40 and just starting out !!!
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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40 and just starting out !!!
I am 40 and will be starting my PPL in the next few weeks, my age does not bother me if you are good enough and sell yourself you will get a job (I am a positive thinker !!)
I would like some advice and thoughts on the route I plan to take.
2008 PPL, IMC Night at Swansea (Cambrian) and some structured hour building ready for the CPL.
2009 ATPL at Bristol Ground School (Distance Learning)
2010 CPL, Me/IR at Bristol Flight Centre, also MCC but not sure where
2011 Type rating not sure (737/757/Dash ??)
So I should be around the age of 43 44 by the time I finish, I know age is above the average and I know I will prob need more hours to land some interviews/jobs but I will still have at least 20 years working life to offer.
What do you think and thanks for any replies.
I would like some advice and thoughts on the route I plan to take.
2008 PPL, IMC Night at Swansea (Cambrian) and some structured hour building ready for the CPL.
2009 ATPL at Bristol Ground School (Distance Learning)
2010 CPL, Me/IR at Bristol Flight Centre, also MCC but not sure where
2011 Type rating not sure (737/757/Dash ??)
So I should be around the age of 43 44 by the time I finish, I know age is above the average and I know I will prob need more hours to land some interviews/jobs but I will still have at least 20 years working life to offer.
What do you think and thanks for any replies.
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The quicker the better.
Why not knock-out the PPL / IMC in 6 months over the summer (funds permitting)?
As you say, structure your hour building and do some long navs (UK-Ireland / UK-France / UK-Holland you get the idea. 100hrs P1 could be done in a month if you really wanted (5hrs a day Mon-Fri), make it 3 months and enjoy it.
ATPL's in 6 months if you can (full-time). Look at 4-5 schools for the flight training. Bristol may not suit you (I have heard a few bad words, but then most schools have those). Try and spend a few hours at each one to see where you fit in best, as they are all very different.
PAT Bournemouth are very good. Great SIM (very important) and very professional.
OAT made me shiver, as did Cabair (sausage factories).
Avoid Cranfield.
Look at the market nearer the time for the TR. You may find that Instructing opens more doors than a TR with no job at the end (6.5K).
Storm Aviation will give you time on type, but no job for 25.5K.
As for Distance Learning, I am not a fan. The majority of students give up within a month and go full time. Re-mortgage and just think of the money as funny money - or it will send you nuts.
Good luck and keep looking forward at the next hurdle. If you take small bites at this, nothing will stop you, but if you look at the bigger task that you have to complete too soon, you will only get overwhelmed. At 40, you bring stability and life skills to the table. The good operators will see this.
Why not knock-out the PPL / IMC in 6 months over the summer (funds permitting)?
As you say, structure your hour building and do some long navs (UK-Ireland / UK-France / UK-Holland you get the idea. 100hrs P1 could be done in a month if you really wanted (5hrs a day Mon-Fri), make it 3 months and enjoy it.
ATPL's in 6 months if you can (full-time). Look at 4-5 schools for the flight training. Bristol may not suit you (I have heard a few bad words, but then most schools have those). Try and spend a few hours at each one to see where you fit in best, as they are all very different.
PAT Bournemouth are very good. Great SIM (very important) and very professional.
OAT made me shiver, as did Cabair (sausage factories).
Avoid Cranfield.
Look at the market nearer the time for the TR. You may find that Instructing opens more doors than a TR with no job at the end (6.5K).
Storm Aviation will give you time on type, but no job for 25.5K.
As for Distance Learning, I am not a fan. The majority of students give up within a month and go full time. Re-mortgage and just think of the money as funny money - or it will send you nuts.
Good luck and keep looking forward at the next hurdle. If you take small bites at this, nothing will stop you, but if you look at the bigger task that you have to complete too soon, you will only get overwhelmed. At 40, you bring stability and life skills to the table. The good operators will see this.
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I agree with pretty much everything that PAPI-74 says although I wouldn't agree that distance learning is a poor choice for your ATPL groundschool. I don't know anybody who has given up and gone full time - maybe some people just don't have the self discipline to work on their own? It is more difficult (especially if you're working full time) but it sounds like you're pretty focused so I can't imagine it would be a problem for you.
You can do large chunks of all this stuff in the US - don't bother doing your CPL in the UK it will take you a million years to get the right weather.
Definately agree that an FI rating is a good choice over a TR.....plenty of guys have paid for TRs and have no job as you need hours on type....just check current mins. for EZY, BA etc.... need hours on type.
Also, do you really need an IMC rating? The flying club will say yes as it gives you a basic intro to IF which will help you and save money in the IR. I'm not convinced about that - lots of practice with a good pc-based IF simulator will teach you what all the needles do and a few hours "under the hood" with an instructor should give you a good feel for it. Could save you a load of cash if you don't do it, although people will disagree with me.
