Follow My Dream.. Or Not?
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Follow My Dream.. Or Not?
I've just turned 22, living in the UK and working in a supermarket for the rest of my life is not what I wish to do. For years now I have had a huge passion for flying, I flew for my first time last year in an A321 and could do it every day if I had the chance. I've been playing Flight Simulators on my PC for close to 7-8 years now.
My dream is to be an airline pilot. I've looked into it before but haven't followed up, now I want to get my life on track and I want to do it more than ever..
But I have a few confidence issues with myself which is the only thing setting me back right now.
I have a slight speech problem where I sometimes find it hard to get certain words out (such as Quebec) or saying long phrases without running out of breath. Once I get the words flowing however then I am usually fine. It also seems to be when I am thinking about what to say I struggle, where as if it's more of a passive sentence I'll be fine? This is the biggest thing currently putting me off, as I've heard how most pilots and ATC speak (quickly and professionally). I don't know if there are any FAA rules, airline requirements or anything regarding speech?
I'm extremely tempted to book my first flying lesson but I don't know what to do. I welcome the views of people on this website both professional and not. Maybe I should ring the flight school and have a chat with them on the phone? I don't know..
Anyway, thank you and I hope the replies I receive gives me the hope I need to get started.
My dream is to be an airline pilot. I've looked into it before but haven't followed up, now I want to get my life on track and I want to do it more than ever..
But I have a few confidence issues with myself which is the only thing setting me back right now.
I have a slight speech problem where I sometimes find it hard to get certain words out (such as Quebec) or saying long phrases without running out of breath. Once I get the words flowing however then I am usually fine. It also seems to be when I am thinking about what to say I struggle, where as if it's more of a passive sentence I'll be fine? This is the biggest thing currently putting me off, as I've heard how most pilots and ATC speak (quickly and professionally). I don't know if there are any FAA rules, airline requirements or anything regarding speech?
I'm extremely tempted to book my first flying lesson but I don't know what to do. I welcome the views of people on this website both professional and not. Maybe I should ring the flight school and have a chat with them on the phone? I don't know..
Anyway, thank you and I hope the replies I receive gives me the hope I need to get started.
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Do it! Book your first lesson and see what it's like.
I'm about 9 hours into my PPL and also have a very slight speech impediment which I thought would be a problem. As it turns out, it isn't. Like with anything in life, you find a way to get around things like that. I found a big breath before I speak on the radio works a treat.
Doing the ATPL is a long term thing (and also expensive) so it might be worth, before you start stumping up £0,000's , to do it over a period of time. Start with the PPL and work it out from there.
You'll do it - You'll love it - Your bank manager won't!!
I'm about 9 hours into my PPL and also have a very slight speech impediment which I thought would be a problem. As it turns out, it isn't. Like with anything in life, you find a way to get around things like that. I found a big breath before I speak on the radio works a treat.
Doing the ATPL is a long term thing (and also expensive) so it might be worth, before you start stumping up £0,000's , to do it over a period of time. Start with the PPL and work it out from there.
You'll do it - You'll love it - Your bank manager won't!!
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You won't have to talk to ATC on your first lesson or trial flight. The instructor will do all that for you. Go for it, you never know unless you try. Be aware that gaining an ATPL is very expensive and jobs aren't easy to come by once you have it.
I flew gliders for years before I went onto powered and never spoke to anyone on the radio. I found converting to powered flying no problem at all apart from the comms. I well remember on my first trip listening to ATC (I fly from a full ATC field) and thinking that there was no way I wouild be able to understand all of that gibberish. But like everything else one day it clicks and you have no problem with it from then on.
I flew gliders for years before I went onto powered and never spoke to anyone on the radio. I found converting to powered flying no problem at all apart from the comms. I well remember on my first trip listening to ATC (I fly from a full ATC field) and thinking that there was no way I wouild be able to understand all of that gibberish. But like everything else one day it clicks and you have no problem with it from then on.
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Agree with all the above. Go for a trial lesson and see what you make of it.
