How old are you??

[Yosemite Sam]

I'm quizzed at what the average age of we wannabe's is? Some mention that they have kids etc.

I'm 31 and only 10 hours into my PPL, but want to take it all the way....oooeeer!

What do you guys do for a living to fund this crazy habbit?

Let me know there are some older wannabe's out there. I'm feeling old!

[KeithAlexander]

I myself am a wannabe, military or commercial i don't know yet, but im 17 years old with 38 hours, 20 of which were awarded to me through the RAF Flying Scholarship Scheme.
Where do you do your flying anyway?

[Full Monty]

Howdee Yosemite Sam!

You're not that old - there are wannabes who are well into their 40s! As for me I have just turned 30 and will be starting at Cranfield on 27th October. I have sold two of my better investments to fund the training and have spare savings as well which I have thrown into the hat. I have a little bit leftover for a rainy day!

The key thing to remember at our age (i.e. over 30) is that we have to be more motivated than the youngsters. In my case I gave up quite a good (but very boring) job with no real prospects and decided to fulfull a childhood ambition. I am married but fortunately my wife works and we stay in subsidised accommodation.

Good luck!

Monty

[Delta Wun-Wun]

A mere youngster! Only kidding.....I am 35 three kids etc......20 hrs into PPL.If flying is what you want go for it......I would rather sit in me rocking chair at 80 yrs saying I tried.....than I could have been.On the finance front I have taken out a loan to finish PPL and pay for ground school ATPLs,borrowed a little extra to pay off credit cards....saving in interest as paid for PPL......Be honest with the wife....A lot of hard work and a lot of money with NO guarantee of work at the end....good luck.

[Yosemite Sam]

Thanks guys, quite encouraging. I have got the backing of the wife, so thats got to be a bonus.

I just look forward to getting my PPL under my belt and moving onwards and upwards.

Cheers

[Captain Mainwaring]

You young whippersnappers!
I started my Cap 509 course at 38 and borrowed half of the dosh.I have been commercial flying for one and a half years and LOVE IT!!
However a word of caution
I had to become an instructor for a year and a half and then got my first commercial job through a friend.
Younger lads/lasses on the couse did fare better than me but at low thirties my guess would be a good outcome As a former Beancounter i would strongly advise allowing for lean times after you have the License - allow for that instructor rating and consequent low pay through the off peak months and the occasional Warrior flight and of course the Multi IR renewal one year on if things don't go smoothly. One friend aged 23 who finished 2 years ago is still looking but did not stay current....fatal!!!
Conclusion...DO IT but be careful out there.

[ACARS]

Yosemite Sam

Take your wife up for one of your lessons. It worked with me. My wife was hesitant about me flying until I took her flying over Dublin a few weeks back. However, I must admit, it has just dawned on her that I will be going solo soon.

Good luck with your future ambitions.

[flyfish]

I am 31, did 10 years in the police, took some time out to fly as cabin crew , and have just got an H.S.B.C career development loan to fund my training.
I have 40 hours PPL and can't wait to get stuck in to the training.
I am married have 3 kids a large mortgage, but hey, if you dont try you'll never know.

[whoopwhoop!]

well i feel like the baby of the group!23 here!

regards

whoopwhoop!

[Flypuppy]

Physically I am 32, mentally probably about 12.

I have a wife and a baby daughter. My missus is very supportive and fortunately still works. I will be remortgaging the house soon to pay for my professional training.

[ohtofly]

28 and just finishing off my PPL.

I have to work in the IT industry to fund my flying and spend many hours as slf. Its not fair

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yet another wannabe

[ellythecat]

I'm 35, wife and son. Worked as an IT contractor for too long... so hopefully will start in Jan and do the whole thing in one.

Here's hoping...........and good luck to the rest of ya!!!!!!!!

[Girl Flyday]

I'm 39... and so being realistic won't ever make it onto the big jets... but being paid to fly ANYTHING would beat bankrupting myself and staring at a computer screen all day!!!! So... I'll keep on trying!!!

(Money - or a severe lack of it - being my major problem! )

[Unusual Attitude]

Just Turned 26, PPL/Night 150hours now Studying ATPL's.

Giving up 10 year career in the oil industry in 2 weeks to pursue my training full time.
Hope to be finished and looking for work in April/May.

Scary thing to have to do but hopefully it will be the best decision I've ever made.

Regards

UA

[Lawyerboy]

27 years old, 28 hours into my PPL, just over 1 hour solo. You can probably guess my profession.

[BLUEBARON]

I'm 27 i finished my licence (IR etc) when i was 25 (March 98), still looking for that first break!

[Greenju]

29 years old, female, no ties except a house & cat. Coming to the end of my PPL, and won't be able to afford to keep it up as a hobby, so what else is there? In a dull Marketing job, and determined to stop all that and fly for the rest of my life commercially. Will do it somehow but god only knows how! More than likely that the house will be re-mortgaged for the cause! Scary, but can't imagine anything different.

[ATPLORBUST]

I'm 27, PPL (60 hours) and still training. About to start ATPL distance (PPSC).

See you all at FL350

[shane25]

God I feel old. 44 years old medical professional hoping to start PPL next year. I suppose it's too late for a career in aviation. ROFL

[Neil Ivanovich]

32-

My wife thinks I'm 'too old for these silly boy's dreams' but what does that matter when it comes from a lady who's idea of fun is shopping for underwear !!
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If things seem under control, you're just not going fast enough. Mario Andretti

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