36 And my dream has died.
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It appears we all work in grotty IT lol.
s4ex is right. The best part about IT is that you can get all the training you want in your home lol.
The problem is where I work they dont want to use our skills.
It's like being a Pilot and being asked to serve the passengers tea on full pay.
The economy is messed up and managers are trying to restructure peolple to do all sorts.
I,m not exactly sure what my job is anymore.
I turn up to earn money while life passes me by.
s4ex is right. The best part about IT is that you can get all the training you want in your home lol.
The problem is where I work they dont want to use our skills.
It's like being a Pilot and being asked to serve the passengers tea on full pay.
The economy is messed up and managers are trying to restructure peolple to do all sorts.
I,m not exactly sure what my job is anymore.
I turn up to earn money while life passes me by.
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Hi Midiman,
It's been a while since I last checked Pprune and somehow I found a great interest!
You know, I did so poor in my GCSEs and only managed 7 passes (highest grade C), and I do not want to mention my A levels here... Managed to get on a degree course and did so well in Aeronautical Engineering course- got 2.1...Somehow and somewhare out of a Blue Moon, I wanted to be a pilot!!! Okay, so I try a ppl course and did some further education studies at the same time. I was struggling very bad, couldn't go on solo after so many hours in the circuit. I was losing faith!! Taken me 40hrs to get my first solo!!!! and money was running dry!!! At that time, I was thinking pilot probably wasn't for me but I couldn't stop the dream! I took a break and went on to become a cabin crew for 2 years. During that time, my passion inside me is still strong and yet I still want to be a pilot. I'd asked so many questions to the Airline pilots and researched as much as I can. Finally, in 2009 I left my job and did an integrated course at Cabair. Pass everything first time (atpls &ir), except my cpl skills test. Year 2010, got my fATPL!
Time to look for jobs! First interview with cx, didn't pass the 2nd round.
IR is going to be expired!! Crap. Luckily, got it revalidated for free from my former flt school. hehe.
Second interview with SusiAir, got the offer but didn't take.
Third interview with ka, problems with HKID perm. so had to be stopped!!
Fourth,.. hopefullly there will be one. Will be turning 30 soon!!! omg!!
Currently, working at my parents' catering business and lots of up and down job hunting.
Hmmm. It's a bit like CHESS!!! the game (dream) is not over until you are checked mate!! There are lots of different possibilities in life and it depends how YOU make the next move. Every move you make will open a new opportunity. If you made a bad moved, okay, it made take a bit longer to correct it but YOU will be much wiser and you will learn from it!
If you don't do something about it, you have ZERO chance. Do something about it, probably around 10 percent. Do something and work hard on it, you probably have 90 percent of chance of achieving something you want!!
3 words that I have learnt: Confidence, Focus and Direction.
Confidence, can YOU do it!
Focus, do YOU want it!
Direction, do YOU know what to do!
This is just my opinion. Whatever the best for you, only you can decide it for yourself.
Good Luck
It's been a while since I last checked Pprune and somehow I found a great interest!
You know, I did so poor in my GCSEs and only managed 7 passes (highest grade C), and I do not want to mention my A levels here... Managed to get on a degree course and did so well in Aeronautical Engineering course- got 2.1...Somehow and somewhare out of a Blue Moon, I wanted to be a pilot!!! Okay, so I try a ppl course and did some further education studies at the same time. I was struggling very bad, couldn't go on solo after so many hours in the circuit. I was losing faith!! Taken me 40hrs to get my first solo!!!! and money was running dry!!! At that time, I was thinking pilot probably wasn't for me but I couldn't stop the dream! I took a break and went on to become a cabin crew for 2 years. During that time, my passion inside me is still strong and yet I still want to be a pilot. I'd asked so many questions to the Airline pilots and researched as much as I can. Finally, in 2009 I left my job and did an integrated course at Cabair. Pass everything first time (atpls &ir), except my cpl skills test. Year 2010, got my fATPL!
Time to look for jobs! First interview with cx, didn't pass the 2nd round.
