Helping Lucie
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Helping Lucie
I am a 19 year old girl, with my main goal in life to become an airline pilot.
I’ve always known it would be a tough goal to achieve, but only now, the time in my life when I can begin my career, am I realising just how hard it is, mainly due to the financial barriers.
I have spent the last year, since completing my A-levels in geography, physics and Physical Education, trying a variety of occupations and have spent many hours on my own and with the aid of a careers development officer trying to decipher if becoming a pilot is all I want in life of if there are any easier avenues I could go down.
I am fortunate enough to have a variety of options available to me due to my 2A’s and D at A-level, and got accepted into every university I applied to. However, I simply couldn’t not spend the rest of my life in a career where I’ve settled for second best.
Flying is the only career opportunity that makes me look forward to the rest of my life.
I play hockey for my local team next to an airfield in Bournemouth, Dorset. Every time a commercial jet takes off, I get that adrenalin rush that no one should live without.
Most of my friends do not understand my passion for flying and tell me that “I will get bored” and “its just like driving a bus”. I only way I can explain it to them is to describe how I feel. Most people will fall in love one, twice, maybe several times in their life times. You see that person across the room and you get a warm rush that goes right through your body that excites you and just feels perfect. That is how I feel every time I hear an aircraft take off, and I don’t see that feeling ever fading. It certainly didn’t for my grandfather who was a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm and never lost that “rush” from flying right up until he was grounded at the age of 45.
Sadly I have not been born with a silver spoon in my mouth and so have to find the funds to pay for my training off my own back. This is where I am stuck. I have the ambition, academic ability, and aptitude to achieve my goal, but sadly not the funds.
So this is where I am now. And asking for help. I know I can achieve my goal and will make an excellent commercial pilot, so long as I can overcome this financial barrier.
If you can give any donations to help towards this I would really appreciate it. Please get in contact with me if you feel you can help- how ever small the amount is, it all counts!
I’ve always known it would be a tough goal to achieve, but only now, the time in my life when I can begin my career, am I realising just how hard it is, mainly due to the financial barriers.
I have spent the last year, since completing my A-levels in geography, physics and Physical Education, trying a variety of occupations and have spent many hours on my own and with the aid of a careers development officer trying to decipher if becoming a pilot is all I want in life of if there are any easier avenues I could go down.
I am fortunate enough to have a variety of options available to me due to my 2A’s and D at A-level, and got accepted into every university I applied to. However, I simply couldn’t not spend the rest of my life in a career where I’ve settled for second best.
Flying is the only career opportunity that makes me look forward to the rest of my life.
I play hockey for my local team next to an airfield in Bournemouth, Dorset. Every time a commercial jet takes off, I get that adrenalin rush that no one should live without.
Most of my friends do not understand my passion for flying and tell me that “I will get bored” and “its just like driving a bus”. I only way I can explain it to them is to describe how I feel. Most people will fall in love one, twice, maybe several times in their life times. You see that person across the room and you get a warm rush that goes right through your body that excites you and just feels perfect. That is how I feel every time I hear an aircraft take off, and I don’t see that feeling ever fading. It certainly didn’t for my grandfather who was a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm and never lost that “rush” from flying right up until he was grounded at the age of 45.
Sadly I have not been born with a silver spoon in my mouth and so have to find the funds to pay for my training off my own back. This is where I am stuck. I have the ambition, academic ability, and aptitude to achieve my goal, but sadly not the funds.
So this is where I am now. And asking for help. I know I can achieve my goal and will make an excellent commercial pilot, so long as I can overcome this financial barrier.
If you can give any donations to help towards this I would really appreciate it. Please get in contact with me if you feel you can help- how ever small the amount is, it all counts!
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Am I just about to fall for a wind-up here??!!
I believe not many of us are fortunate to be born with vast trust funds set up in our favour. We all have to get up off our arses and go out and work. Especially if it is for something we want.
Some people do hold their hands out with the expectation of having everything given to them. Such people have probably experienced quite a cushy life thus far, having a priviledged upbringing. However, for the majority of us, working towards achieving a goal makes the result so more satisfying when it comes about.
You're lucky you have the opportunity to go to University.
