Before you jump down my throat I'm no journo or spotter. I'm a frequent business passenger who was frustratingly turned down to join the university air squadron to train as an RAF pilot many years ago due to my red green colour defective vision (quite common in men). Needless to say I love to fly on aircraft even though I'll never be allowed to actually fly one
Not commercially perhaps but have you ever considered taking up gliding? Most UK clubs will give you a trial lesson for the price of a round of drinks... but I recommend doing a weeks course/holiday somewhere. I made a 4 hour flight in the mountains in Switzerland once (with an instructor) - blew my mind.