Thanks for the responses everyone. For once I have found a post where everyone seems to agree on one thing - and to be honest it was for the me the most important thing - "go for it and then you'll find out". so there you go there was one concensus of opinion
This is what I'm doing and if you had all said - you're too old, I'd have still gone for it. Might not succeed but I'l have fun trying.
I am also one of those people who won't have bet the bank on trying (doesn't make spending the best part of 50K any easier mind you).
Shame no one doing perhaps what we may consider an "unusual" job replied.
Does anyone know if crop spraying is popular in this country - you never hear much about it.