41 and want to Fly

donttouchanything · December 8th, 2003, 19:17

Am I crazy or what?

I'm at a point in life where I know that if I don't chase those dreams they'll die. Someday they'll nail the lid shut on me and I would take a huge amount of regret into that box for not trying to do what I've dreamed of since I was a kid.

I hold a PPL and need advice of what if any route to take to fly for a living.

I'm not dreaming of being a 777 Capt. But I'd be damn happy with a regional job.

I'd fly a tanker to Hell just to be able to say I did it.

Am I wrong? or should I press on?

SteveC · December 8th, 2003, 19:51

Well, I'm four years older than you and am just now working into aviation (soon to go from part-time pilot to full-time, I hope!).

So, any guess what my response will be?

Pfly · December 8th, 2003, 19:57

Go for it. Even an entire career at a regional can't be bad if you love what you do.

flyitup · December 8th, 2003, 23:40

Keith...

Welcome to the forums!

I say go for it! If it's something that you feel will truly make you happy than do your best to make it happen. I also think a regional job is a good target to shoot for although I'm not sure how fast you can advance up the pay scale . There are several regional pilots on the forums that I'm sure would be glad to help you. Davetheflyer and FlyChicaga are a couple.

Good luck!

ready2fly · December 9th, 2003, 08:09

Well, I'm in my late 30's and I'm pursuing that same "dream".

Let me offer this, though:

Are you married? Do you have kids? How much $$ do you have in the bank? Can you and your family handle the expense, aggravation and elation that is part of a career in aviation?

Sit down with your spouse (if you have one) and talk it out THOROUGHLY! Let her know what flying for a living might mean = days/weeks away from home. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, recitals, games, missed.

If she's behind you 100% - then, by all means - go for it.

Best of luck!

R2F

donttouchanything · December 9th, 2003, 09:34

The wife is very supportive, of course she thinks her only other option is to have me drag my butt around the house and gennerally make a nusance of myself (wonder where she got that idea).

Kids are pretty much grown and low maintenance at this point, except my youngest who thinks "flying is the way coolest dad". So I don't anticipate any real dificulty at home.

I seen too many people in life who have stopped chasing their dreams, it's not a pretty sight and I don't want to join that club.

Thanks

ready2fly · December 9th, 2003, 09:55

[ QUOTE ]
I seen too many people in life who have stopped chasing their dreams, it's not a pretty sight and I don't want to join that club.

[/ QUOTE ]
Amen bro!!!

Best of luck! Start earning those ratings and building those hours!

R2F

Soonermurph · December 9th, 2003, 10:31

I just turned 37. I'm a flight instructor who gave up a law practice a year and a half ago to pursue the dream. My wife and kids have followed me around the country in pursuit of the dream. It's a long hard path but it beats suing people for a living. Before you jump in, make sure your wife understands the sacrafices and is fully on board. I am furtunate to have a wife like mine but there are other wives that would not be able to handle it. I've found out that flying is a lifestyle, not just a job. Think about that.

JollyRodger · December 9th, 2003, 13:01

Soonerup:

Not to hijack, this thread but what kind of law did you practice? What made you want to leave? I'm thinking about L-school next fall and I'm canvassing opinions. I'm still not sure on what to do. I think I may use the JD for business rather than the more conventional fields. I'm looking at a UGPA of 3.5 and 161 LSAT, not exactly Yale material, but I could probably get into a respected program. Any thought would be appreciated.

FL270 · December 9th, 2003, 15:06

You might also consider going the corporate aviation route as a career ... it has the advantage that you're not limited by the "age 60" rule when flying Part 91, as well as paying better than the regionals as a rule.

No matter what, you're not too old to get started, and if it's what you want to do, go for it! Good luck ...

FL270

Bluffster · December 10th, 2003, 11:29

I would suggest you take it one step at a time. If you don't have your instrument rating yet, start working toward it. Then get commercial and CFI certificates.

If you decide to stick with it for a living, you'll figure out if it's for you along the way. If not, you'll still become a heck of a better pilot.