After that, get off your arse, find work and save some money. Don't expect others, especially those already laden with debts of their own pursuing their own dream of flying, to pay for yours.
In my opinion, seeking assistance from fellow enthusiasts is fine if you're looking for a support network, to provide introductions, to point you in the right direction or for advice. But not to seek a pecunary advantage.
I really don't want to apear to replying harshly. I am trying to apply a little bit of common sense here. There might be somebody out there willing to contribute to your life plan. But why should someone give you money over somebody else? There are hundreds, thousands of people trying to break into aviation; I'm afraid, you'll have to join the line.
I believe not many of us are fortunate to be born with vast trust funds set up in our favour. We all have to get up off our arses and go out and work. Especially if it is for something we want.
Some people do hold their hands out with the expectation of having everything given to them. Such people have probably experienced quite a cushy life thus far, having a priviledged upbringing. However, for the majority of us, working towards achieving a goal makes the result so more satisfying when it comes about.
You're lucky you have the opportunity to go to University.
After that, get off your arse, find work and save some money. Don't expect others, especially those already laden with debts of their own pursuing their own dream of flying, to pay for yours.
In my opinion, seeking assistance from fellow enthusiasts is fine if you're looking for a support network, to provide introductions, to point you in the right direction or for advice. But not to seek a pecunary advantage.
I really don't want to apear to replying harshly. I am trying to apply a little bit of common sense here. There might be somebody out there willing to contribute to your life plan. But why should someone give you money over somebody else? There are hundreds, thousands of people trying to break into aviation; I'm afraid, you'll have to join the line.
Last edited by Soliciting Stu; 13th Sep 2003 at 21:04.
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Interesting approach. There are two solutions to your age old problem.
1/ As said above - work, save money, take lessons as you can afford to.
2/ Join the air force if they will accept you for flight training.
1/ As said above - work, save money, take lessons as you can afford to.
2/ Join the air force if they will accept you for flight training.
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Nice try Lucie. How do you think you'd go if you'd said you were a 19 year old male named George?
Whatever you do, though, don't give up on the skirt syndrome; it is your best friend.
Whatever you do, though, don't give up on the skirt syndrome; it is your best friend.
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Ha ha oh my sides!
Boo hoo, you weren't born into a wealthy family like everyone else who is now involved in Aviation?
Lucky ol me, my parents were billionaires and supported me all the way through, (No really, I am not in debt up to my eyeballs along with the rest of people who I know starting out in the business).
Why don't you go out on the street with a pan handle and beg or busk?
In fact if you just post your details up I will be happy to get my wealthy parents to fund you also.
Sadly I have not been born with a silver spoon in my mouth and so have to find the funds to pay for my training off my own back. This is where I am stuck. I have the ambition, academic ability, and aptitude to achieve my goal, but sadly not the funds
Lucky ol me, my parents were billionaires and supported me all the way through, (No really, I am not in debt up to my eyeballs along with the rest of people who I know starting out in the business).
Why don't you go out on the street with a pan handle and beg or busk?
In fact if you just post your details up I will be happy to get my wealthy parents to fund you also.
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Hi
My name is Helga
Im a 18 year old Germen girl with a body too die for, My hobbies include dressing up as a school girl(anything in uniform) & sucking lollypops........ oh and flying.
Pleasssssse would anyone give me £45000 to learn to fly?
Ill be very very forthcomming with due reward!
Ps you can never see me with the lights on!
Hey if she can do it so can i, i too need funds from somewhere
As said get up and work for your money like everyone else, it may seem hard but thats how most people earn there money.
I do hope you reach your dream but come on, unless your like Helga not many rich folks will stump up the cash
My name is Helga
Im a 18 year old Germen girl with a body too die for, My hobbies include dressing up as a school girl(anything in uniform) & sucking lollypops........ oh and flying.
Pleasssssse would anyone give me £45000 to learn to fly?
Ill be very very forthcomming with due reward!
Ps you can never see me with the lights on!
Hey if she can do it so can i, i too need funds from somewhere
As said get up and work for your money like everyone else, it may seem hard but thats how most people earn there money.
I do hope you reach your dream but come on, unless your like Helga not many rich folks will stump up the cash
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Lucie,
I have to say I am very disappointed. A few days ago you posted an almost identical post to the one above. The only difference is you were asking for advice, whereas now you are asking for money.
