36 And my dream has died.
midiman
there are loads of different flying jobs out there - not just flying for airlines.
ok i don't really know your circumstances - wife, child, mortgage, full time job etc., so i am working on assumptions here, but it's not over if you don't want it to be. there are so many other opportunities out there. i do understand though, that sometimes you can weigh up all your circumstances and think, nah it won't happen. my wife and i had a baby on new years' day so i have to save up for his future, and i also have a mortgage to pay as well as full time work. so it might seem that that's it, my life is done and i have to stick with it, but i'm still putting a bit away for my flying, no matter what happens and will still look to get in the air whenever possible (weather permitting)
last year i finished my PPL (i'm nearly 38), and am now hours building to start my CPL, as well as currently doing a night qualification. it's a slow process but i'm not in a hurry and i don't have a particular desire to become an airline pilot - i'm under the impression that airlines would prefer to hire younger pilots anyway. once all that is done i'd like to do instructing, and maybe some ferry flying - both opportunities to fly and be paid for the privilege.
i dont know whether you have even started your PPL but i can heartily recommend that you get up in the air and get that licence, because even having that alone is extremely rewarding and is a great achievement. once you have that and fly around the skies, planning flights, visiting other airfields and their cafes, flying abroad, even just chatting to other pilots and instructors, being a member of a flying club, you'll really enjoy it.
if you can spare a bit of money to do your PPL do it, you won't regret it.
there are loads of different flying jobs out there - not just flying for airlines.
ok i don't really know your circumstances - wife, child, mortgage, full time job etc., so i am working on assumptions here, but it's not over if you don't want it to be. there are so many other opportunities out there. i do understand though, that sometimes you can weigh up all your circumstances and think, nah it won't happen. my wife and i had a baby on new years' day so i have to save up for his future, and i also have a mortgage to pay as well as full time work. so it might seem that that's it, my life is done and i have to stick with it, but i'm still putting a bit away for my flying, no matter what happens and will still look to get in the air whenever possible (weather permitting)
last year i finished my PPL (i'm nearly 38), and am now hours building to start my CPL, as well as currently doing a night qualification. it's a slow process but i'm not in a hurry and i don't have a particular desire to become an airline pilot - i'm under the impression that airlines would prefer to hire younger pilots anyway. once all that is done i'd like to do instructing, and maybe some ferry flying - both opportunities to fly and be paid for the privilege.
i dont know whether you have even started your PPL but i can heartily recommend that you get up in the air and get that licence, because even having that alone is extremely rewarding and is a great achievement. once you have that and fly around the skies, planning flights, visiting other airfields and their cafes, flying abroad, even just chatting to other pilots and instructors, being a member of a flying club, you'll really enjoy it.
if you can spare a bit of money to do your PPL do it, you won't regret it.
Last edited by AndoniP; 9th Mar 2012 at 08:45. Reason: added my age to put in some sort of perspective :)
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Hi AndoniP,
You post is very informative but if you don't want to be Airline Pilot why do you need a PPL? Flying with PPL you need GA plane that is expensive, old, maintenance has to be done by authorized mechanic ect.
I though that nowadays everybody flies ultralights that are modern, twice as fast and twice as fuel efficient as old GA planes. Even airline pilots enjoy them in free time.
You post is very informative but if you don't want to be Airline Pilot why do you need a PPL? Flying with PPL you need GA plane that is expensive, old, maintenance has to be done by authorized mechanic ect.
I though that nowadays everybody flies ultralights that are modern, twice as fast and twice as fuel efficient as old GA planes. Even airline pilots enjoy them in free time.
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Hi Midiman,
I know the feeling, it can be hard to really believe that you can do it, and I guess sitting around at LHR watching planes take off and talking yourself into a funk won't help either.
I wouldn't give up so easily though. I'm 37 and had given up on things about ten years ago, for various reasons, and then had some sort of an epiphany last year and realised I could still make this happen. Doing contract humanitarian work all over the place these past years, and just wrapped up in Somalia. Heading home next week to finish the PPL and take it from there, one step at a time.
It won't be easy and I'll be throwing plenty of hard earned dollars at it (not worth a whole lot in the euro zone!), but for me personally I want to see how this plays out. I'll be contracting for a while yet to pay for it most likely, but so what. One of the other posters suggested talking to other pilots, and at least in my experience this has been a good thing to do. My big question to some guys I met last year was, am I too old to start this now - to a man (and woman too!) they said no, run with it, bearing in mind it'll be tough.