IR is going to be expired!! Crap. Luckily, got it revalidated for free from my former flt school. hehe.
Second interview with SusiAir, got the offer but didn't take.
Third interview with ka, problems with HKID perm. so had to be stopped!!
Fourth,.. hopefullly there will be one. Will be turning 30 soon!!! omg!!
Currently, working at my parents' catering business and lots of up and down job hunting.
Hmmm. It's a bit like CHESS!!! the game (dream) is not over until you are checked mate!! There are lots of different possibilities in life and it depends how YOU make the next move. Every move you make will open a new opportunity. If you made a bad moved, okay, it made take a bit longer to correct it but YOU will be much wiser and you will learn from it!
If you don't do something about it, you have ZERO chance. Do something about it, probably around 10 percent. Do something and work hard on it, you probably have 90 percent of chance of achieving something you want!!
3 words that I have learnt: Confidence, Focus and Direction.
Confidence, can YOU do it!
Focus, do YOU want it!
Direction, do YOU know what to do!
This is just my opinion. Whatever the best for you, only you can decide it for yourself.
Good Luck
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"solapi" Something like that would hardly work in the UK, because the AOC itself would cost more then it would be worth doing!
Few looked into that idea in the UK, however to much legal wrangle to even want to go near it!
It is never to late, but.... it is not going to be easy, time flies by much to fast! But feeling sorry for yourself is not going to get you anywhere! And it seems to be a bit of self-pity out there, at the age of 36, I never thought I would have completed my pilot training, even though it was my dream since I was 13, and had PPL when I was 18!
It took me 16 years to get going, it cost me much in money, time, family, friends, and the result, still no jobs! Not even an interview!
But I am not giving up, and this year plan to do more changes to get that first job, who knows, maybe there will be a miracle.
Sorry about your illusive dream, but looking around I feel more sorry for all those who have already spent £50000 - £90000 on training, and running around like me, like headless chickens looking for a job, that will not repay the outlays we have made for at least another 10 years.
Because here is the thing, calculate your training expenses, loss of income during this period and the first 2 -3 years working for peanuts, being away from family, commuting between work and family, having to households! What is more attractive?
Your frozen salary, or trying to keep 2 households on £1500 - £2500 a month?
Maybe what you think is a dream, actually could pretty much be a huge nightmare! Still we get up everyday, look on websites for jobs, PPRUNE to see all the bad news of no hope, and do less and less flying, because need to keep £25.000 aside, in case get a job offer, to pay for your Type Rating!
Besides that, it is all fun and great games! Cheek up, and stop feeling sorry for yourself, in the end you might be the lucky one of us!
Few looked into that idea in the UK, however to much legal wrangle to even want to go near it!
It is never to late, but.... it is not going to be easy, time flies by much to fast! But feeling sorry for yourself is not going to get you anywhere! And it seems to be a bit of self-pity out there, at the age of 36, I never thought I would have completed my pilot training, even though it was my dream since I was 13, and had PPL when I was 18!
It took me 16 years to get going, it cost me much in money, time, family, friends, and the result, still no jobs! Not even an interview!
But I am not giving up, and this year plan to do more changes to get that first job, who knows, maybe there will be a miracle.
Sorry about your illusive dream, but looking around I feel more sorry for all those who have already spent £50000 - £90000 on training, and running around like me, like headless chickens looking for a job, that will not repay the outlays we have made for at least another 10 years.
Because here is the thing, calculate your training expenses, loss of income during this period and the first 2 -3 years working for peanuts, being away from family, commuting between work and family, having to households! What is more attractive?
Your frozen salary, or trying to keep 2 households on £1500 - £2500 a month?
Maybe what you think is a dream, actually could pretty much be a huge nightmare! Still we get up everyday, look on websites for jobs, PPRUNE to see all the bad news of no hope, and do less and less flying, because need to keep £25.000 aside, in case get a job offer, to pay for your Type Rating!
Besides that, it is all fun and great games! Cheek up, and stop feeling sorry for yourself, in the end you might be the lucky one of us!
