It probably doesn’t feel like it Captain, but you’re actually in quite a good position to be setting out on an ATPL. Aged 21 with a PPL and 100 hours TT, you’re about 80 hours ahead of me – aged 29 and with a bloody great mortgage. And it could be worse, imagine if you were in your mid-thirties with 2 kids when you got bitten by the bug?
Your dad:
1) I’m not rich enough either – to fly as a hobby. I’m resigned to 10 years of debt but console myself with the thought that I’m investing in my future career. (Incidentally, the only career that will ever make me truly happy).
2) So your dad is up on the maths requirements for pilots then?
I’ve got a C at ‘O’ level, and failed ‘A’ level, and it ain’t stopping me. If your maths has got you this far, then its good enough.
3) Very supportive. I can only suggest what others have already said – that you offer to pay him back with interest when you land your first job.
Your girlfriend: I think you already know the answer to this. Your finances are going to get much worse before they get better, and if she can’t hack it now then something’s got to give. Give up flying for her and you’ll probably resent it all your life. Give her up for flying and find someone who’s prepared to back you 100%. My wife does, and believe me it makes life much much easier.
Your mum: Demonstrably wrong. You’re far more likely to kill yourself on the drive to the airfield – any official statistics you care to mention will back you up.
Your flying club: Find another one. Mine’s got 21 C152s & 5 warriors lined up waiting to go.
Friends: Sure, everyone says they want to come for a ride, I get the same thing. You just have to do it with or without them.
At the end of the day, you’ve got to be certain in your heart that flying is what you want to do, and then be utterly bloody-minded in your determination to get there, whatever the cost.
Try and get jump seat rides whenever you can (its a wonderful shot in the arm for your motivation), and all the airline drivers will tell you the same thing – it’s that determination that gets
you through. And above all, good luck!