Also, do you need a night qualification? Well, if you changed your mind and did an FAA PPL in the US you get night priviledges with it as you do some night instruction as part of the course. If you fly a few more hours while you're over there to make sure you comply with the night hours requirements prior to CPL issue (see LASORS for this - you need more x-country time, solo takes offs and landings etc.) then the CAA might automatically credit you with a "night qualification" and even though you can't append this to an FAA PPL, you might still be able to claim credit for the night hours required for CPL issue. CAVEAT - please check this first!!!!! I'm not 100% sure on it but it might be worth investigating.
You don't need a JAR PPL in order to commence a JAR CPL course either so I know it isn't in your plan but it might be something to think about.
Sorry to throw more alternatives into the ring but it could save you some cash and mean you get finished sooner!!
You can do large chunks of all this stuff in the US - don't bother doing your CPL in the UK it will take you a million years to get the right weather.
Definately agree that an FI rating is a good choice over a TR.....plenty of guys have paid for TRs and have no job as you need hours on type....just check current mins. for EZY, BA etc.... need hours on type.
Also, do you really need an IMC rating? The flying club will say yes as it gives you a basic intro to IF which will help you and save money in the IR. I'm not convinced about that - lots of practice with a good pc-based IF simulator will teach you what all the needles do and a few hours "under the hood" with an instructor should give you a good feel for it. Could save you a load of cash if you don't do it, although people will disagree with me.
Also, do you need a night qualification? Well, if you changed your mind and did an FAA PPL in the US you get night priviledges with it as you do some night instruction as part of the course. If you fly a few more hours while you're over there to make sure you comply with the night hours requirements prior to CPL issue (see LASORS for this - you need more x-country time, solo takes offs and landings etc.) then the CAA might automatically credit you with a "night qualification" and even though you can't append this to an FAA PPL, you might still be able to claim credit for the night hours required for CPL issue. CAVEAT - please check this first!!!!! I'm not 100% sure on it but it might be worth investigating.
You don't need a JAR PPL in order to commence a JAR CPL course either so I know it isn't in your plan but it might be something to think about.
Sorry to throw more alternatives into the ring but it could save you some cash and mean you get finished sooner!!
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spitfirebbmf, welcome to pprune. I have no doubt we'll bump into each other at some point with us both looking to start out PPL's this summer and have it done and dusted in 2010/11 with the possibility of using B-F-C.
I took a trip to Cardiff today and it looked pretty good, they have been granted FTO status from the CAA and can take you from 0-fATPL
But with prices ranging from £6k to £8k for a PPL I'd really considering doing to the States and getting my PPL done there at half the price. With the weather we get in South Wales we're looking at 6 months to complete the PPL by flying weekends and evening or around 3 months doing it full time (I can't see my employers giving me 3 months off).
So if I guess a visit to OBA/OFT in Aug/Sep might get me a PPL quicker and save me a lot of my hard earned cash that I can put towards my ATPL via BGS.
Good luck.
(The prices for Cardiff are here)
I took a trip to Cardiff today and it looked pretty good, they have been granted FTO status from the CAA and can take you from 0-fATPL
But with prices ranging from £6k to £8k for a PPL I'd really considering doing to the States and getting my PPL done there at half the price. With the weather we get in South Wales we're looking at 6 months to complete the PPL by flying weekends and evening or around 3 months doing it full time (I can't see my employers giving me 3 months off).
So if I guess a visit to OBA/OFT in Aug/Sep might get me a PPL quicker and save me a lot of my hard earned cash that I can put towards my ATPL via BGS.
Good luck.
(The prices for Cardiff are here)
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Trained a F/O on the B747-400F a few years ago -(2002 I think). He started flying at 49 yrs old and at 53 was a 747-400 co-pilot. If you want it badly enough, then the possibilities are there. It'll take a lot of hard work and determination! Good luck!
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Hour Building
Speaking about hour building what things are you supposed to practice
Also I notice most schools use warriors or Arrows for CPL training does it make much differance if you only have access to a Cessna or a Tomahawk.
Thanks
Also I notice most schools use warriors or Arrows for CPL training does it make much differance if you only have access to a Cessna or a Tomahawk.
Thanks
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Just starting out myself and few points I've found helpful
OAT PPL CD training very good if find books a little boring
Class 1 medical a must if your thinking of making a career out of flying
Flyer exhibition at Heathrom 18th April (Been advised v good for us wannabes)
Keep focused and try not to come on to pprune when meant to be studying
All the best for the future
OAT PPL CD training very good if find books a little boring
Class 1 medical a must if your thinking of making a career out of flying
Flyer exhibition at Heathrom 18th April (Been advised v good for us wannabes)
Keep focused and try not to come on to pprune when meant to be studying
All the best for the future
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Thanks all
I have a class 2 on the 10/04, doc will let me know chances of a class 1, should be ok already had my eyes checked and they are ok.
If doc gives the ok ill book one up at Gatwick.
Thanks again and keep the advice coming.
I have a class 2 on the 10/04, doc will let me know chances of a class 1, should be ok already had my eyes checked and they are ok.
If doc gives the ok ill book one up at Gatwick.
Thanks again and keep the advice coming.
Formerly HWD
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spitfirebbmf,
It might be worthwhile checking out the CTC cadet option before committing elsewhere: www.ctcwings.co.uk. More perspective here.