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cpl in USA in 1997, 25000$ in training and got jobs the week after.
lost jobs as well like everybody
last job in 2008 as a fi, lost job.
now 15 years later nothing, just an ATP FAA, CPL a320, and a new green card and I m over 40.
this is a long shoot goal, if you have already problems with money 2-3 years after your CPL, better to give up.
Forget your little life, and be ready to move anywhere.I know training now is over 75k, plus type rating,...the system will probably fail you due to money problems.
how can you refund 100k with a salary at 2k??? work 5-6 years with no money?in 5 years training will cost over 150-200k...for a salary at 1500 a month or less.
If you have kids, house, debt, car, you are in the wrong profession.
If you think BA will call you, forget about it.
flying in EU is finished, it's a dead pond... the futur is USA...why? because the FAA do not authorize the Pay to Fly scheme.
lost jobs as well like everybody
last job in 2008 as a fi, lost job.
now 15 years later nothing, just an ATP FAA, CPL a320, and a new green card and I m over 40.
this is a long shoot goal, if you have already problems with money 2-3 years after your CPL, better to give up.
Forget your little life, and be ready to move anywhere.I know training now is over 75k, plus type rating,...the system will probably fail you due to money problems.
how can you refund 100k with a salary at 2k??? work 5-6 years with no money?in 5 years training will cost over 150-200k...for a salary at 1500 a month or less.
If you have kids, house, debt, car, you are in the wrong profession.
If you think BA will call you, forget about it.
flying in EU is finished, it's a dead pond... the futur is USA...why? because the FAA do not authorize the Pay to Fly scheme.
flying in EU is finished, it's a dead pond... the futur is USA...why? because the FAA do not authorize the Pay to Fly scheme.
G
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When I did my PPL the going rate was around £4.5k, so less than it is now, but in real terms it's no more expensive now. Lesson 1 -it's never going to be as cheap to fly as it is now.
I cleaned aeroplanes and other volunteer duties and instead of taking money, I got people to put in my flying account.
It took me four years, to the day as it happens, and £2k of real money, to get my PPL. £2k over four years isn't that bad a pay-out. Lesson 2 -where there is a will, there's a way.
To get the money to do the Commercial training took quite a bit longer, and there have been lots of ups and downs on the way. I've had three jobs running simultaneously plus other bits and bobs on the side. I still do various things for people to help pay the bills.
Every single flight means something, so if this route doesn't lead me into a flying job in the long term, I won't be bitter or consider myself to have wasted anything. I'm not owed anything by the industry. But at least I'll be there in the mix if something does come up.
Btw I am no spring chicken, being more than twice as old as some of the newbies posting on here.
Final thoughts - if you really want something, you'll get it no matter how many people doomsay it. If you do manage to get it, well you deserve it. If you don't, well at least you had the self-respect to try. And if you didn't think it was worth trying, then you got what you deserved too.
It's not for everyone and there are plenty of sacrifices to make on the way. For those who've made some quite massive sacrifices, the end justifies the means and the sacrifice is worth it. If it isn't worth it, then you shouldn't be doing it. That's not to be rude, it's just saying that maybe you don't want it as much as you think you do, and that's okay. Your priorities are what matter, not anyone else's.
I cleaned aeroplanes and other volunteer duties and instead of taking money, I got people to put in my flying account.
It took me four years, to the day as it happens, and £2k of real money, to get my PPL. £2k over four years isn't that bad a pay-out. Lesson 2 -where there is a will, there's a way.
To get the money to do the Commercial training took quite a bit longer, and there have been lots of ups and downs on the way. I've had three jobs running simultaneously plus other bits and bobs on the side. I still do various things for people to help pay the bills.
Every single flight means something, so if this route doesn't lead me into a flying job in the long term, I won't be bitter or consider myself to have wasted anything. I'm not owed anything by the industry. But at least I'll be there in the mix if something does come up.
Btw I am no spring chicken, being more than twice as old as some of the newbies posting on here.
