How old are you??
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A while back during a jump seat ride I was asked whether I was going commercial - I'd just got my PPL at the time. When I said I was too old the Captain told me of someone he knew who'd got his first airline job at the age of 54!!! So I think you lot are just young whippersnappers 
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I'm 25, PPL with 60 hours and applying for every sponsorship going (hardly unique there!). Failing that I've got to find someway to pay for it all myself - won't be easy on my current engineer's salary!
VTOL
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Volo Ergo Sum
VTOL
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Volo Ergo Sum
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I am 24 and may I say what an inspiration it is to read some of the testaments of the older wannabes.
I was an ATC lad then UAS but became very disillusioned at an impressionable time of my life with the RAF. I decided that there is another way - get a proper job like my
mates and may be settle down with wifey and get a PPL at the weekends. For a while it all went swimmingly. Now though - I'm 24 with a "good" job and I'm in a better position than a lot of people my age. But you
know what ? I'm SOOOOOOO BORED with it all !
Now of course I'm too old to go for RAF (not too bothered about the 'service' anyhow) but I'm still in the running for BA. I know theres shed loads of competition out there but that just makes me want to try harder. I'm also planning on bringing my PPL plans forward somewhat despite huge student debt and just purchasing my first house. Keep on trying everyone - especially you oldies ! Staring at a computer screen for the rest of your life is just not what its all about,
I've learnt that at 24 - I'm just glad I realised it this soon.
I was an ATC lad then UAS but became very disillusioned at an impressionable time of my life with the RAF. I decided that there is another way - get a proper job like my
mates and may be settle down with wifey and get a PPL at the weekends. For a while it all went swimmingly. Now though - I'm 24 with a "good" job and I'm in a better position than a lot of people my age. But you
know what ? I'm SOOOOOOO BORED with it all !
Now of course I'm too old to go for RAF (not too bothered about the 'service' anyhow) but I'm still in the running for BA. I know theres shed loads of competition out there but that just makes me want to try harder. I'm also planning on bringing my PPL plans forward somewhat despite huge student debt and just purchasing my first house. Keep on trying everyone - especially you oldies ! Staring at a computer screen for the rest of your life is just not what its all about,
I've learnt that at 24 - I'm just glad I realised it this soon.
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32 years old...got a good job at 19 and have made a great career out of it (Finance) but like so many more people, just want more from life...some people love being bored but most wannabes relish the almost impossible odds. I read a lot on this site about jet pilots being bored with the work most of the time but I dont really buy into this...I could be totally wrong of course but at least the road to boredom will be paved with much excitement.
I am married with no kids and a mortgage or two...my wife if amazingly supportive of me...commenced PPL recently so hope to have this completed incl. 45 hours by, say, mid summer 2001...I'm continually looking out for sponsorship opportunities, same as everyone else.
I cant see myself in my present job in 2/3 years time but also wonder if I have the guts to jump ship and do the Jerez or Oats thing. I'm lucky in that I wont have to borrow for the course so its really up to myself...sounds easy I know and I am very encouraged by most wannabes and professionals but to take that leap of faith is daunting!
I am married with no kids and a mortgage or two...my wife if amazingly supportive of me...commenced PPL recently so hope to have this completed incl. 45 hours by, say, mid summer 2001...I'm continually looking out for sponsorship opportunities, same as everyone else.
I cant see myself in my present job in 2/3 years time but also wonder if I have the guts to jump ship and do the Jerez or Oats thing. I'm lucky in that I wont have to borrow for the course so its really up to myself...sounds easy I know and I am very encouraged by most wannabes and professionals but to take that leap of faith is daunting!
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Aged 32 here; single; no attachments / dependants (except my local pub!!) i started PPL training 9 yrs ago then discovered Lucifers two partners in crime - women & alcohol!!
Now after many years of hard work & some family inheritance I have finally seen the light!! Who wants to sit in an office looking out at other office blocks, moaning about how dull the works is, how crap the pay is etc etc etc
I have resumed training; PPL is secured, ATPL Phase 1 is less than 6 weeks away thanks to the good folks at OATS.
Money is tight; motivation is the key!! To the girl who posted earlier (Gunjo?) - there is a maxim that I heard in one of my previous jobs - D.A.J.F.D.I - Dont Argue Just f@$%ing Do It
See you all in the crew lounge or on some beach down route!! As Del Boy used to say to Rodney - This time next year we will be Airline Pilots!!!
Now after many years of hard work & some family inheritance I have finally seen the light!! Who wants to sit in an office looking out at other office blocks, moaning about how dull the works is, how crap the pay is etc etc etc
I have resumed training; PPL is secured, ATPL Phase 1 is less than 6 weeks away thanks to the good folks at OATS.
Money is tight; motivation is the key!! To the girl who posted earlier (Gunjo?) - there is a maxim that I heard in one of my previous jobs - D.A.J.F.D.I - Dont Argue Just f@$%ing Do It
See you all in the crew lounge or on some beach down route!! As Del Boy used to say to Rodney - This time next year we will be Airline Pilots!!!
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I'm 39 and have a reasonably successful business but have made the decision to go for my JAA CPL/IR frozen ATPL starting with my PPL in November. I'm heartened by all the replies here, since all my family and friends are bamboozelled by my decision. My wife is completely behind me which is the most important thing. I've got three boys, 16, 14 and 11 all the responsibilities that come with a growing family, but hey, I'm like the other guy who said he didn't want to end up at 80 regretting what he could have achieved! Up to now I've only had half dozen hrs in a PA28 but got the 'bug' I'm going to do something I should have done straight out of college! Would love to hear from any guys or gals who are just starting out like me or indeed any pro's out there with advice. Came upon this site by accident and it's great. So Yosemite sam your not alone in your quest!
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1. I got my PPL at 26, went USA for 2 years-ish.
2. Came back to UK, did my UK CPL at 28-ish -3. BANG (recession, Australians coming here after their pilot strike, taking all jobs in UK (bastards) etc etc.
4. 38-ish heard about JAA, did UK ATPL to avoid JAA, got job at 39 on the biggest, sexiest Turbo-prop there is.
5. 39-ish Working on it from there.
2. Came back to UK, did my UK CPL at 28-ish -3. BANG (recession, Australians coming here after their pilot strike, taking all jobs in UK (bastards) etc etc.
4. 38-ish heard about JAA, did UK ATPL to avoid JAA, got job at 39 on the biggest, sexiest Turbo-prop there is.
5. 39-ish Working on it from there.
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I'm 23, with 185 hours and a PPL/Night/IMC/Multi and UK ATPLs all passed. Doing my CPL (R)/IR bit at the moment. Working in Operations and just waiting till the break appears......
It doesn't matter what age you are, go for it!!
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Duff, Duff, that Wonderful stuff. Ummmmm Doughnuts
It doesn't matter what age you are, go for it!!
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Duff, Duff, that Wonderful stuff. Ummmmm Doughnuts