Regarding speech, you will probably find it easier than you think, exactly because there are 'rules and regulations' for what you say and when you say it, once you know those, you'll be expecting to hear certain things and able to hear them, as well as ready to say a couple of things when they need to be said.
If confidence is an issue for you, unlike a social setting, where there is pressure to think on your feet, saying things on the hoof and following the conversation as it drifts around, talking on the radio is far easier with a lot less pressure on you.
On a related note, learning to fly will be a real confidence booster. You'll be doing something which to outsiders appears difficult and unusual. Only you will know how easy it really is
And it's a lot of fun to boot
B.
Regarding speech, you will probably find it easier than you think, exactly because there are 'rules and regulations' for what you say and when you say it, once you know those, you'll be expecting to hear certain things and able to hear them, as well as ready to say a couple of things when they need to be said.
If confidence is an issue for you, unlike a social setting, where there is pressure to think on your feet, saying things on the hoof and following the conversation as it drifts around, talking on the radio is far easier with a lot less pressure on you.
On a related note, learning to fly will be a real confidence booster. You'll be doing something which to outsiders appears difficult and unusual. Only you will know how easy it really is
And it's a lot of fun to boot
B.
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you'll be expecting to hear certain things and able to hear them
eg 'Golf Alpha Br.vo cl... cros. ..ntolle.. a..spa.e not ab... 3,000 fe..'
Becomes 'Golf Alpha Bravo clear to cross controlled airspace not above 3,000 feet.' Because that's what you are expecting.
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Never mind the dream, concentrate on the reality. If you have never been in a light aircraft, go take a trial lesson. Make it an hour to be sure.
If you want to go further, before you do anything else, go and get a class one medical. If you can't pass that, the "dream" ends right there.
If you pass that, come back here and we can discuss the madness of spending £100k on a licence when there are so few jobs.
If you want to go further, before you do anything else, go and get a class one medical. If you can't pass that, the "dream" ends right there.
If you pass that, come back here and we can discuss the madness of spending £100k on a licence when there are so few jobs.
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Mm thank you guys, still looking forward to reading a few more responses. In regards to money how much is a ppl roughly?
I think I will definitely go for the trial lesson..
I think I will definitely go for the trial lesson..
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In regards to money how much is a ppl roughly?
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Factor in £120k for zero to ATPL. Does it make sense? The job isn't what it was, either. Nor the pay. And that's a trend that won't get any better from the pilot's point of view.
If you can afford the PPL go for that. It'll be fun, a confidence booster, and by the end of it you'll have a pretty good idea of what this flying game's about, and whether a commercial pilot career is for you.
If it looks like it still is after you've done the PPL, and you can find the money.... go for it! But that PPL is the start point and well worth doing in itself before you set any commercial ambitions.
If you can afford the PPL go for that. It'll be fun, a confidence booster, and by the end of it you'll have a pretty good idea of what this flying game's about, and whether a commercial pilot career is for you.
If it looks like it still is after you've done the PPL, and you can find the money.... go for it! But that PPL is the start point and well worth doing in itself before you set any commercial ambitions.
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Hmm money is the factor then I guess and probably what put me off last time. I've had a quick look at a few airlines that do apprenticeships but there doesn't seem to be any? I guess these are even harder to get hold of these days..
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look kid. there are lots of things that appeal to us. so first you will have to figure out how to make lots of money.
but that is the cool part of the job, so just find a neat job that you don't hate and save money.
I put a huge amount of effort into the money making part to pay for flying. Looking back I would have more money now just by doing the other things.
Get a medical first, take a few lessons and look at the money you spent. Are you ready to give up dating, a new car, nice clothes for the next 10 years? IF yes, maybe you have a chance. maybe.
but that is the cool part of the job, so just find a neat job that you don't hate and save money.
I put a huge amount of effort into the money making part to pay for flying. Looking back I would have more money now just by doing the other things.
Get a medical first, take a few lessons and look at the money you spent. Are you ready to give up dating, a new car, nice clothes for the next 10 years? IF yes, maybe you have a chance. maybe.