Final thoughts - if you really want something, you'll get it no matter how many people doomsay it. If you do manage to get it, well you deserve it. If you don't, well at least you had the self-respect to try. And if you didn't think it was worth trying, then you got what you deserved too.
It's not for everyone and there are plenty of sacrifices to make on the way. For those who've made some quite massive sacrifices, the end justifies the means and the sacrifice is worth it. If it isn't worth it, then you shouldn't be doing it. That's not to be rude, it's just saying that maybe you don't want it as much as you think you do, and that's okay. Your priorities are what matter, not anyone else's.
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Ghengis the engineer wrote:
Actually Lincoln was not against slavery, he was against the South becoming trade independent of the Northern States. It suited his campaign to be seen as the good guy but he really was just another politician. Go to DC and look at the Memorial. That kind of thing takes money, which means the power to use other people's money.
The Abraham Lincoln cause was no more about slavery that the civil war was. It was about money.
but I suspect that AL really wanted to change a nation, abolish slavery, and be remembered for what he'd done
Actually Lincoln was not against slavery, he was against the South becoming trade independent of the Northern States. It suited his campaign to be seen as the good guy but he really was just another politician. Go to DC and look at the Memorial. That kind of thing takes money, which means the power to use other people's money.
The Abraham Lincoln cause was no more about slavery that the civil war was. It was about money.
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FWJC - Well Done!!
FWJC - well done! Now that is commitment and exactly why you will make it and Midiman will not.
To quote Midiman:
''It's like being a Pilot and being asked to serve the passengers tea on full pay.'
A while ago, wasn't there a class of Flybe MPLs that graduated and worked as cabin crew for a while?
'The economy is messed up and managers are trying to restructure peolple to do all sorts.
I,m not exactly sure what my job is anymore.
I turn up to earn money while life passes me by.'
Not wishing to be too harsh, but it sounds as though you are lucky to have any type of job. What are you trying to achieve by coming onto pprune and whinging about how tough life is and how you can't afford to train!? Pity, motivation, what??
If you want motivation read carefully what FWJC and others wrote. And then re-read what FWJC wrote again. That's the level of determination needed and what it takes to succeed. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
I fear that all the good stuff on this thread will be a wasted on the OP, but its brought out a great story by FWJC which is to be applauded.
Come on Midiman, show some fight. At least then you can say you gave it a go!
To quote Midiman:
''It's like being a Pilot and being asked to serve the passengers tea on full pay.'
A while ago, wasn't there a class of Flybe MPLs that graduated and worked as cabin crew for a while?
'The economy is messed up and managers are trying to restructure peolple to do all sorts.
I,m not exactly sure what my job is anymore.
I turn up to earn money while life passes me by.'
Not wishing to be too harsh, but it sounds as though you are lucky to have any type of job. What are you trying to achieve by coming onto pprune and whinging about how tough life is and how you can't afford to train!? Pity, motivation, what??
If you want motivation read carefully what FWJC and others wrote. And then re-read what FWJC wrote again. That's the level of determination needed and what it takes to succeed. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
I fear that all the good stuff on this thread will be a wasted on the OP, but its brought out a great story by FWJC which is to be applauded.
Come on Midiman, show some fight. At least then you can say you gave it a go!
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My dream is soon over!
At the end of this year i will lose my flying job. That's already for sure. I'm already applying but without any result. So even if you have experience, it is almost mission impossible to find something (the typerating thing is a serious obstacle) I probably will study something else because i don't want to search again another 2 years of my short life, for a flying job. Yes gentlemen, this is also reality of an "experienced" pilot.