It might be worthwhile checking out the CTC cadet option before committing elsewhere: www.ctcwings.co.uk. More perspective here.
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Flyer exhibition at Heathrom 18th April (Been advised v good for us wannabes) Leeds 1972
http://www.flyer.co.uk/exhibitions/
Cheers
Greg
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I am 38 and will be starting an integrated course in a couple of months with a well known training provider. I accept that my employment opportunities may be a little lower than an fresh faced 23 year old but there are also employers out there who will understand that older candidates will bring a different set of lifeskills to the profession. Keep all of your options open and the best of luck.
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I am 40 tomorrow as it happens, so started a little earlier, my first flight was Aug 2004 starting PPL, so 3 and a half years ago, now have 1400 hours , good living. Enjoyed the complete change. I am helicopters mind you, but crack on and it's far more about attitude and damn hard work than age or even aptitude.
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Good luck mate !
Just thinking of the same but going the Instructor route Part time.
I would do the IMC and night as it is real flying. If you do some proper IFR flying on your IMC you'll see if you can Hack it. For a beginer it's not easy believe me. SVFR at night in an area you are unfamiliar with is difficult if not impossible so it may be better to do the IMC first. by the way the Hour Building should count towards your total hr building?
Has anyone compared the costs of the various ground schools for Distance Learning and how are the exams charged?
The Cranfield 3 x 1 week local seems attractive...ie do 3 blocks of exams immediately after.
I would do the IMC and night as it is real flying. If you do some proper IFR flying on your IMC you'll see if you can Hack it. For a beginer it's not easy believe me. SVFR at night in an area you are unfamiliar with is difficult if not impossible so it may be better to do the IMC first. by the way the Hour Building should count towards your total hr building?
Has anyone compared the costs of the various ground schools for Distance Learning and how are the exams charged?
The Cranfield 3 x 1 week local seems attractive...ie do 3 blocks of exams immediately after.
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Hi Spitfire
Can't believe I found another ppruner in a similar position to me and also from BRIDGEND!!!
I've just come back from South Africa where I completed the first part of the module 1 course at Progress Flight Academy. It was in fact Bristol Flying Centre that put me in touch with those guys. Had a great experience over there and came back with a PPL and a total hours count of 75. The law and PPL course structure over there has changed recently and has very much brought it in line with JAA PPL. Is this a viable option for you? It's certainly a lot cheaper and much better weather!!!
Like you I'm slightly older than the average student (33 years old) but am determined to fulfill my dream. I have a very similar plan to you in that I am thinking of Bristol Ground School and Bristol Flying centre although my timescales are tighter (assuming that my house sells soon - not holding my breath in current market!!). Since returning from SA I am considering going back and doing a large chunk of the training over there and then converting - still need to do more research on that.
Anyway, if you want any further info on my experience so far PM me and perhaps we could even meet up. I kept a blog whilst over in SA which may interest you - check it out if you have time (www.llenair.*************).
Llen
Can't believe I found another ppruner in a similar position to me and also from BRIDGEND!!!
I've just come back from South Africa where I completed the first part of the module 1 course at Progress Flight Academy. It was in fact Bristol Flying Centre that put me in touch with those guys. Had a great experience over there and came back with a PPL and a total hours count of 75. The law and PPL course structure over there has changed recently and has very much brought it in line with JAA PPL. Is this a viable option for you? It's certainly a lot cheaper and much better weather!!!
Like you I'm slightly older than the average student (33 years old) but am determined to fulfill my dream. I have a very similar plan to you in that I am thinking of Bristol Ground School and Bristol Flying centre although my timescales are tighter (assuming that my house sells soon - not holding my breath in current market!!). Since returning from SA I am considering going back and doing a large chunk of the training over there and then converting - still need to do more research on that.
Anyway, if you want any further info on my experience so far PM me and perhaps we could even meet up. I kept a blog whilst over in SA which may interest you - check it out if you have time (www.llenair.*************).
Llen
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middle aged pilot?
i too am 41 and half way through ppl trainning and going the distance to commercial,i have had positive feed back from a regional captain who says middle aged pilots are marketable as they dont tend to jump ship after doing time on turboprops,but does recommend training quickly if affordable,as time is not on your side,best of british sir!
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36, with PPL and hitting the books....HARD
As most of you, I am also doing the (Mid life crisis -as my wife tends to put it) career change. I am heading out to SA in Feb/March 2009 to do the rest of the flight training. I am busy with my ATPL studies here in the UK and plan to finish it before returning to SA (just for the fair wx flying). I have started the GS self study, but need to join an FTO... Any recomendations? CATS, Cabair Bournemouth, Oxford..... I am tending to lean towards Cabair, but have recently noticed quite a bit of negative feedback about them.
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god, im 21 and im worried im just starting my a-level maths/physics, starting my ppl within the year, i keep comparing myself to the middle-class money boys, which i aint....
hope it goes well for you guys, i see the determination is there!
Good luck!
G-STAW
hope it goes well for you guys, i see the determination is there!
Good luck!
G-STAW