So if you're in the IT business, see about contracting, or get out of the UK and find a country where you can make some decent cash to pay for things. Try NGOs or the UN - they always need IT people. I know a guy who did just that some years back, started flying in his mid-thirties, and now flies a Challenger. Not too shabby. Another lad throwing baggage for years landed a right hand seat at a low cost airline, after much hard work.
I guess moving into it with your eyes open is about as much as any of us wannabees can do. Talk to as many people as you can. But keep trying, at least get a PPL and see how you feel after that. For the rest of you out there, wish us luck!
I know the feeling, it can be hard to really believe that you can do it, and I guess sitting around at LHR watching planes take off and talking yourself into a funk won't help either.
I wouldn't give up so easily though. I'm 37 and had given up on things about ten years ago, for various reasons, and then had some sort of an epiphany last year and realised I could still make this happen. Doing contract humanitarian work all over the place these past years, and just wrapped up in Somalia. Heading home next week to finish the PPL and take it from there, one step at a time.
It won't be easy and I'll be throwing plenty of hard earned dollars at it (not worth a whole lot in the euro zone!), but for me personally I want to see how this plays out. I'll be contracting for a while yet to pay for it most likely, but so what. One of the other posters suggested talking to other pilots, and at least in my experience this has been a good thing to do. My big question to some guys I met last year was, am I too old to start this now - to a man (and woman too!) they said no, run with it, bearing in mind it'll be tough.
So if you're in the IT business, see about contracting, or get out of the UK and find a country where you can make some decent cash to pay for things. Try NGOs or the UN - they always need IT people. I know a guy who did just that some years back, started flying in his mid-thirties, and now flies a Challenger. Not too shabby. Another lad throwing baggage for years landed a right hand seat at a low cost airline, after much hard work.
I guess moving into it with your eyes open is about as much as any of us wannabees can do. Talk to as many people as you can. But keep trying, at least get a PPL and see how you feel after that. For the rest of you out there, wish us luck!
You post is very informative but if you don't want to be Airline Pilot why do you need a PPL?
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Yes I work in IT.
I get paid well for what do but it's dam boring.
Times are hard in the UK and every year I have to re-apply for my job every year!!
They have also stopped our training. Imagine an airline saying you are getting no further training in your job and you salary has been frozen.
Welcome to the world of IT !!
I feel like a zombie turning up to do the same thing every day. Spending 10 hours a week travelling to work to earn what they give me.
IT is not fun and no longer well paid.
This is why I want to get out and do something for me.
I get paid well for what do but it's dam boring.
Times are hard in the UK and every year I have to re-apply for my job every year!!
They have also stopped our training. Imagine an airline saying you are getting no further training in your job and you salary has been frozen.
Welcome to the world of IT !!
I feel like a zombie turning up to do the same thing every day. Spending 10 hours a week travelling to work to earn what they give me.
IT is not fun and no longer well paid.
This is why I want to get out and do something for me.
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Hi midiman, and everyone else!
I've been following this forum for a year now, I think. Haven't posted much , but reading lots of threads with interest. And I would say, that my view on everything has changed a lot since then. I'm 24, work as a software developer, which I quite enjoy. Even if you'd asked me 4 month ago, would I get a loan from a bank, quit my job and forget about my (starting, but quite much to lose actually) career, if I could and spend all my money on an opportunity to get into right hand seat, I would say "YES" without hesitation. At that time I was already taking the second day of assessment for EasyJet MPL program, and I was quite determined on getting the whole large sum of money for the training (I probably wouldn't have got it anyway, but that's not the point). Now it's been 4 month since then, and I see it completely differently. I'm partially thankful to those all guys talking about pay-2-fly stuff all around the forum.