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yes, most schemes in the USA are "Illegal".
there is no scheme under part 121.They tried, but the FAA said NO!
the othere schemes are under 135, but not for captain.
the only schemes remaining are authorized for copilot on 1 pilot plane (????).
these hours don't really count. (grey law!)you can sit in the right sit of a c172, and logg copilot time in part 135. it s a joke!it's a scam!worth nothing!
outside of the USA, the fault is from our legislators who give you a license,and then say you can join an airline and pay them (???). These airlines are not flight school as far as I know .
anyway they stab us since these last 3 years and it' s not going to stop!in my point of view, this profession has absolutely no future.
there is no scheme under part 121.They tried, but the FAA said NO!
the othere schemes are under 135, but not for captain.
the only schemes remaining are authorized for copilot on 1 pilot plane (????).
these hours don't really count. (grey law!)you can sit in the right sit of a c172, and logg copilot time in part 135. it s a joke!it's a scam!worth nothing!
outside of the USA, the fault is from our legislators who give you a license,and then say you can join an airline and pay them (???). These airlines are not flight school as far as I know .
anyway they stab us since these last 3 years and it' s not going to stop!in my point of view, this profession has absolutely no future.
Ghengis the engineer wrote:
Actually Lincoln was not against slavery, he was against the South becoming trade independent of the Northern States. It suited his campaign to be seen as the good guy but he really was just another politician. Go to DC and look at the Memorial. That kind of thing takes money, which means the power to use other people's money.
The Abraham Lincoln cause was no more about slavery that the civil war was. It was about money.
Actually Lincoln was not against slavery, he was against the South becoming trade independent of the Northern States. It suited his campaign to be seen as the good guy but he really was just another politician. Go to DC and look at the Memorial. That kind of thing takes money, which means the power to use other people's money.
The Abraham Lincoln cause was no more about slavery that the civil war was. It was about money.
So far as I can see however, he still succeeded in what he set out to do.
G
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I also came the cleaning planes, doing other jobs route. In hindsight, when I finally gained my PPL, I had no real ambition to sit at the pointy end of a holiday jet, it was (and is) my passion, my hobby, and now my profession.
It never was the be all and end all: I added the normal ratings over the years, got to fly some of the interesting machines that I kept looking pretty, worked in ATC at my local airfield, built hours, had a good time, met some great people .. and ran out of ratings to do as a private pilot ... that and a rule change for instructors meant a CPL .... and so on.
Others on the same path took part time jobs on the airfield .. refuelling, working in the restaurant .. whatever it took to make ends meet, and most importantly .. form a network !!
It's this cultural disconnection of the PTF wannabe that is perhaps most disturbing, not just because they miss out on the cultural aspect of aviation, but where is their network ? .. which leads to the question ... and what is their motivation ? ...
Put simply ... get involved, and don't support the notion that "sign here and you will be magically transformed into a creature of the skies" is anything but a marketing line from people who will happily relieve you of large amounts of cash.
I watched this scenario unfold ... friend said he wants to be a pilot, what I suggested was to take his time, and keep his full time job, work through the ratings at his his own pace, then I have some good contacts in the exec-jet business I would introduce him to. He didn't, and now having re-mortgaged the family home to hand over to an assortment of "US based UK schools" and a TRTO now has a shiny F/ATPL complete with shiny-jet rating to look at on the mantle-piece.
It's a very sad thing, doubly so when most of the experience of arriving at that destination is in the journey itself.
It never was the be all and end all: I added the normal ratings over the years, got to fly some of the interesting machines that I kept looking pretty, worked in ATC at my local airfield, built hours, had a good time, met some great people .. and ran out of ratings to do as a private pilot ... that and a rule change for instructors meant a CPL .... and so on.
Others on the same path took part time jobs on the airfield .. refuelling, working in the restaurant .. whatever it took to make ends meet, and most importantly .. form a network !!
It's this cultural disconnection of the PTF wannabe that is perhaps most disturbing, not just because they miss out on the cultural aspect of aviation, but where is their network ? .. which leads to the question ... and what is their motivation ? ...
Put simply ... get involved, and don't support the notion that "sign here and you will be magically transformed into a creature of the skies" is anything but a marketing line from people who will happily relieve you of large amounts of cash.
