I started to flying in 1997. Since then I've flown all over the UK, had a flying holiday in Ireland, flown in a helicopter to Paris. I've flown helicopters in California, doing low level stuff along the beaches and mountain flying at 10,000 ft. I've flown twin-engined helicopters and complex f/w aircraft in Russia. I've won a fairly prestigious flying competition, and most recently got a helicopter instructors rating...and I'm also preparing for a flying holiday in the Highlands and Islands in a couple of weeks. Sounds like I'm one of those insufferable "naturals" who always had it easy, doesn't it. Was it easy? LIKE BLOODY HELL IT WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My first instructor left after I'd done 10 hours, recommending another guy who - to cut a very long story short - completely destroyed my confidence to the extent I felt sick and could barely drive to the airfield, let alone fly. I kept going, eventually changing instructors, and getting my PPL(A) after...90 hours. A fair proportion of it was spent just trying to calm down and forget what that instructor had said and done. I often thought I must be completely mad to carry on, because I wasn't enjoying it, and didn't really think I'd ever be any good anyway. Being a stubborn sod who hates giving up on things, I carried on regardless. Was it worth all the pain..to say nothing of the threat of imminent bankruptcy? Yes yes yes yes yes yes YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I started flying fairly late in life (and this lady doesn't give away her age on PPRuNe
. And I'm not exaggerating when I say it's changed my life. I've had an absolutely wonderful time, done loads of things I'd never have believed possible, and am now enjoying the prospect of starting a new career at an age when many of my friends are bored and waiting for retirement (actually I'm terrified, but that's another story). That PPL can lead to so much. You don't even realise it when you're stuck there trying to pass it.
You wrote that post, and obviously needed to, straight after that bad...I mean horrendous, and on the instructors part, unforgivable...experience. I suspect you may have had second thoughts by now anyway. If not...well, it's up to you, and I don't tell other people what to do with their lives. But it seems to me that it would be a real shame to give up on something you've wanted to do for half your life, when you're right on the threshold of doing it, because of the actions of a stupid b@stard who SHOULDN'T BE INSTRUCTING IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!
Good luck whatever you decide, and believe me, I know JUST how you feel; you are not alone.
Whirly