Go for it Andy! Follow your dream, you'll regret it if you don't. Speech therapy, if you need it is effective. There was a fellow on my Airforce pilot's course who had a stammer and he overcame it and had a long career flying Hercules transports.
Cheers and good luck,
BH.
Cheers and good luck,
BH.
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Hmm money is the factor then I guess and probably what put me off last time.
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eg 'Golf Alpha Br.vo cl... cros. ..ntolle.. a..spa.e not ab... 3,000 fe..'
Becomes 'Golf Alpha Bravo clear to cross controlled airspace not above 3,000 feet.' Because that's what you are expecting.
Becomes 'Golf Alpha Bravo clear to cross controlled airspace not above 3,000 feet.' Because that's what you are expecting.
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Just Try!
Andy,
As others have said, just go for it. Until you try taking control of an aircraft for yourself you will never know.
If you have any concerns about your health then I would suggest that you get your medical first then you will know what is possible before you spend lots of money.
Even if you can't fly for a job you may almost certainly be able to fly for the sheer joy of flying. As an example, when I was in my teens I discovered I could not get a class 1 medical due to being short sighted, but at University I learned to fly gliders and spent many happy and inexpensive hours pottering about in a glider. Ironically, I believe that under the new EASA rules I could now get a class 1 medical but at 42 it is probably a bit too old to think of a career in aviation, but at some point, I would like to take up gliding again or possibly learn to fly either light aircraft or 3 axis microlights.
Try it whilst you are young enough, you will regret it if you don't...
As others have said, just go for it. Until you try taking control of an aircraft for yourself you will never know.
If you have any concerns about your health then I would suggest that you get your medical first then you will know what is possible before you spend lots of money.
Even if you can't fly for a job you may almost certainly be able to fly for the sheer joy of flying. As an example, when I was in my teens I discovered I could not get a class 1 medical due to being short sighted, but at University I learned to fly gliders and spent many happy and inexpensive hours pottering about in a glider. Ironically, I believe that under the new EASA rules I could now get a class 1 medical but at 42 it is probably a bit too old to think of a career in aviation, but at some point, I would like to take up gliding again or possibly learn to fly either light aircraft or 3 axis microlights.
Try it whilst you are young enough, you will regret it if you don't...
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Well I think I'll definitely go for a trial lesson and see how I think of it from there on. I'll probably have to wait until the end of march though.
It's a shame it's so expensive, but even if I just go for my ppl then that'll be more than good enough. Might just take me some time with the money situation but it'll be worth it!
It would be amazing to fly around the UK especially over the lake district and Wales etc
Once again thank you guys for the little extra push!
It's a shame it's so expensive, but even if I just go for my ppl then that'll be more than good enough. Might just take me some time with the money situation but it'll be worth it!
It would be amazing to fly around the UK especially over the lake district and Wales etc
Once again thank you guys for the little extra push!
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Andy,
Confidence is the key with anything like this. It takes aptitude, situational awareness and lots of concentration. However, no one will expect you to have all of that the first time you step into an aircraft.
RT (Radio Telephony) does get a little getting used to. I've been an air traffic controller for 7 years and recently completed my PPL, it did give me a massive advantage as all the 'lingo' came naturally. But i remember the first time at the school when I was given CAP413 and my head almost exploded. The key? Practice. Which is what you will get as you progress on your PPL and your instructor explains it all to you, eventually you'll find it coming naturally and you'll think back to this topic when you thought you'd have issues.
As the other lads have said, go for it! And go and enjoy a trial lesson. Also shop around for prices on your PPL and never pay all as a package upfront!
Best of luck with it
Confidence is the key with anything like this. It takes aptitude, situational awareness and lots of concentration. However, no one will expect you to have all of that the first time you step into an aircraft.
RT (Radio Telephony) does get a little getting used to. I've been an air traffic controller for 7 years and recently completed my PPL, it did give me a massive advantage as all the 'lingo' came naturally. But i remember the first time at the school when I was given CAP413 and my head almost exploded. The key? Practice. Which is what you will get as you progress on your PPL and your instructor explains it all to you, eventually you'll find it coming naturally and you'll think back to this topic when you thought you'd have issues.