Start teaching part-time at a local flight school. Instructing is one of the best part-time jobs out there. You get to fly in your off-hours much more than you do now and you'll get extra income for it. If you like flying enough, you'll end up teaching full-time eventually leaving your past career behind. From there, you'll know where to go for the next step.

Soonermurph · December 10th, 2003, 12:12

I was in civil litigation: mainly auto/truck accident cases. I don't know how to measure your LSAT score. When I took it, the scale was 1 to 35.

The practice of law is exciting but it will take everything you have (time etc.). The stress is high for lawyers in private practice. I knew too many lawyers with a whiskey bottle in their desk or a heart attack at 45. That is why I got into aviation after nine years of suing people. I am happy to say that I haven't sued anybody in a year and a half.

pkloop · December 15th, 2003, 18:53

Fly on, chase the dream at the end of it if nothing else you can look back and say you had one hell of a time trying to get the job and learned alot and FLEW alot on the way!! If nothing else you can become one hell of a 172 Captain

av8rmsu · December 16th, 2003, 18:13

[ QUOTE ]
I knew too many lawyers with a wiskey bottle in their desk. That is why I got into aviation after nine years of suing people.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm still working on my ratings, but I do believe bringing a bottle of whiskey into the cockpit would be highle frowned upon by the airlines.

Being facetious, of course.

Mr_Creepy · December 16th, 2003, 19:42

Depends on the whiskey. White Label is ok, but get me some Glenlivets or Johnnie Walker Black ....

"PHX approach this is XYZ 1234 at 4 thousand. We've got Whiskey, want some?"

av8rmsu · December 17th, 2003, 12:33

An interphone conversation...

"Stewardess, if you could please bring me a Jack and Coke, and the F/O would like a Stoli on the rocks, thank you"

SATXaviator · January 7th, 2004, 00:27

I feel your pain....the cure may just be to go for it. For me deciding to make a career and lifestyle change has kept me up at nights for years. (tonight's no exception) At 36 I am taking some action...I just can't live with the what if's any more. Good luck to you.

Cruise · March 8th, 2004, 20:01

Life is way to short to be miserable!!!!!!! I never want to look back and say woulda, shoulda, coulda........I'm 32 and didn't want to be 40 and miserable in a rewarding (both personally and monitarily) profession. What good is having all that money if you don't have any time to do anything with it and don't particularly enjoy making it.

I recently gave up my career in the medical field....after lots of school and hard work, I was finally at the point in my career where I would start recovering my education investment.....instead, I decided I was miserable and followed my heart.

I entered a flight school in FL and I LOVE IT......despite being broke, I am happier now, than I've ever been.

Live the dream!.......from someone who is doing the same.

Luftpost · March 11th, 2004, 08:15

I started training for my PPL in 2001. Moved to Florida to coninue training, instruct,etc....I am now 36 years old, and am flying MU-300's, BE-400 and BE-400A. I achieved that in under 1000 hours. I have an extrememly supportive wife and two great kids.

Before I became a career changer, I made good money, had the house, the car, etc. BUT, I was not happy. Now I am making money again, and pinch myself every day.

This morning I wake up in sunny Van Nuys, CA. Later today its off to Vegas.

Follow your dreams!!!!!

sorrygottarunway · March 14th, 2004, 21:38

hey Luftpost, are you german by any chance? Are you planning on going to Lufthansa?

Luftpost · March 15th, 2004, 10:06

Yes, No.

I am totally satisfied with my current job and do not wish to go to the airlines.

December 8th, 2003, 19:17	#1
donttouchanything Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: California (I\'m a hostage) but Michigan is home. Posts: 404	41 and want to Fly Am I crazy or what? I'm at a point in life where I know that if I don't chase those dreams they'll die. Someday they'll nail the lid shut on me and I would take a huge amount of regret into that box for not trying to do what I've dreamed of since I was a kid. I hold a PPL and need advice of what if any route to take to fly for a living. I'm not dreaming of being a 777 Capt. But I'd be damn happy with a regional job. I'd fly a tanker to Hell just to be able to say I did it. Am I wrong? or should I press on?