Several people, myself included, spent time and effort to provide you with the most appropriate and well thought out advice they could. In effect, you have thrown all of that back in their faces by ignoring the advice and pleading for money. There are tens of thousands of people in exacly your predicament. It has taken me 10 years to find sufficient funding to realise my dream and whilst others will have achieved it in less, some will take even longer. I have worked very hard to get this far and I resent the fact that you clearly expect your "dream job" on a plate.
Aviation is a cut-throat business and the sooner you realise that the only person who can get funds for Lucie's training is Lucie, then the sooner you will make progress. It is not impossible, but it is damned hard to achieve and asking for freebies will only wind people up.
Obs cop
I have to say I am very disappointed. A few days ago you posted an almost identical post to the one above. The only difference is you were asking for advice, whereas now you are asking for money.
Several people, myself included, spent time and effort to provide you with the most appropriate and well thought out advice they could. In effect, you have thrown all of that back in their faces by ignoring the advice and pleading for money. There are tens of thousands of people in exacly your predicament. It has taken me 10 years to find sufficient funding to realise my dream and whilst others will have achieved it in less, some will take even longer. I have worked very hard to get this far and I resent the fact that you clearly expect your "dream job" on a plate.
Aviation is a cut-throat business and the sooner you realise that the only person who can get funds for Lucie's training is Lucie, then the sooner you will make progress. It is not impossible, but it is damned hard to achieve and asking for freebies will only wind people up.
Obs cop
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Never seen a request like this before - and assuming it's not a wind-up (touché if it is) -
Lucie, a couple of questions -
Do you think anyone else here wants to fly professionally as much (or even more) as you do?
Do you think there is a long line of people offering them money to help them fulfill their dream?
The answers, in case you are having trouble with them are:
1. Yes
2. No
I know you are only 19 so your post can be excused to some extent as a naive and 'youthful indiscretion', but you should learn from this experience. It's a hard life, and if you are going to do this, you are going to have to work f**king hard (and be lucky along the way). Good luck.
Lucie, a couple of questions -
Do you think anyone else here wants to fly professionally as much (or even more) as you do?
Do you think there is a long line of people offering them money to help them fulfill their dream?
The answers, in case you are having trouble with them are:
1. Yes
2. No
I know you are only 19 so your post can be excused to some extent as a naive and 'youthful indiscretion', but you should learn from this experience. It's a hard life, and if you are going to do this, you are going to have to work f**king hard (and be lucky along the way). Good luck.
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sorry guys- didnt mean it the way you all took it. Im not some lazy person who expects everyting to fall into my lap. I wont pour my heart out to all of u and make u get ur violins out, but i've worked damn hard to get what i've got in life. and yes- most other ppl have to. and i will continue to. always! thats just teh sort of person i am. i am just SO desperate to start flying. going to cyrus in november to do some work to save money and really want to do my PPL while im over there, but im fiding it hard to find the cash- dispite working 2 jobs and selling as much of my stuff as i can (although i do draw the line at my body hehe!).
it was just a desperate pleed for any tiny help i could get. did really really value all ur advice- believe me! Just feeling so frustrated cos most of my friends are just going through uni having a fab time with their parents footing the bill with no idea what they want in life- and i know what i want but i just dont see how im going to get there! just excuse me for being pathetic and young! sorry!
it was just a desperate pleed for any tiny help i could get. did really really value all ur advice- believe me! Just feeling so frustrated cos most of my friends are just going through uni having a fab time with their parents footing the bill with no idea what they want in life- and i know what i want but i just dont see how im going to get there! just excuse me for being pathetic and young! sorry!
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10/10 for effort and initiative.
0/10 for attainment.
Doesn't usually take long to discover the harsher side of Pprune. Hope it doesn't leave too much of a scar.
Oh, and if anyone has lent you some dosh, please PM me.
0/10 for attainment.
Doesn't usually take long to discover the harsher side of Pprune. Hope it doesn't leave too much of a scar.
Oh, and if anyone has lent you some dosh, please PM me.
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Ouch!
Bet you're wishing you'd kept your mouth shut eh, Lucie!
