How old were you when you starting flight training?

Duder · Post by **Duder** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 9:39 am

started flying at 12, started training at 15. Had a bit of money saved up but not enough, I had to work my ass off over 5 years to make enough money to get it done.

. ._ · Post by **. ._** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 10:18 am

Fam flight- 30

Currently have Comm-Multi IFR, seaplane. And not enough money to move to get a job- yet...

-istp

BTD · Post by **BTD** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 10:26 am

Started when I was 14, soloed at 14, then took a break. I'm 21 now, class IV instructor, multi-IFR.

There is a wide variety on here. Its good to see.

SittinPretty · Post by **SittinPretty** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 11:04 am

I started at 26. I completed my private license at 26, commercial multi IFR at 27. I started working as an instructor at 28.
I have been flying King Airs since age 30. 33 now and just starting to get some bites from desireable places to work.
I spent ages 18-26 completing 2 university degrees and working. I don't regret that but I wish that I had started flying sooner.
Take your own path and love every minute of the adventure.

planett · Post by **planett** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 11:23 am

cyyz; Not TC. But six times the minimum TC flying for similar pay, little or no office work.

water wings · Post by **water wings** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 11:23 am

21 was my first lesson...had a well paying job and way too many other commitments (potential careers, college and shots at stardom!) at the time to go whole hog.
3+ years went by until i got into flying lessons for "real"...so i was
24
1st "real" flying job at 29
still waiting for the day when i can take the " " away from the word real, i mean "real".

desksgo · Post by **desksgo** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 11:50 am

Started at 15.

I should have just hit the shrooms and herb like the rest of my friends did at that age. They're ahead of me now.

N2 · Post by N2 » Sun Nov 20, 2005 1:14 pm

Started at 29 but got tons of bad advice from the start so I gave up after completing my commercial and multi-IFR(a CFI told me to forget flying as I was too old when I was 32). Now 15 years later I am looking to fulfill my dream and looking hard! Would be more than happy to spend the rest of my flying days in something like a PC12 or KA. I’ll leave the heavy metal to the younger guys.

Babel Fish · Post by **Babel Fish** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 1:29 pm

First lesson at 27...first job at 30...been enjoying the roller coaster ride ever since (for the most part)

Hoque · Post by **Hoque** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 2:09 pm

jobhunter wrote:I was 22. I had to work hard for 2 years to get my licences.After that another 3 years as a flight instructor with below poverty line salary...by the way that was in a 3 world country.

By the way if you don't mind asking which 3 world country are you talking

Quebecflyer · Post by **Quebecflyer** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 2:45 pm

First flight when I was 13, started training at 17, finished when I was 19.

Got my first job right after my training, flying a Beaver.

Now 28, 5000TT, currently PIC on King Air, interview done for Jazz.

It's been a dream all the way, no regrets.

Older Returning Pilot · Sun Nov 20, 2005 3:16 pm

I started my PPL when I was 32, had a glider Pilots license since i Was 17, through Cadets. Did my Commercial,instructors and IFR that same year, the Day I finished my IFR I got a job as an Instructor, working up north, did some charter and Pipeline, flew Jumpers during that time, got married, had a family and now trying to get back into a flying position with 1000 Hrs, 105 Multi, 75 actual IFR, and 700 PIC. I also am not looking at persuing the heavy Iron, a nice charter job would be my dream.

CLguy · Post by **CLguy** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 3:49 pm

18 and had lots of cash. Was working full time in a paper mill. Enrolled at Confederation College at 19 graduated spring of 79, just after my 21st birthday. Got my first flying job upon graduation and then I was broke.

Snowgoose · Post by **Snowgoose** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 4:44 pm

Fam flight was 4 days before 15th birthday
Private, 17th birthday
Comm, 18th birthday
Little bit o university
First paying job Summer of my 26th year
That was 3 years ago. On my 3rd job and still hoping one day the majors will call

VeRmiLLioN · Post by **VeRmiLLioN** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 5:02 pm

15....god I'm old.

phillyfan · Post by **phillyfan** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 5:32 pm

Got my private licence at 16.
At 17 years old and 117lbs, with a couple bucks in my pocket, I got a job swamping on a piston Otter for a 300lb Indian with 20,000+ hours.
13 years later i'm 200lbs and i've still got a couple bucks in my pocket.
It's been quite a ride up til now. Seen alotta friends go onto the airlines, also seen a fair number go into coffins.
I've been fortunate enough, to stand in some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Canada. Places that most people will never get to see. Most of the time hateing every minute of it, because I was either fixing the tilt lock on a friggin 9.9 hp Merc, diggin a shithole, Hauling "Reggie's" moose on my back, or sitting in the back of a Beaver, sopping wet, waiting for a logger.

