulatory requirements for maintenance and recurring costs such as insurance, tie down/hangar, repair/replacement of parts, etc. The most expensive thing in aviation is an aircraft sitting on the ramp. So you must decide if you are going to be flying her 4-6 hours a day or more, or is the bird just going to fly 1-2 hours a day for a few days a week. Again, you need to do the math here and determine if at the end the end justifies the means.

As far as job prospecting, keep in mind that a lot of Part 121 and Part 135 operators typically will want at least 500 hours of total time with at least 100 hours in multi-engine aircraft. Minimums are varying these days but by the time you're ready to apply, those minimums could be 1000 hours or more. Welcome to the unpredictable job market of aviation. You also have to determine if you are able/willing to take a hit in your take home pay. Typically, first and second year pay at airlines suck. So do the math there as well.

Good luck with your endeavors and my last advice to you is stay away from programs like FTS International's CAPT program. It's way too expensive and they're hurting for business these days and laying off instructors (which should really tell you that their model isn't working).

MOSES1 · February 27th, 2007, 18:37

Thanks a lot for your advice guys. I think that once I've completed my PPL in a few weeks I'll crunch the numbers and try to decide on wheather to build hours in a purchased airplane or to keep renting the airplanes from my local flight school.
I've also been seriously thinking of taking some leave from work and enrolling into ATP. Does anyone have any info or advice regarding ATP? It seems as though they have a great reputation in the aviation field. Does anyone recommend that I spend my well earned money and join an accelerated program through ATP?

Thanks again...

SeanD · February 28th, 2007, 01:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOSES1

Thanks a lot for your advice guys. I think that once I've completed my PPL in a few weeks I'll crunch the numbers and try to decide on wheather to build hours in a purchased airplane or to keep renting the airplanes from my local flight school.
I've also been seriously thinking of taking some leave from work and enrolling into ATP. Does anyone have any info or advice regarding ATP? It seems as though they have a great reputation in the aviation field. Does anyone recommend that I spend my well earned money and join an accelerated program through ATP?

Thanks again...

Im a career changer also, well kind of. Im 33 and started training a year ago. I do not have my ppl yet. I have thought about ATP as well and looked into it. I hear good things about it. Check out the section in the forums about ATP. I got a lot of great advice there. Good luck and welcome.

BrettInLJ · March 9th, 2007, 14:08

At barley 31 I had my PPL and Instrument ratings, making about the same money and having the same mortgage as you. I quit my corporate job and finished up my ratings, becoming a CFI. Now I am 32, almost 33, and I am an FO at a regional. No, not too old.

Most regrets in life are from things that we did not do. Even if after you make this change and spend a few years accomplishing this goal, you decide that its not challenging enough on a day-to-day basis, or is not the lifestyle you want, or you like small planes better, whatever... at least you tried it. You will still be able to go back to your other career, even if you have to start a little further back than you were. You won't go through life wondering, "what if?"

Bumblebee · March 9th, 2007, 21:03

I started my flight training at 42 . . . I treated it as a career change and started UVSC at the same time so that I'll have my degree by the time I have the experience to go to a major airline. You have plenty of time!!!

MOSES1 · March 21st, 2007, 08:21

Hey guys,

Thanks a lot for the replys.

Reading the positive feedback has strengthened my desire and motivation to complete a life long dream of pursuing a career in aviation. I pray that by this time next year I should be half way or three quarters way through my commercial training. Over the past month or so I've been trying to fly 3-4 times a week while holding down my current job. I plan on working at my current job until I've successfully completed my ratings and my commecial license. More money means more flying time for me. LOL

Thanks again for the replys,

Moses

ready2fly · March 21st, 2007, 12:15

MOSES1: I started flying at age 36. I had a full-time job as a Paralegal, flew 3-4 times a week at my local FBO pretty much continuously for 2.5 years until all my ratings were completed. Then, I instructed full-time for 1.4 years until I was offered a job with American Eagle.

I'm now 41 (42 in a couple of weeks) and am a First Officer on the CRJ-700 at Eagle, based in DFW.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Always glad to lend a hand.

Stan

MOSES1 · March 23rd, 2007, 09:23

Ready2fly: Thanks a lot again for the motivation. My plan so far is to hopefully be with a regional in about 2-3 years depending on how many hours I can probably get over the next few years.

I'm praying that the weather holds out well this year so I can pad on those hours.