December 8th, 2003, 19:51	#2
SteveC Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: GRR Posts: 8,628	Re: 41 and want to Fly Well, I'm four years older than you and am just now working into aviation (soon to go from part-time pilot to full-time, I hope!). So, any guess what my response will be?

December 8th, 2003, 19:57	#3
Pfly Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: JAX Posts: 155	Re: 41 and want to Fly Go for it. Even an entire career at a regional can't be bad if you love what you do.

December 8th, 2003, 23:40	#4
flyitup Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 620	Re: 41 and want to Fly Keith... Welcome to the forums! I say go for it! If it's something that you feel will truly make you happy than do your best to make it happen. I also think a regional job is a good target to shoot for although I'm not sure how fast you can advance up the pay scale . There are several regional pilots on the forums that I'm sure would be glad to help you. Davetheflyer and FlyChicaga are a couple. Good luck!

December 9th, 2003, 08:09	#5
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,182	Re: 41 and want to Fly Well, I'm in my late 30's and I'm pursuing that same "dream". Let me offer this, though: Are you married? Do you have kids? How much $$ do you have in the bank? Can you and your family handle the expense, aggravation and elation that is part of a career in aviation? Sit down with your spouse (if you have one) and talk it out THOROUGHLY! Let her know what flying for a living might mean = days/weeks away from home. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, recitals, games, missed. If she's behind you 100% - then, by all means - go for it. Best of luck! R2F

December 9th, 2003, 09:34	#6
donttouchanything Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: California (I\'m a hostage) but Michigan is home. Posts: 404	Re: 41 and want to Fly The wife is very supportive, of course she thinks her only other option is to have me drag my butt around the house and gennerally make a nusance of myself (wonder where she got that idea). Kids are pretty much grown and low maintenance at this point, except my youngest who thinks "flying is the way coolest dad". So I don't anticipate any real dificulty at home. I seen too many people in life who have stopped chasing their dreams, it's not a pretty sight and I don't want to join that club. Thanks

December 9th, 2003, 09:55	#7
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,182	Re: 41 and want to Fly [ QUOTE ] I seen too many people in life who have stopped chasing their dreams, it's not a pretty sight and I don't want to join that club. [/ QUOTE ] Amen bro!!! Best of luck! Start earning those ratings and building those hours! R2F

December 9th, 2003, 10:31	#8
Soonermurph Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 225	Re: 41 and want to Fly I just turned 37. I'm a flight instructor who gave up a law practice a year and a half ago to pursue the dream. My wife and kids have followed me around the country in pursuit of the dream. It's a long hard path but it beats suing people for a living. Before you jump in, make sure your wife understands the sacrafices and is fully on board. I am furtunate to have a wife like mine but there are other wives that would not be able to handle it. I've found out that flying is a lifestyle, not just a job. Think about that.

December 9th, 2003, 13:01	#9
JollyRodger Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 39	Re: 41 and want to Fly Soonerup: Not to hijack, this thread but what kind of law did you practice? What made you want to leave? I'm thinking about L-school next fall and I'm canvassing opinions. I'm still not sure on what to do. I think I may use the JD for business rather than the more conventional fields. I'm looking at a UGPA of 3.5 and 161 LSAT, not exactly Yale material, but I could probably get into a respected program. Any thought would be appreciated.

December 9th, 2003, 15:06	#10
FL270 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 1,101	Re: 41 and want to Fly You might also consider going the corporate aviation route as a career ... it has the advantage that you're not limited by the "age 60" rule when flying Part 91, as well as paying better than the regionals as a rule. No matter what, you're not too old to get started, and if it's what you want to do, go for it! Good luck ... FL270

December 10th, 2003, 11:29	#11
Bluffster Newbie Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northwest Posts: 13	Re: 41 and want to Fly I would suggest you take it one step at a time. If you don't have your instrument rating yet, start working toward it. Then get commercial and CFI certificates. If you decide to stick with it for a living, you'll figure out if it's for you along the way. If not, you'll still become a heck of a better pilot. Start teaching part-time at a local flight school. Instructing is one of the best part-time jobs out there. You get to fly in your off-hours much more than you do now and you'll get extra income for it. If you like flying enough, you'll end up teaching full-time eventually leaving your past career behind. From there, you'll know where to go for the next step.