I was always trying to rush, to get into Integrated ab-initio program, and learn to fly in 18 month, and as quickly as possible find a job or something. But now I ask myself - "why should I rush anywhere ?". I was afraid, of losing my chance, afraid of something else, impatient of something, nervous, and ready to do reckless things to get what I want. I was ready to get into Cathay Pacific SO program and spend 5+ years in Hong Kong ALONE (now I don't). But being in a rush is never a good thing. Now I admire the old-school pilots, who put lots of effort to getting their license in a modular route. I want to be like them. It sounds more like fun, and personal achievement. Ask yourself why do you want to be a pilot? I hope you'll have an answer "because I like flying", because this is my answer too. And the reason I want become a professional pilot, because you can fly more frequently. But if you'll get flying even once a month, that would be great, right? So take any possibility. You are so young, event half of life haven't passed yet - 39 is nothing. The thing I understand now is not about getting something, but rather living your dream. But living a dream doesn't say that you need to get all your licenses as quickly as possible and then enjoy flying a large aircraft - believe me, you'll never feel that happiness (e.g. I've been struggling to get my Masters, and every day I thought - I'll graduate, and feel free, feel happy, everything will be possible. But when I've received my diploma - nothing's changed, I don't feel that different, its all the same). I feel happy when I know that I'm moving somewhere - visiting pilot schools, arranging training lessons, experiencing something new, meeting experienced pilots, just being in that environment - it's all so exciting. I know that i'm not standing still. And it doesn't require me to put hundreds thousands of pounds into training. I've got 2 hours flight with instructor in my brand new log book. I'm ready to start PPL training, and then, when I have enough finance MAYBE I'll move on to ATPL. Even if it takes 20 years to get a pilot job, even if I won't get it ever, I'll still enjoy every second of flying, because I'm not afraid of losing, of missing chance. Even though flying is my passion, I know that there is something much more important - people we love.
Becoming a gymnastics world champion doesn't mean only fancy gyms and good coaches. Gymnasts may train in a cold garage, why? - because they enjoy gymnastics. The WAY you follow is the most important thing, not the result you get, and getting a pilot job is part of the way (quite significant part btw). So just enjoy it, doesn't matter how much time it will take, believe in yourself, and you'll get where you want to be. It's better to spend 350£ on trial 2 hour starter pack tomorrow, rather than waste 20 years on saving money for integrated route and never get there. Why ? Because the first option gives you 2 hours of flying, the second NONE (simple maths)! And believe me, you'll be more experienced, self-confident and proud of yourself, even if you don't get it till the end.
I wish you good luck, don't give up on your dreams, but be reasonable. I'm too young to give advice, but it's more of my thoughts, rather than advice. At the end of the day, it's your choice. At 39 life is not over and dreams are not either.
BTW: You can always get PPL, then acquire aerobatics skills, spend some time training, meet some people, and get into Red Bull Air Race. Sounds like a great plan, doesn't it? It's professional, but does not require even CPL. Of course it's not that easy as I describe, but the point is that there are lots of opportunities despite airlines, just open your eyes a bit wider, and you'll see those.
Good Luck! Hope to see you some day in the cockpit!
I've been following this forum for a year now, I think. Haven't posted much , but reading lots of threads with interest. And I would say, that my view on everything has changed a lot since then. I'm 24, work as a software developer, which I quite enjoy. Even if you'd asked me 4 month ago, would I get a loan from a bank, quit my job and forget about my (starting, but quite much to lose actually) career, if I could and spend all my money on an opportunity to get into right hand seat, I would say "YES" without hesitation. At that time I was already taking the second day of assessment for EasyJet MPL program, and I was quite determined on getting the whole large sum of money for the training (I probably wouldn't have got it anyway, but that's not the point). Now it's been 4 month since then, and I see it completely differently. I'm partially thankful to those all guys talking about pay-2-fly stuff all around the forum.
I was always trying to rush, to get into Integrated ab-initio program, and learn to fly in 18 month, and as quickly as possible find a job or something. But now I ask myself - "why should I rush anywhere ?". I was afraid, of losing my chance, afraid of something else, impatient of something, nervous, and ready to do reckless things to get what I want. I was ready to get into Cathay Pacific SO program and spend 5+ years in Hong Kong ALONE (now I don't). But being in a rush is never a good thing. Now I admire the old-school pilots, who put lots of effort to getting their license in a modular route. I want to be like them. It sounds more like fun, and personal achievement. Ask yourself why do you want to be a pilot? I hope you'll have an answer "because I like flying", because this is my answer too. And the reason I want become a professional pilot, because you can fly more frequently. But if you'll get flying even once a month, that would be great, right? So take any possibility. You are so young, event half of life haven't passed yet - 39 is nothing. The thing I understand now is not about getting something, but rather living your dream. But living a dream doesn't say that you need to get all your licenses as quickly as possible and then enjoy flying a large aircraft - believe me, you'll never feel that happiness (e.g. I've been struggling to get my Masters, and every day I thought - I'll graduate, and feel free, feel happy, everything will be possible. But when I've received my diploma - nothing's changed, I don't feel that different, its all the same). I feel happy when I know that I'm moving somewhere - visiting pilot schools, arranging training lessons, experiencing something new, meeting experienced pilots, just being in that environment - it's all so exciting. I know that i'm not standing still. And it doesn't require me to put hundreds thousands of pounds into training. I've got 2 hours flight with instructor in my brand new log book. I'm ready to start PPL training, and then, when I have enough finance MAYBE I'll move on to ATPL. Even if it takes 20 years to get a pilot job, even if I won't get it ever, I'll still enjoy every second of flying, because I'm not afraid of losing, of missing chance. Even though flying is my passion, I know that there is something much more important - people we love.
