From Wannabe to Willneverbe
I've come to the decision that losing my medical last year may have been one of the best things ever to of happened to me. All of us so called "Wannabes" should pause to think about what it would be like to be a "WillNeverBe".
Last February I lost my Class 1 medical whilst training due to developing a blood disorder and have only just regained it today. I never truly knew if I would ever be medically fit to fly but after some 13 months I'm finally back on the road. However much to my surprise, holding that bit of paper in my hand today was somewhat an anti-climax.
After finishing my A levels last year I wanted to dive straight into training and fulfil my lifelong ambition of a career in the sky. Looking back, I can't quite believe that I was so self-deluded and blind of reality. When one is forced to look down other avenues in life your perspective changes and you realise that some things can wait. I guess what I'm trying to get across is that anyone considering a career in flying should be realistic - think with your head for one moment and not with your heart. Will I train commercially? At some point, yes. But as far as I'm concerned anyone willing to throw money hand over fist in hope of realising a dream are letting their hearts get in the way. For now, I want to enjoy flying for flying. Sure a PPL won't ever increase my bank balance but it sure as hell won't cripple me financially for the next 10 years.
I guess this is more aimed at the next generation of pilots than the current. The real world has taught me more in a few months than school ever could. Anyone considering flight training after school needs to take a step back and evaluate the current situation. If you were told you might never fly what would be your response? Would life really be soo unfulfilled?