I watched this scenario unfold ... friend said he wants to be a pilot, what I suggested was to take his time, and keep his full time job, work through the ratings at his his own pace, then I have some good contacts in the exec-jet business I would introduce him to. He didn't, and now having re-mortgaged the family home to hand over to an assortment of "US based UK schools" and a TRTO now has a shiny F/ATPL complete with shiny-jet rating to look at on the mantle-piece.
It's a very sad thing, doubly so when most of the experience of arriving at that destination is in the journey itself.
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I was loathe to change the thread topic so radically to the subject of Abe., but I agree wholeheartedly with airpolice. So I shan't mention the adoption of Jim Crow laws and the enforcement of ancient anti-miscegeny laws.
Oh, and that it was Repulicans, not Democrats who espoused the notion of pushing civil rights forward. All successful politicians are inveteret liars. Without exception, IMHO. Even honest Abe.
I still believe the OP should go for the PPL/IR option and see how it goes.
Oh, and that it was Repulicans, not Democrats who espoused the notion of pushing civil rights forward. All successful politicians are inveteret liars. Without exception, IMHO. Even honest Abe.
I still believe the OP should go for the PPL/IR option and see how it goes.
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What is the dream
The bigger question is what is the dream?
To fly RHS A320? That's very achievable
If however you want to fly an airliner:
a) within the UK
b) on a decent salary
c) with some job security
d) without paying a massive amount in training/TR fees
e) being treat well and respected by management
then forget it.
To fly RHS A320? That's very achievable
If however you want to fly an airliner:
a) within the UK
b) on a decent salary
c) with some job security
d) without paying a massive amount in training/TR fees
e) being treat well and respected by management
then forget it.
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If you want to write off a flying career at 36 then fair enough, but do so having given it everything. There are other opportunities out there but they don't just drop in to your lap...you might need to do some legwork.
I started training at the age of 39, mainly because I would have hated myself for not at least having a go. I did an integrated course that I completed to a good standard, apparently well above the average. I then watched all of my classmates find employment with the likes of Ryanair, Easyjet, Bmibaby, BMIR and Jet2. I didn't get a sniff at any of these. I didn't expect to really. I sent hundreds of CV's to anybody remotely connected to an airline, with little in the way of positive reply...in fact a reply was a bonus!
I was fortunate that I had managed (just) to keep my business running whilst I did the course and I had some income that has got me through financially. After 18 months of searching it would have been very easy to give up. It is a tough time, really, really hard. However, I wasn't ready to give up and decided that repeating the CV sending process wasn't going to change the result, so I got in the car and hand delivered my CV to companies, starting at my local airfield/s with personal covering letters. It is hard 'cold calling' and the reaction from reception staff ranged from friendly and helpful, to fairly abusive. You harden up pretty quickly to be fair, just smile, thank them and walk on.
Then, out of the blue my phone rang with a call from a withheld number. Having had about 5 cold calls asking me if I wanted to to 'reclaim my mortgage payment cover' that day, I very nearly didn't answer. The caller identified himself as the CP of one of the companies that I had called upon. We had a chat and we agreed to meet. We got on pretty well and kept in contact. There wasn't a position available at the time but very soon there will be and whilst nothing is signed, things are moving forward and I am confident that I will start with the company in a few months time. The job won't involve Boeing, Airbus or Embraer but suits me very well and I would guess that the overall package is going to better than than most of my course colleagues.
Sorry if this is long winded, I just wanted you to see that there are options out there but as an older candidate the jobs won't come to you. You need to play to your strengths and remove yourself from the hoarde of 225 hour youngsters. You will certainly need to be very resilient. if you want it that badly...you just need to adapt.
I started training at the age of 39, mainly because I would have hated myself for not at least having a go. I did an integrated course that I completed to a good standard, apparently well above the average. I then watched all of my classmates find employment with the likes of Ryanair, Easyjet, Bmibaby, BMIR and Jet2. I didn't get a sniff at any of these. I didn't expect to really. I sent hundreds of CV's to anybody remotely connected to an airline, with little in the way of positive reply...in fact a reply was a bonus!