Becoming a gymnastics world champion doesn't mean only fancy gyms and good coaches. Gymnasts may train in a cold garage, why? - because they enjoy gymnastics. The WAY you follow is the most important thing, not the result you get, and getting a pilot job is part of the way (quite significant part btw). So just enjoy it, doesn't matter how much time it will take, believe in yourself, and you'll get where you want to be. It's better to spend 350£ on trial 2 hour starter pack tomorrow, rather than waste 20 years on saving money for integrated route and never get there. Why ? Because the first option gives you 2 hours of flying, the second NONE (simple maths)! And believe me, you'll be more experienced, self-confident and proud of yourself, even if you don't get it till the end.
I wish you good luck, don't give up on your dreams, but be reasonable. I'm too young to give advice, but it's more of my thoughts, rather than advice. At the end of the day, it's your choice. At 39 life is not over and dreams are not either.
BTW: You can always get PPL, then acquire aerobatics skills, spend some time training, meet some people, and get into Red Bull Air Race. Sounds like a great plan, doesn't it? It's professional, but does not require even CPL. Of course it's not that easy as I describe, but the point is that there are lots of opportunities despite airlines, just open your eyes a bit wider, and you'll see those.
Good Luck! Hope to see you some day in the cockpit!
Hey midiman,
I'm also in IT, and yeah it does seem like that all the time. The depression of just sitting here doing the same old rubbish, when you could be doing something a hundred times better, it can be disheartening.
First things first, make a plan to get a new job to save for flying lessons. Then once you have the money, book the lessons and enjoy.
A new job is the most important thing, one that will reward you, refresh your career and enthusiasm for IT, and make your time commuting and working seem almost worth it. Something that will allow you to save x hundreds per month for flying.
Don't despair. The road to a PPL can be long, but you can do it, it's easily attainable and not too difficult. But when you're up in the air after having planned a flight to Shoreham, Wellesbourne or wherever, you'll feel on top of the world
I'm also in IT, and yeah it does seem like that all the time. The depression of just sitting here doing the same old rubbish, when you could be doing something a hundred times better, it can be disheartening.
First things first, make a plan to get a new job to save for flying lessons. Then once you have the money, book the lessons and enjoy.
A new job is the most important thing, one that will reward you, refresh your career and enthusiasm for IT, and make your time commuting and working seem almost worth it. Something that will allow you to save x hundreds per month for flying.
Don't despair. The road to a PPL can be long, but you can do it, it's easily attainable and not too difficult. But when you're up in the air after having planned a flight to Shoreham, Wellesbourne or wherever, you'll feel on top of the world
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It's off-topic of course! Why everyone keeps saying, that IT is boring? It actually depends on what you do, IT as well as other industries is very wide. Practice low level C or Ada (IT guys will understand), apply for position in avionics and you are already in aviation industry. Acquire licenses, work hard, and you might get into flight testing one day. There are lots of positions out there!
I'm currently working in embedded, and it gets very exciting once doing something really interesting (set-top box, or mobile device). For the last year I've been traveling more, than some businessmen do (28+ flights). Do you still think it's boring?
I'm currently working in embedded, and it gets very exciting once doing something really interesting (set-top box, or mobile device). For the last year I've been traveling more, than some businessmen do (28+ flights). Do you still think it's boring?
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Why not go to the USA, there is no Pay to fly schemes there, pilots are paid from instructor to 747.
my god, why other agencies don't step up and ask airlines to stop to kill us?
my god, why other agencies don't step up and ask airlines to stop to kill us?
why retrain to become a developer when you can retrain to become a pilot?
going to the usa is going to cost loads for training, and accommodation. it's money he doesn't have i believe.
the most effective way for him to train is part time, and whenever he has the money.
going to the usa is going to cost loads for training, and accommodation. it's money he doesn't have i believe.
the most effective way for him to train is part time, and whenever he has the money.
Paid well = able to afford to fly.
Presumably you have evenings free that you could study? Presumably you have weekends free that you could be training? If you have domestic commitments, unless you are a single parent, then I'm guessing that half a day each weekend is feasible. Which should get you to PPL within a year, then hour building whilst you study ATPL groundschool after that.
