Advice before i blow my life savings, pls
 

Im 30 and recently had a lesson at multiflight in Leeds and was told by the instructor that i seem to have a natural feel for flying, this has got me thinking of taking 30 grand out of my house and maybe trying to change careers as unhappy at the mo. Just wondering do they say this to everyone??? as 30 grand is almost my life savings...
Since i was a child i always wanted to be a pilot but never thought possible, until now.
Also can anyone recommend multiflight or even sherburn? I'm looking at doing my ppl and then maybe my atpl over the next 2 yrs. Also whats prospects of getting a job. Sorry for all the questions just need:ugh: HELP....

go for it. keep going, and dont look back. be positive. self belif. just dont get ill, sick, depressed, injured, or keep failing exams

u'll be fine! :ok:

Go for it! If you dont you will always wonder what if. There are jobs out there and you just need effort and determination. Oh and some dosh;)

Cheers DHC:ok:

If you want a fairly objective opinion, book an assessment with www.gapan.org. It will cost £175 or so, but they are not an FTO so you should not have to worry they are blowing smoke up your exhaust pipe.

Listen to Adios advice. All FTOs want is money. They will do anything for you to give your money to them. GAPAN is not biased like them. They will most likely tell you the truth. I understand your passion for flying, I feel the same. Just don't go to one FTO without getting to know the others. Have you thought of the Flyer Exhibition this April? It seems like a good place to get to know the industry, all under one roof.

:ok:

I did my PPL at Sherburn back in 1995, it was great, i've been back a few times and it hasn't really changed, fantastic atmosphere! Pop along for a chat..

It's all worth it...I take a B767 to Cuba in a few days...

You could always do your PPL, after you finish decide whether you want to go further or not. If you decided not to, then you still have a PPL to take advantage of.

Thanks to everybody who has taken time out to reply, it is greatly appreciated.. Keep em coming, all advice welcome

Good call Preduck! I'd suggest the same. 100% definately go for the PPL first,, then review it as to whether the full ATPL route is right for you.

Enjoy!

As Adios suggested take the GAPAN aptitude test,this will give you some indication of your capability for the training, also before you spend anything after that, go and get your class 1 medical from Gatwick, theres no point spending thousands on training only to find out you cannot pass it.

I've done the same thing. Did my PPL at 28, just as a hobby, then after a year and 150 hours, I thought I wanted more out of it and decided I wanted to change careers. So I was fortunate ennough to get redundancy last October. Passed 6 of the ATPL's in December, doing another 5 in March seatings, then the final 3 in April. Then the real flying starts.

Do I regret it, No way, I am actually enjoying the studying, It does get a bit frustrating, it is hard work, but at least I know that every bit I do is a bit closer in the right direction.

If I were you, I would do your PPL, on the side, then start the ATPL's before deciding if its what you want to do. Good luck

I might add, I have always had a passion for flying, and when I started I just wanted it to be as a hobby, but I soon got the bug, and wanted to fly for a living. But before I rushed into things I waited over a year, to see if I was still as keen. I just got more passion, and was wanting it more and more everyday

Just bear in mind, it could and does often cost more, lots more, than 30 thousand pounds. Test fee's, re test fees, extra flying hours etc

Defo go for the PPL, as for the pro pilot....be realistic with your £££ as there are so many hidden extras that go into not only into the hundreds but also the thousands equipment, exams and fees etc...as for the comment from the instructor "you seem to have a natural feel for it" well, they all say it mate and yes its a sales pitch because they get paid when you fly. Not being negative in any way, its just very important that you dont get romanced into becoming a pilot. If it feels right in your heart then go for it full-on and i wish you the best of luck.

PS. you will absolutly love it

Leeds...sounds like you have the bug! go for it! I did an ab-initio through multiflight, only complaints really was doing ppl in states, lots of confusion over what was included in price, otherwise guys and gals at multiflight were absolutely fantastic! £30k!!!! thats what they quoted when I started in 2003...the truth???? more like £40/45k :{, and before anyone says, I didnt really go much over the minimum criteria either!

Truth is...i was earning a lot more before I took up commercial flying, but I would never go back!

Good luck!

Leeds1972
When I read your initial post my immediate thought was, "does this guy have a passion for flying?"

Then I read' Mate, go for it! :ok:

The "right stuff" is the right attitude.

Good luck.

By all means go for it but dont go in with the intention of blowing the 30k just because you think its neccessary. Why not keep the day job for as long as possible and keep the 30k for a possible type rating. Its when you get the MEIR rating on your licnese that youll really feel the pinch financially and many pilots stumble at this point because they simply cant afford to cough up any more cash for a TR. Be wise-many out there are not!

Caution - don't enter aviation as you are unhappy in your current job - instead go into aviation as you are passionate about moving into aviation.

I would advise spending some cash doing the GAPAN skills test to ensure you have the aptitude. You certianly have the right idea by doing your PPL first. Good luck.

Thinking of maybe taking the gapan test but honestly just so gutted if its a no... Anyone taken the Gapan? If so whats it involve and anyone failed and gone on to be a "good" pilot?
Once again thanks for all your support on this subject.

man I did not do the GAPAN, I went modular similar to yourself, spent more than 30K, however 38 and driving a 738 down in Africa. If you want to do it then you can, best of luck. But get your Class One Medical first!!!!