PPRuNe is one of those great places where people tell you exactly what they think of you, and although some of the replies to this thread have been a bit harsh, I think they all have a good point.
I'm 19 too. I have been flying since I was 16, and have accumulated just over 30 hours so far. I worked hard for my A Levels after poor GCSE results (due to me being lazy) and now have 1A and 4B grades at A Level. I'm starting a course in Aerospace Engineering MEng in two weeks time, and I can't wait!
I've paid for all my flying myself.
I'm also paying pretty much everything for going to Uni too, and I'm moving away...
Anyway, you have to understand the amount of people who are in exactly the same position as you. If this is not a wind-up as has been suggested by some of the others, you need to do the following:
1 - Get into an aeroplane. Have you had a "trial" lesson yet? If not, get one. If you're serious you can afford £50 to spend half an hour seeing what it's all about.
2 - Read PPRuNe lots. It has to be the best resource in the world for career information - for flying anyway! I've never come across anywhere where there is such a mix of people, and some of them have worked their way right to the top of the profession from the position you are in now.
3 - Go flying. Lessons are great, but if you haven't got the £££ then get out there, meet people who are in a position to take you flying. Give the PFA a ring and find out about homebuilding projects in your area. Maybe you can trade helping out on a kitplane for some flying in it when it's done, or the builder may have other aircraft you could fly in...
4 - Look at UAS. All I know is that I want to fly. I don't care how, I just know I don't want to sit in an office all my days looking out the window at aeroplanes flying around - (I've done it for what seemed like a very long gap year) The military offer some great oppourtunities, and having a go at the UAS when you start Uni is fantastic if you haven't ruled out joining the RAF.
I'm sure the rest of the folks on here will have some bright ideas as well.
Flying is expensive, there's no way around paying for it in one way or another - especially not by setting up your own personal charity on this forum.
Best of luck, keep us up to date on your progress!
Mike
PPRuNe is one of those great places where people tell you exactly what they think of you, and although some of the replies to this thread have been a bit harsh, I think they all have a good point.
I'm 19 too. I have been flying since I was 16, and have accumulated just over 30 hours so far. I worked hard for my A Levels after poor GCSE results (due to me being lazy) and now have 1A and 4B grades at A Level. I'm starting a course in Aerospace Engineering MEng in two weeks time, and I can't wait!
I've paid for all my flying myself.
I'm also paying pretty much everything for going to Uni too, and I'm moving away...
Anyway, you have to understand the amount of people who are in exactly the same position as you. If this is not a wind-up as has been suggested by some of the others, you need to do the following:
1 - Get into an aeroplane. Have you had a "trial" lesson yet? If not, get one. If you're serious you can afford £50 to spend half an hour seeing what it's all about.
2 - Read PPRuNe lots. It has to be the best resource in the world for career information - for flying anyway! I've never come across anywhere where there is such a mix of people, and some of them have worked their way right to the top of the profession from the position you are in now.
3 - Go flying. Lessons are great, but if you haven't got the £££ then get out there, meet people who are in a position to take you flying. Give the PFA a ring and find out about homebuilding projects in your area. Maybe you can trade helping out on a kitplane for some flying in it when it's done, or the builder may have other aircraft you could fly in...
4 - Look at UAS. All I know is that I want to fly. I don't care how, I just know I don't want to sit in an office all my days looking out the window at aeroplanes flying around - (I've done it for what seemed like a very long gap year) The military offer some great oppourtunities, and having a go at the UAS when you start Uni is fantastic if you haven't ruled out joining the RAF.
I'm sure the rest of the folks on here will have some bright ideas as well.
Flying is expensive, there's no way around paying for it in one way or another - especially not by setting up your own personal charity on this forum.
Best of luck, keep us up to date on your progress!
Mike
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Like Mike (good luck with University by the way Mike. Where're you off to?) I would say get the hours where and when you can, work and save for it. If you aren't going to go to university you might try for a job in an aviation-related company. I don't know what's going but, noting you are in Dorset, if you're not too far from Bournemouth Airport I am willing to keep an ear to the ground with the companies I work for or have contacts with.
