I've just lost my virginity!
Hopefully the thread title isn't to misleading here; as it suggests, Ive only recently took my second lesson towards my PPL. After reading the forum for a few months, I've decided now is the time to get some valuable opinions from some of the very experienced members on the forum.
Background:
OK well I will tell you a little bit about myself so I can hopefully get a more realistic answer. Im currently 30 years old, 31 on 6th February (feel free to send a card) All my life I've wanted to be a pilot, however I was told growing up by my parents they they could not afford it and there was 'no way I'd ever be a pilot.' Now, I understand my father was just saying those things maybe because he wouldn't want to see me disappointed if I didn't make it. Anyway, I grew up left school, went to college, the british army, came out and have worked as a truck driver since. I know it may sound stupid, but the dream of being a pilot was always there, but for years it never came up, I accepted that 'I'd never make it as a pilot.' Recently, things have changed in my life and its made me assess what I really want to do, and then I eventually decided to at least go for my PPL.
Current:
I've had 2 lessons. I am TOTALLY AWARE that I am probably the newest noob on the forum so please don't criticise in that sense. It's the best feeling in the world. However, I try to be realistic and while I understand it's never to late to get your licence... from a commercial point of view, Im almost 31 year old, add a few years on for me to save and go for my commercial licence, I will be about 35 with minimum flying hours. I love the feeling of flying, I regret I never decided to try back when I was 18 - but honestly, am I to late to get into commercial aviation? My thinking is simple: Compared to a 20 year old who has finished pilot school, or a 25 year old who has finished modular, surly an airline looks towards those where they have a good education etc and know nothing but aviation - rather than a 30-something year old bloke who has only decided to use his balls now to chase his lifetime ambition.
Im asking because good or bad; I'm starting now. I really value the opinions of people on here, even though if I'm honest half of the time I have no clue what people are talking about... I'm getting there. My plan currently is to go and complete my PPL by the end of this year - hopefully, by the end of the summer. Then, progress (but I'm not sure how as yet) but it will be modular, as I have no money and I'm paying as I learn.
What I'd like to know:
Am I less attractive to airlines being as old as I am (or will be?)
What jobs are 'usually' available if no airlines are interested?
Could you offer any tips, resources, guides, things to learn which you think could help me in any way... even a little bit of advise?
Thanks to everyone who has read this, and good or bad, I look forward to reading your comments and deciding on my course of action.