I was fortunate that I had managed (just) to keep my business running whilst I did the course and I had some income that has got me through financially. After 18 months of searching it would have been very easy to give up. It is a tough time, really, really hard. However, I wasn't ready to give up and decided that repeating the CV sending process wasn't going to change the result, so I got in the car and hand delivered my CV to companies, starting at my local airfield/s with personal covering letters. It is hard 'cold calling' and the reaction from reception staff ranged from friendly and helpful, to fairly abusive. You harden up pretty quickly to be fair, just smile, thank them and walk on.
Then, out of the blue my phone rang with a call from a withheld number. Having had about 5 cold calls asking me if I wanted to to 'reclaim my mortgage payment cover' that day, I very nearly didn't answer. The caller identified himself as the CP of one of the companies that I had called upon. We had a chat and we agreed to meet. We got on pretty well and kept in contact. There wasn't a position available at the time but very soon there will be and whilst nothing is signed, things are moving forward and I am confident that I will start with the company in a few months time. The job won't involve Boeing, Airbus or Embraer but suits me very well and I would guess that the overall package is going to better than than most of my course colleagues.
Sorry if this is long winded, I just wanted you to see that there are options out there but as an older candidate the jobs won't come to you. You need to play to your strengths and remove yourself from the hoarde of 225 hour youngsters. You will certainly need to be very resilient. if you want it that badly...you just need to adapt.
Last edited by Gentle Climb; 13th Mar 2012 at 12:02. Reason: spelling malfunction
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Gentle climb's story is a good exampe of how networking works.
My story, before I start this is no sob story, put away those violins. I loved every minute of the flying. I started at 18 with my first week's wages. An hour's flying cost me more than a week's pay. I was a tad over ambitious really but at that point I believed there was still a chance of a military career or a sponsored cadetship. That never happened and it took me years to get a PPL. The frustration quotient was very high. Kept plugging away though and borrowed heavily. But it was hard going and eventually I got my CPL/IR aged 35 thanks to a large redundancy payment from a hated job.
Things fell apart a bit after that and I ended up out of flying and in debt with expired licences and ratings. I was on the point of giving up on several levels when I met the woman who is now my wife. She encouraged me back into flying. After a bit of a struggle I got my CPL back with the intention of finishing my Instructor's rating.
But one day I noticed a post on an internet forum from someone looking for a CPL to fly for his operation. I emailed him without much confidence.
A few days later after a phone call with the guy. I came downstairs to my wife and made an announcement I never thought I would make. 'I've just been offered a job as a pilot'.
(Clearly that was provisional on my being up to standard, but I had no worries about that)
I was 46.
BTW and shockingly I was the only person who answered his post. Think about that, all you people who think it's impossible to get a job and here was one for the taking and no one replied except me.
Ok the job wasn't the greatest in the world, the pay is terrible, the hours long and the prospects slim. But I fly for a living so that's something.
So was it all worth it? Actually no. If I'd put the same effort into any number of careers I would be financially better off today and probably would have my own aeroplane or at least a share in one.
If I gave up flying tomorrow. I would miss it but not as much as I thought. Ironic really.
So there you are. A lesson in never giving up but also a strong lesson in being careful what you wish for.
I probably should never have become a pilot. Bit of a mistake really.
My story, before I start this is no sob story, put away those violins. I loved every minute of the flying. I started at 18 with my first week's wages. An hour's flying cost me more than a week's pay. I was a tad over ambitious really but at that point I believed there was still a chance of a military career or a sponsored cadetship. That never happened and it took me years to get a PPL. The frustration quotient was very high. Kept plugging away though and borrowed heavily. But it was hard going and eventually I got my CPL/IR aged 35 thanks to a large redundancy payment from a hated job.
Things fell apart a bit after that and I ended up out of flying and in debt with expired licences and ratings. I was on the point of giving up on several levels when I met the woman who is now my wife. She encouraged me back into flying. After a bit of a struggle I got my CPL back with the intention of finishing my Instructor's rating.
But one day I noticed a post on an internet forum from someone looking for a CPL to fly for his operation. I emailed him without much confidence.
