Flight Training and Kids
PPRuNe FirstOfficer
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Surrey, UK
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Flight Training and Kids
Hello All,
My life changed a bit due to the announcement (and I am extremely happy
) that I am going to be a dad, and for all those out there with kids I am sure that you all know that all free time is sacred, I am doing my PPL at the moment and going all the way to ATPL (modular), what I was wondering is to try and advance in terms of theory if it is a good idea to jump straight to the ATPL books instead of the PPL ones, so this way I wont need to study PPL books and then ATPL… (have 7 months before the birth).
Anyone done something similar? Any other tips from anyone with kids while doing flying training?
Many Thanks
My life changed a bit due to the announcement (and I am extremely happy
) that I am going to be a dad, and for all those out there with kids I am sure that you all know that all free time is sacred, I am doing my PPL at the moment and going all the way to ATPL (modular), what I was wondering is to try and advance in terms of theory if it is a good idea to jump straight to the ATPL books instead of the PPL ones, so this way I wont need to study PPL books and then ATPL… (have 7 months before the birth).Anyone done something similar? Any other tips from anyone with kids while doing flying training?
Many Thanks
Join Date: Dec 2005
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First of all, congratulations on your imminent promotion to a DAD!
I'm no expert but be careful before you attempt to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Consult one of the ATPL providers and speak to your CFI to see what practical options you have.
I am mid way through my ATPLs and was a dad when I started. Sure it can be stressful but then again so can many other things in life. I've found a comfortable balance between family life and the demands of the ATPL course, bottom line .... it can be done. So good luck and all the best
I'm no expert but be careful before you attempt to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Consult one of the ATPL providers and speak to your CFI to see what practical options you have.
I am mid way through my ATPLs and was a dad when I started. Sure it can be stressful but then again so can many other things in life. I've found a comfortable balance between family life and the demands of the ATPL course, bottom line .... it can be done. So good luck and all the best
Join Date: May 2001
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Congratulations FO. Welcome to the Gonna be a Dad, but Wannabe a Pilot Club! 
Mine is hitting 2 now. Granted the sleepless nights will do your head in at first, but once you get used to it you will find you have a lot of free time as there's not much they will cry over at that age. That's of course if Mum doesn't mind being a full time mum!
. The problems start when they hit 1, 1 and half and won't sleep until 9:30pm (especially on hot nights like this! 
).... So if you can, get it all out of the way before then.
Have fun
Mine is hitting 2 now. Granted the sleepless nights will do your head in at first, but once you get used to it you will find you have a lot of free time as there's not much they will cry over at that age. That's of course if Mum doesn't mind being a full time mum!
. The problems start when they hit 1, 1 and half and won't sleep until 9:30pm (especially on hot nights like this! ).... So if you can, get it all out of the way before then.Have fun
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Gongrats on your future arrival. You'll find doing the ATPL licence very similair to being a dad - you throw money at something, it does not thank you for it and screams at you all the time - that's just the flying school!
Seriously though PPL exams are a lot less work than ATPLs, so I would advise you if you are intent on the modular route to do your PPL first and enjoy flying a bit (you'll need 150 hours anyway before you start the CPL/IR course). It will also reduce the risk for you as you'll get a flavour of what is involved and whether you do enjoy it.
I think if you were considering an integrated course, however, the advice would be the opposite - just do it asap! BUT research it FULLY FIRST.
Seriously though PPL exams are a lot less work than ATPLs, so I would advise you if you are intent on the modular route to do your PPL first and enjoy flying a bit (you'll need 150 hours anyway before you start the CPL/IR course). It will also reduce the risk for you as you'll get a flavour of what is involved and whether you do enjoy it.
I think if you were considering an integrated course, however, the advice would be the opposite - just do it asap! BUT research it FULLY FIRST.