Moses

ready2fly · March 25th, 2007, 21:11

Best of luck, Moses! And keep us posted!

Also - Ask ANY questions you have along the way! Don't hesitate to Private Message me any time.

MOSES1 · April 10th, 2007, 16:48

Hey Guys,

Just a general question. Does anyone know roughly how long it takes before you can do your first solo?

Moses

Jefu · April 10th, 2007, 23:33

Quote:

Does anyone know roughly how long it takes before you can do your first solo?

It varies from person to person. I have heard of people only taking about 4.5 hours before they solo and I heard a tale of a woman that went 70+ hours and never soloed and was instead told she should probably stop wasting her money.

Fly4Pay · April 11th, 2007, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOSES1

Can someone also tell me if its economical to buy a plane instead of joining a flilght school to get me hours and endorsements.

Welcome to JC! Personally, I would NOT recommend you buy a plane until you have more experience. You may not enjoy it as much as you think you will, and then you're stuck with a HUGE expense. It's like a friend of mine who was going to Hawaii and wanted to try SCUBA. Against the recommendations of the group who was going, he bought a full set of gear, to the tune of a couple of grand. Got in the water the first time, didn't like it at ALL, and then he was stuck with all this gear!

Even more so with an airplane. Until you've flown several, you wouldn't know what you liked or disliked anyway. That's a lot of money to sink into something you "settle for."

Also, as posted above, unless you're going to fly a LOT, you're probably better off renting. Maintenance, insurance, hangaring... all these add up.

Enjoy the world of flying!

MOSES1 · May 10th, 2007, 09:20

Just did my first solo about a week ago and man was it fun. I'm hoping that everything is gravy from here on out. Ya right...

Over the next couple of months I'm planning on flying atleast 2-3 times per week. I really want to complete my private soon so that I can work on my commercial. My deadline for commercial is July 2008. I know it sounds a little too ambitioius but I'm planning on aiming high and somewhat realistic.

I'll keep everyone posted as time goes by.

Moses

Naluryder · May 10th, 2007, 23:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOSES1

I know it sounds a little too ambitioius but I'm planning on aiming high and somewhat realistic.

I'll keep everyone posted as time goes by.

Moses

Congrats on persuing your dream..stay motivated and positive!! You are not alone, I'm just a shy bit older(34) and just got my PPL. Good luck my friend and always fly safe.

wildfreightess · May 11th, 2007, 19:11

Definitely not too old. Remember, even if it takes you 9 years (which with your motivation and financial situation, it shouldn't) to realize your dream of flying, there's still room for 25 years of work before you have to retire.

Go for it!

MOSES1 · March 27th, 2008, 09:08

Hey Everyone,

Its been about 1 years since I last posted anything on the site. The reason for that is because I had nothing new to mention. However, I can finally say that I'm a Private Pilot. I did my ground and flight test on Monday March 24, 2008 and passed. This date will forever be stamped in my memory. I feel as though I belong to a very rare group of professionals.
What I plan to do now is do my night rating, IFR endorsement, multi-engine and pack on the cross country hours for my Commercial Pilots License. I'll try to keep everyone posted as things progress. Thanks again for the support.

MOSES1 · May 4th, 2008, 19:09

Hello again,

I've just recently passed my PPL and can finally consider myself a Private Pilot. Its been about 4 weeks since I finished my PPL and I'm now completing my night rating. Hopefully with my 3 flights booked this week I will have my night rating. My burning question is what would be the fasted route for me to take to get my Commercial Pilots Licence, multi engine endorsement, IFR and CFI within 1 year. Does anyone have any great suggestions. My goal is to have the hours so I can potentially apply to a regional airline within a year and a half.

Please tell me if I'm being too ambitious.

Thanks again in advance for the advice.

Moses

jettison IT · May 4th, 2008, 23:14

I take it you have a night restriction placed on your PPL. Not sure when you said " night rating ". Yes there are schools that offer accelerated flight training and yes you prabably can obtain you ratings within a year.
If things go perfect for you yes you possibly could go work for a regional within a year and a half, but it will prabably most certainly take longer than that. So what if you have to instruct for a couple of years, I did and I met some of my best friends during this period and one by one we all got good jobs either with regionals or corporate. I was 37 when I got my first regional job. You've got plenty of time to do what you want to accomplish, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Good Luck!!