December 10th, 2003, 12:12	#12
Soonermurph Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 225	Re: 41 and want to Fly I was in civil litigation: mainly auto/truck accident cases. I don't know how to measure your LSAT score. When I took it, the scale was 1 to 35. The practice of law is exciting but it will take everything you have (time etc.). The stress is high for lawyers in private practice. I knew too many lawyers with a whiskey bottle in their desk or a heart attack at 45. That is why I got into aviation after nine years of suing people. I am happy to say that I haven't sued anybody in a year and a half.

December 15th, 2003, 18:53	#13
pkloop Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 284	Re: 41 and want to Fly Fly on, chase the dream at the end of it if nothing else you can look back and say you had one hell of a time trying to get the job and learned alot and FLEW alot on the way!! If nothing else you can become one hell of a 172 Captain

December 16th, 2003, 18:13	#14
av8rmsu Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pickwick Lake Posts: 448	Re: 41 and want to Fly [ QUOTE ] I knew too many lawyers with a wiskey bottle in their desk. That is why I got into aviation after nine years of suing people. [/ QUOTE ] I'm still working on my ratings, but I do believe bringing a bottle of whiskey into the cockpit would be highle frowned upon by the airlines. Being facetious, of course.

December 16th, 2003, 19:42	#15
Mr_Creepy Old Skool Join Date: May 2003 Location: In the O-zone Posts: 5,810	Re: 41 and want to Fly Depends on the whiskey. White Label is ok, but get me some Glenlivets or Johnnie Walker Black .... "PHX approach this is XYZ 1234 at 4 thousand. We've got Whiskey, want some?"

December 17th, 2003, 12:33	#16
av8rmsu Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pickwick Lake Posts: 448	Re: 41 and want to Fly An interphone conversation... "Stewardess, if you could please bring me a Jack and Coke, and the F/O would like a Stoli on the rocks, thank you"

January 7th, 2004, 00:27	#17
SATXaviator Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 109	Re: 41 and want to Fly I feel your pain....the cure may just be to go for it. For me deciding to make a career and lifestyle change has kept me up at nights for years. (tonight's no exception) At 36 I am taking some action...I just can't live with the what if's any more. Good luck to you.

March 8th, 2004, 20:01	#18
Cruise Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SYR, ABE Posts: 2,367	Re: 41 and want to Fly Life is way to short to be miserable!!!!!!! I never want to look back and say woulda, shoulda, coulda........I'm 32 and didn't want to be 40 and miserable in a rewarding (both personally and monitarily) profession. What good is having all that money if you don't have any time to do anything with it and don't particularly enjoy making it. I recently gave up my career in the medical field....after lots of school and hard work, I was finally at the point in my career where I would start recovering my education investment.....instead, I decided I was miserable and followed my heart. I entered a flight school in FL and I LOVE IT......despite being broke, I am happier now, than I've ever been. Live the dream!.......from someone who is doing the same.

March 11th, 2004, 08:15	#19
Luftpost Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 89	Re: 41 and want to Fly I started training for my PPL in 2001. Moved to Florida to coninue training, instruct,etc....I am now 36 years old, and am flying MU-300's, BE-400 and BE-400A. I achieved that in under 1000 hours. I have an extrememly supportive wife and two great kids. Before I became a career changer, I made good money, had the house, the car, etc. BUT, I was not happy. Now I am making money again, and pinch myself every day. This morning I wake up in sunny Van Nuys, CA. Later today its off to Vegas. Follow your dreams!!!!!

March 14th, 2004, 21:38	#20
sorrygottarunway Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DXR, Connecticut Posts: 1,177	Re: 41 and want to Fly hey Luftpost, are you german by any chance? Are you planning on going to Lufthansa?

March 15th, 2004, 10:06	#21
Luftpost Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 89	Re: 41 and want to Fly Yes, No. I am totally satisfied with my current job and do not wish to go to the airlines.

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