Sorry, I'm afraid that my sympathy ran out - not that I had much to start with.
If you want to fly enough, you can. We all did, and nobody had it easy. Everybody had to struggle with time and money. Many commuted and hated their day jobs at the same time. I did my CPL whilst doing a busy day-job and commuting 10 hours per week - so it took me a few more hours and a lot more months. Big deal, loads of other people have done that as well.
Pull your finger out and do it, or stop complaining.
G
Presumably you have evenings free that you could study? Presumably you have weekends free that you could be training? If you have domestic commitments, unless you are a single parent, then I'm guessing that half a day each weekend is feasible. Which should get you to PPL within a year, then hour building whilst you study ATPL groundschool after that.
Sorry, I'm afraid that my sympathy ran out - not that I had much to start with.
If you want to fly enough, you can. We all did, and nobody had it easy. Everybody had to struggle with time and money. Many commuted and hated their day jobs at the same time. I did my CPL whilst doing a busy day-job and commuting 10 hours per week - so it took me a few more hours and a lot more months. Big deal, loads of other people have done that as well.
Pull your finger out and do it, or stop complaining.
G
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If you want to fly enough, you can. We all did, and nobody had it easy. Everybody had to struggle with time and money. Many commuted and hated their day jobs at the same time. I did my CPL whilst doing a busy day-job and commuting 10 hours per week - so it took me a few more hours and a lot more months. Big deal, loads of other people have done that as well.
.
They have also stopped our training. Imagine an airline saying you are getting no further training in your job and you salary has been frozen.
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G T Engineer is bang on. The OP is saying his dream is dead due to finances, but from what I can see, he's never done anything to make it a reality.
If your job doesn't pay enough to fund training, then get another job that does. That then becomes part of your master plan and contributes towards the end goal. Most people don't have the money to train sitting in the bank doing nothing - it's all about taking small steps towards making it happen.
What have you done over the past 4 years to make it happen? Once you are a bit older, have commitments and bills to pay, it gets harder. But getting your licence at any age takes commitment and sacrifice.
You still have time, but its not going to fall into your lap.
If your job doesn't pay enough to fund training, then get another job that does. That then becomes part of your master plan and contributes towards the end goal. Most people don't have the money to train sitting in the bank doing nothing - it's all about taking small steps towards making it happen.
What have you done over the past 4 years to make it happen? Once you are a bit older, have commitments and bills to pay, it gets harder. But getting your licence at any age takes commitment and sacrifice.
You still have time, but its not going to fall into your lap.
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PPL (A) under six grand if you know where to go
Add microlight rating and when you have logged 100 hours PIC do the microlight instructors course.
That will get you flying (and earning a bit of pocket money) for well under 20 grand.
Add microlight rating and when you have logged 100 hours PIC do the microlight instructors course.
That will get you flying (and earning a bit of pocket money) for well under 20 grand.
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why retrain to become a developer when you can retrain to become a pilot?
They have also stopped our training. Imagine an airline saying you are getting no further training in your job and you salary has been frozen.
Welcome to the world of IT !!
Welcome to the world of IT !!
So, heads up. Be motivated and find commitment. I'm sure you gonna succeed.
Good luck
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I feel sorry if your job isn't going well, but there's plenty of choice in IT, and on the whole it's well paid. The hours are normally pretty easy and it tends to be fairly low-stress. However, commuting can be soul destroying and I personally found fixing that problem turned my life around.
In fact it enabled me to have enough spare time and money to get a PPL. Then an IMC. That wasn't too difficult so I got a CPL. Then an instructor rating. Then an aerobatic instructor rating. Then an IR. After a while I needed a new challenge so I got a parachute pilot rating. Then one day when I passing 5000' in the climb for the 10th time being deafened and vibrated to death for £50 a day I thought "what the hell am I doing here I can programme a computer".
So, be careful what you wish for, you may get it.
BTW I still work in IT.
In fact it enabled me to have enough spare time and money to get a PPL. Then an IMC. That wasn't too difficult so I got a CPL. Then an instructor rating. Then an aerobatic instructor rating. Then an IR. After a while I needed a new challenge so I got a parachute pilot rating. Then one day when I passing 5000' in the climb for the 10th time being deafened and vibrated to death for £50 a day I thought "what the hell am I doing here I can programme a computer".
So, be careful what you wish for, you may get it.
BTW I still work in IT.