Oh the things I could have done with my life. Oh well, it's too late now, i'm just an uneducated bush rat.
I think i'll take that couple bucks, down to the Liquor store.

costermonger · Post by **costermonger** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 6:44 pm

Started at 15, found better ways to spend my money at 16, came back to it at 19.

Beechball · Post by **Beechball** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 6:53 pm

1st solo at 25, now 37. Lots of PIC but "No Jet Yet!"

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 6:57 pm

Started at 16, PPL at 17...2 part time jobs the whole way through. Now 21 and hope to god with between the weather and my crappy job I can get my CPL done with the next month or two.

This is a great thread and brightened my day to see that not everyone started young and was employed flying at my current age. Recently finished school and constantly worrying about when Ill get my training done and if my dream will work out, hehe I feel left in the dust being 21 and not finished (yeah I know somtimes it sounds really stupid) . Good to see others have been in my spot at my age or older.

ODA · Post by **ODA** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 7:25 pm

Started my private at 16. Steam Bevear at 19, Twin Otter captain 22 and looking like heavy turbo prop captain at 25. Been a great time, but no secondary education, time to travel let alone time to smell the roses!

split s · Post by **split s** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 7:29 pm

Started at 19, would have started earlier, but, I was told you had to be able to drink to be a pilot, thought it was a leagal requirement, not just good advice for being isolated somewhere you never heard tell of!

Right Seat Captain · Post by **Right Seat Captain** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 9:09 pm

Started at 16 with my Glider Licence. At 17 got my PPL (Yes, through the Cadets). At 19 got my Commericial, and was aiming for my Instructor Rating while I was 19, but my flight test kept getting postponed for weather, until I was 20. Now 3 years later, finishing my degree, and getting ready to move on from Instructing. Aiming for Bombardier Production Test Flying by 30.

Driving Rain · Post by **Driving Rain** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 2:34 am

First lesson on June 16th 1969 four months before my 19th birthday in a 7ECA Citabria. Earned my PPL May 2nd 1970. Started the CPL right away and earned it a year and half later in 1972. Got my first aviation job in July of 1973 as a swamper.
I paid for the PPL and CPL from a part time job I held with Canada Post during my years in high school. Did the training at Brampton FC. Brampton rented 150's and Citabria wet solo for $12/hour. Their 172 CF-Nut went for $14/hour. Dual was $20 and $22 respectively.
Boy times have changed.

Wally3Wheels · Post by **Wally3Wheels** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:06 am

First training flight in Sept. 93 @ 17 yrs. Took 10 mos to get my PPL never had the $$$ worked a job and sold anything that I had purchased since I started working @ 15.

Finished my commercial/instructor rating in June of 95, 2 hrs later I walked into an instructor/SE charter pilot job (right place at the right time & I worked my bag off to show the school how bad I needed/wanted the job). Did that gig for 3 yrs, Now I'm 30 with 7000 hrs on various Beech turbine a/c and Piper twins. Gotta stick with it, find a few good companies get to know the person that does the hiring/CP &/or OM/DFO, they'll remember you if you make a good 1st impression.

Hedley · Post by **Hedley** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 7:35 am

I'm a 3rd generation pilot - I don't ever remember not flying. I was born at Cold Lake (CEPE).

I'm told that by the time I was 12 years old in 1975 (and could finally reach the pedals) I had achieved solo level of competency on the family pet, a Maule M4-210C, which we got in 1971:

http://www.pittspecials.com/images/maule.jpg

I've started logbooks for all of my kids

http://www.pittspecials.com/images/eric_rc.jpg

How old were you when you starting flight training?

How old were you when you starting flight training?

How old are you.......

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