A few days later after a phone call with the guy. I came downstairs to my wife and made an announcement I never thought I would make. 'I've just been offered a job as a pilot'.
(Clearly that was provisional on my being up to standard, but I had no worries about that)
I was 46.
BTW and shockingly I was the only person who answered his post. Think about that, all you people who think it's impossible to get a job and here was one for the taking and no one replied except me.
Ok the job wasn't the greatest in the world, the pay is terrible, the hours long and the prospects slim. But I fly for a living so that's something.
So was it all worth it? Actually no. If I'd put the same effort into any number of careers I would be financially better off today and probably would have my own aeroplane or at least a share in one.
If I gave up flying tomorrow. I would miss it but not as much as I thought. Ironic really.
So there you are. A lesson in never giving up but also a strong lesson in being careful what you wish for.
I probably should never have become a pilot. Bit of a mistake really.
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Wales
Age: 46
Posts: 43
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Funny really, this advert was right alongside the thread so I thought I would post the link:
Flybe Part Sponsored and Mentored Cadetship
I'm 34, work in IT. Just about to start an NPPL course (after April it should entitle me to fly all over Europe). Decided to go the Microlite route, then onto SEP and slowly build up to a PPL(A) and onto FI. Which again with EASA you no longer need to be a CPL (If it all goes through).
Why NPPL? Simple. Finances, I can get my NPPL on something like an Icarus C32 in 25 Hours (£105 PH). Then do a few hours in a C152 to get the SEP rating. Build up hours by flying mates about for fun whilst getting the odd hour in Dual and just keep plodding on. Not the most direct route but it gets me flying on a budget.
Flybe Part Sponsored and Mentored Cadetship
I'm 34, work in IT. Just about to start an NPPL course (after April it should entitle me to fly all over Europe). Decided to go the Microlite route, then onto SEP and slowly build up to a PPL(A) and onto FI. Which again with EASA you no longer need to be a CPL (If it all goes through).
Why NPPL? Simple. Finances, I can get my NPPL on something like an Icarus C32 in 25 Hours (£105 PH). Then do a few hours in a C152 to get the SEP rating. Build up hours by flying mates about for fun whilst getting the odd hour in Dual and just keep plodding on. Not the most direct route but it gets me flying on a budget.
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Surrey, England
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Dear Sir,
What an inspiration? It's this sort of thing that makes this forum what it is really. I'm thrilled by your post and especially your determination to succeed. Alot would easily say bla bla hard work pays but here it is written and practically witnessed, well done and thank you.
Can I burden you more perhaps for my future guidance. I have always thought that if I have to earn my wings, especially that I'm not from the EU & Americas, then I have to complete my aerospace engineering course here in England then join say BA engineering etc as a airworthiness engineer or something in that line.
And you quite bring it out in your post when you had to do your PhD which held it reall for me. Though I'm in bits struggling to finance my university, if you would mention where you attended your PhD so I could research further along that line.
I put my hat off for you, no wonder 9,300s of posts of wisdon and hope one day to righteously follow closely in your steps.
Again thank you.
What an inspiration? It's this sort of thing that makes this forum what it is really. I'm thrilled by your post and especially your determination to succeed. Alot would easily say bla bla hard work pays but here it is written and practically witnessed, well done and thank you.
Can I burden you more perhaps for my future guidance. I have always thought that if I have to earn my wings, especially that I'm not from the EU & Americas, then I have to complete my aerospace engineering course here in England then join say BA engineering etc as a airworthiness engineer or something in that line.
And you quite bring it out in your post when you had to do your PhD which held it reall for me. Though I'm in bits struggling to finance my university, if you would mention where you attended your PhD so I could research further along that line.
I put my hat off for you, no wonder 9,300s of posts of wisdon and hope one day to righteously follow closely in your steps.
Again thank you.
I've just converted an experienced and able microlight (and ex glider) pilot to NPPL(SSEA); it took about 8 hours to cover the gaps in his knowledge and abilities.
G
G