As the other lads have said, go for it! And go and enjoy a trial lesson. Also shop around for prices on your PPL and never pay all as a package upfront!
Best of luck with it
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Follow the dream whilst young, you're dead long enough at the end.
As for the speech issue, it never fails to amaze me how bad otherwise unimpeded people are on the radio. I don't know what your problem is, how bad, nor indeed am I an expert but I wouldn't mind betting with some work, planning and foresight you could beat what you often hear. Don't assume that everyone else is perfect.
Those of us that shouldn't be affected by speech impediments just don't concentrate on RT enough IMHO, how often do we get affected by stammers/stutters/ums and ahs simply but not thinking what we meant to say before pressing the RT button. With your issue I reckon you'd concentrate on this a load more.
True story, flying around a rural part of the UK last summer some guy in a 'Poiper' spent the whole of one of my 15 minute legs constantly talking to 'AyTeeeeSea' about his 'floight'. No kidding I heard 'Cud yew say that agin please, Oi dint quoit cetch it' said six times in response to 'G-ABCD confirm you are remaining clear of parachute drop zone'. Constant requests to check his altitude - from him to ATC - were heard and position reports every minute- no-one else in the air could get a word in edgeways !
If, at the end of the day you can't fulfil the airline pilot dream, at least having a PPL - or even having had a few lessons towards it - will stop you thinking 'if only' when sitting in the nursing home 60 years from now.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
As for the speech issue, it never fails to amaze me how bad otherwise unimpeded people are on the radio. I don't know what your problem is, how bad, nor indeed am I an expert but I wouldn't mind betting with some work, planning and foresight you could beat what you often hear. Don't assume that everyone else is perfect.
Those of us that shouldn't be affected by speech impediments just don't concentrate on RT enough IMHO, how often do we get affected by stammers/stutters/ums and ahs simply but not thinking what we meant to say before pressing the RT button. With your issue I reckon you'd concentrate on this a load more.
True story, flying around a rural part of the UK last summer some guy in a 'Poiper' spent the whole of one of my 15 minute legs constantly talking to 'AyTeeeeSea' about his 'floight'. No kidding I heard 'Cud yew say that agin please, Oi dint quoit cetch it' said six times in response to 'G-ABCD confirm you are remaining clear of parachute drop zone'. Constant requests to check his altitude - from him to ATC - were heard and position reports every minute- no-one else in the air could get a word in edgeways !
If, at the end of the day you can't fulfil the airline pilot dream, at least having a PPL - or even having had a few lessons towards it - will stop you thinking 'if only' when sitting in the nursing home 60 years from now.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
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I have been through this situation in my head many times, wishing to turn the clock back to a time where I was 20 or 21 and have a go at obtaining my PPL and moving on to CPL etc, sadly I stopped at PPL stage as I received my license slightly into my 30s and didn't feel it would be possible to actually get a job even if I managed to get the relevant licenses.
Have a trial flight, it may not be for you after that you may find, but bear in mind flying commercially is a world away from flying your average club trainer etc. But you may take to it like a duck to water and it may come naturally, if it is a dream of yours then I hope it does so. Get your head down at work and earn some decent money and make it possible, while you have youth on your side you can do it, don't make the mistake I made and leave it too late to realise what you'd like to do in life. Also if your going to take the plunge get your Class 1 medical early on as it would be a waste of time and money and emotional investment if you were to progress but not get there because of a medical issue.
Good luck, Jim
Have a trial flight, it may not be for you after that you may find, but bear in mind flying commercially is a world away from flying your average club trainer etc. But you may take to it like a duck to water and it may come naturally, if it is a dream of yours then I hope it does so. Get your head down at work and earn some decent money and make it possible, while you have youth on your side you can do it, don't make the mistake I made and leave it too late to realise what you'd like to do in life. Also if your going to take the plunge get your Class 1 medical early on as it would be a waste of time and money and emotional investment if you were to progress but not get there because of a medical issue.
Good luck, Jim