My best suggestion is to go to the joint-services career centre. Look into RAF flying, but don't forget RN and Army. Both take direct-entry aircrew (if the Army tell you they don't, like they told me, they are lying. You may have to get a different regiment to sponsor you through Sandhurst, but that is not a commitment and if you impress them the AAC do take people from there. In any case a job as a subaltern elsewhere or even in your case as a PT officer is not a bad way to wait and earn while waiting for someone to pay you to learn!). If you want a little more information I and others here can give it. I was in the RN for a while, and knew many RAF/Army pilots.
If you do go to University try to join the University Air Squadron. You don't have to show much interest in the RAF as a career, remember they are trying to recruit people who don't especially want to join! Do show your enthusiasm for flying, and some initiative.
Good luck!
P.S. if you need to do some flying in Bournemouth I work as an instructor for two good schools here, as well as as a ground instructor for commercial aviation.
P.P.S. The approach you tried here might work in Private Eye. Gotta be worth a try, many people have ads there just asking for cash
My best suggestion is to go to the joint-services career centre. Look into RAF flying, but don't forget RN and Army. Both take direct-entry aircrew (if the Army tell you they don't, like they told me, they are lying. You may have to get a different regiment to sponsor you through Sandhurst, but that is not a commitment and if you impress them the AAC do take people from there. In any case a job as a subaltern elsewhere or even in your case as a PT officer is not a bad way to wait and earn while waiting for someone to pay you to learn!). If you want a little more information I and others here can give it. I was in the RN for a while, and knew many RAF/Army pilots.
If you do go to University try to join the University Air Squadron. You don't have to show much interest in the RAF as a career, remember they are trying to recruit people who don't especially want to join! Do show your enthusiasm for flying, and some initiative.
Good luck!
P.S. if you need to do some flying in Bournemouth I work as an instructor for two good schools here, as well as as a ground instructor for commercial aviation.
P.P.S. The approach you tried here might work in Private Eye. Gotta be worth a try, many people have ads there just asking for cash
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strafer
Thats a bit harsh, did you mother never tell you its the personality that counts, and anyway ive seen some pug ugly pilots around.
The girl has got the desire just not the correct plan, she is young & learning with each reply to her thread.
We all make mistakes, some bigger than others. She could be your girlfriend with a hidden desire to be a pilot for all you know
Thats a bit harsh, did you mother never tell you its the personality that counts, and anyway ive seen some pug ugly pilots around.
The girl has got the desire just not the correct plan, she is young & learning with each reply to her thread.
We all make mistakes, some bigger than others. She could be your girlfriend with a hidden desire to be a pilot for all you know
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What a great advice some people have, just "getting off his arse" and go for something ...
What's wrong with "getting off his arse" first to PPRuNe and ask for some information???
What do these advisors think PPRuNe is for?
Which CRM do these advisors practise??
"Gear down" - > "Get off your arse" ... ???? ... just kidding ...
- > lucieross
There seem to be some sponsorships in the UK. Don't know the whole deal but the name lets me suppose no money is required therefore, at least not in advance ...
Check it out!
What's wrong with "getting off his arse" first to PPRuNe and ask for some information???
What do these advisors think PPRuNe is for?
Which CRM do these advisors practise??
"Gear down" - > "Get off your arse" ... ????
... just kidding ...- > lucieross
There seem to be some sponsorships in the UK. Don't know the whole deal but the name lets me suppose no money is required therefore, at least not in advance ...
Check it out!
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YYZ - my post was as sexist as the original. Don't be fooled by Lucie's naifness, I reckon that girl could flutter her eyelashes for England.
(Unless she's actually a 40-year old ex-wrestler stringing us all along...)
(Unless she's actually a 40-year old ex-wrestler stringing us all along...)
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well im not actually 19- 20 now hehe! ironically my birthday is 11th September!!! and it was my 18th when it all happended! nice eh?
guys im not a wind up- and realising how being a decent looking young blue eyed, blond girl is going to be hard to be taken seriously in this world, but i've got the brains to get there! (iq 129- i aint no dumb blonde guys!!)
guys im not a wind up- and realising how being a decent looking young blue eyed, blond girl is going to be hard to be taken seriously in this world, but i've got the brains to get there! (iq 129- i aint no dumb blonde guys!!)