That makes three of us then....also in Dubai. Aiming to finish my PPL back in the UK this summer then not quite sure how to play it....whether to start ATPL theory straightaway, or focus on earning decent money here for a couple more years to fund a full time modular course. I'm 34 so don't want to hang around too much. The biggest practical issue here is I'd like to do some hour building to at least keep PPL skills ticking over. GA options seem very limited in the UAE though. Would be interested to hear about your approach.

Mar100
Bom dia. It depends on what you're looking for WRT a flying job. I see you're realistic enough to know that an airline job is probably out of reach.
If you're thinking about flying on the weekends while keeping your day job, then a CPL is realistic. In all seriousness, depending on what you spend, you probably won't earn the money back you'll spend but you will get some money to fly. I would avoid any big "sausage factory" schools out there. They aren't interested in you.
I would look up any banner towing operations in Lisbon or Faro and ask them what they're looking for in a pilot. Good chance is that you'll need a tail wheel endorsement or something like that.
Instructing is an option as well.
First of all, get your health checked to a Class 1 standard. (Hearing, eye sight, diabetes, blood pressure etc).

CPL Theory SOS!!!
 

Someone please help me!
The CPL Theory is doing my head in. I passed 5 of the exams. I failed performance twice. Now I'm gun-shy and my exams are expiring and I just can't seem to get the confidence to go back.
I'm 36 and getting way too old to be starting a career.
Help me I'm losing my #$&ing mind.
Lance.

Performance will come little bit harder at this stage (I assume the first 5 was air law, ops, var/ifr etc.)
Think this work like a stairway. Subjects seems are completely different but actually their levels are preparing you to take the next step.
We hear a lot of students fails once or twice if they take a difficult exam at this early stages.
Please write the exams you passed already and I'll suggest a plan for you to prepare yourself for the next session.

I am 32 with a PPL, Night qualification and around 177 hours total time. I would like to go commercial but feeling a bit stuck and unsure if its a dream or reality at 32. I need to complete the ATPL theory still so this would be the next step, I just want to make sure the funds are in place for the CPL and IR etc. I have a supportive wife and children and they want me to go for it. It all seems overwhelming now and I am wondering if its too late to go for it. I cant really explain the feeling but it makes me feel down wondering if that dream job is slipping away.I have never set a goal on aircraft type or dream airline I just want to fly for a career and keep an open mind with any opportunities. I think I just need that shove to make the jump and go for it. Can anyone offer me some words of wisdom and advice?

At 32 its not to late, so that's the easy part.
Wife, Children, Money etc. that's the hard part always.

This is brutal and honest, in your circumstances you need to know what you are going into. Besides the money:
1. Do you have a backup plan if you don't get work straight away?
2. Can you survive while looking for work, do you have other "safe" income source that will cover you and your family?
3. Are you willing to re-locate to find work, and with this not just within the UK, but anywhere in Europe? You are not likely to find your first job on your doorstep.
(either commuting, being away for long stretches and being home few days, or move with entire family?)
4. Can you live / survive on a pilots salary? (£1700 - £2200 a month for 4 - 5 years?)
(does your wife have extra income, do you have any extra income or can you manage on this)

It does get better after a while, but at least 3 years before you will see improvements, and most likely 4 - 5 to be honest. Because your first job will probably not be a place you want to stay for long, if you have to commute or move somewhere you don't like, so when you have experience and swap jobs, you start again at the bottom with many companies.

Feel free to PM if you want more specific advice.
It does depend on your circumstances, and it's not impossible, and you are definitely not to old, just go into with your eyes wide open. I know guys much older than you, and they made it. However if I was you I would get on to it now rather sooner than later.

Do it do it do it! I can imagine how excited your wife and kids are. That's all the support you need. 32 is young. I'm about to turn 26, get my Class 1 and then start my PPL. The aim is to get into an airliner cockpit like you. First of all the best advice I can give you is if you don't yet have your Class 1, get it immediately. It'll be your biggest hurdle if you already have (or will gradually get) the funds you need.

Theory is not easy but it's not rocket science at the same time. Hundreds of thousands of people have done it, and they're not all smarter or more hardworking than you are surely? If you put your head down and read/study, you'll be fine.

If I were you I wouldn't worry about age, difficulty, support, etc. I would just make sure that I'm ready for the sacrifices that come with a career like this, i.e. the lack of a high salary (at least to start with), potentially moving around my family, etc. If you and your family have considered this and are happy with it, GO FOR IT!

Too old..??
 

49 and three-quarters
 

Depends what you want to do, airlines I doubt very much. Even if you would be able to get a job, including training and time before you would get a ok salary / pay from the time you find a job would at least take up to 6 - 8 years, and you will be close to retirement by that time.

I do know few guys your age gone and worked as FI, financially will probably not be that rewarding, but it is something you could do part time if you have another job, if you just wish to fly. If you have realistic goals than you will need to review if you believe it's worth it.

Sure, however the question is if it is a smart move to invest so much money, with so few years to get any return for it. It will be 5 - 6 years if not more, to get good earnings. That leaves you less than 8 - 9 years to make back your investment before it's game over. I would say unless you don't really need the £125.000 , and you have loads of excess cash, it would be madness to start so late in your career.

That's fantastic news,a massive congratulations to you and your determination. That news gives me a little confidence to start again. I've over a 100 hours flown mind you that was years and years ago... but tomorrow I'm starting all over again and getting my first flying lesson in almost two decades and going to start my PPL again.
I'll see how that goes, and if all goes well i might just go for me APTL..
I'm delighted for you dude, congratulations once again.

Yea I hear ya and thanks for your advice.. and it's all probably true. I know what you're saying is probably realistic but I'm going to start my PPL (again) tomorrow and see how that goes.
Thanks again for your advice 👍.

Will you ever be able to live with the regret of not chasing the dream. We don't get out alive, and you can't take the cash with you.

Depends on your circumstances, if you you have family or not, if you are going to put yourself into massive debs or not.

Everyone has special circumstances. Personally if I was close to 50 starting it, I would say don't do it unless you don't mind seeing anything of your £125.000. Risks far outweigh the rewards at this stage. Getting a job, medical etc.
However if 125.000 is something that will not effect your life, than why not, but if it does, think very hard before you start.

Legend
 

Dobbiej - congratulations and well done (from a 42 yo with 230 TT / PPL thinking why haven't I done this). Please update us on your progress from time to time and best of luck.