Is this a pipe dream

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Rdtqc
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Is this a pipe dream

Post by Rdtqc »

So here’s the deal. I’ve always loved planes, aviation, the whole thing. I graduated with an aeronautical engineering degree, and i work in the industry today (though more on the IT side).

I always thought not having 20/20 vision was a no go to ever fly a plane.

Once I realized this wasn’t true… I got my medical, got a PPL and a night rating while working my desk job, and now I’m at a crossroads.

I’m 36. I have a wonderfully supporting partner, no kids, and a mortgage. I know I’ll never be a major airline pilot. But I kinda have to decide… do I make the jump, work towards a commercial rating, plan on ditching my desk job and work my way towards a flying job for something small in my later years?

Or do I face the facts - I’m 36 and have financial commitments, I can join a club with other non professionals, and just enjoy it as an expensive hobby.

I’m curious if other people here faced a similar choice in their life. Im fully aware I am probably too starry eyed about flying. But I’m still curious what actual pilots would have to say !
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Me262
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Re: Is this a pipe dream

Post by Me262 »

Why not a major airline? If you do CPL full time you should finish it in 6ish months. Then off to instructing while working on MIFR/IATRA or ATPL exams for maybe a year? Then you can go to a regional and in another 2 years at WJ/AC. So by the time you hit 40?

Keep in mind all this if you already have all the funds, give up your ?high? paying job while getting paid below minimum wage as a instructor, and have an average or even below average pay while at regional. And probably never end up having a good schedule once you end up at AC/WJ due to lack of seniority.

What I'm saying is, if you like having money, stay away, if money is not an obstacle, go for it.
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Bede
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Re: Is this a pipe dream

Post by Bede »

If your partner is on board go for it. Realistically, you have 25 years left. You can probably retire as a narrow body captain if that’s your thing.
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mmm...bacon
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Re: Is this a pipe dream

Post by mmm...bacon »

I’d further what Bede is saying. Are you going to be happy sitting at your desk in 5, 10, 15 years, pondering the same questions that you’re asking now? Or in 25 years going “sh!t, I shoulda..” Go after it like a fat kid on a smartie…

PS. You don’t have to be an airline pilot - lots of satisfying jobs in aeroplanes that don’t involve big iron..
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digits_
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Re: Is this a pipe dream

Post by digits_ »

Rdtqc wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 4:57 pm So here’s the deal. I’ve always loved planes, aviation, the whole thing. I graduated with an aeronautical engineering degree, and i work in the industry today (though more on the IT side).

I always thought not having 20/20 vision was a no go to ever fly a plane.

Once I realized this wasn’t true… I got my medical, got a PPL and a night rating while working my desk job, and now I’m at a crossroads.

I’m 36. I have a wonderfully supporting partner, no kids, and a mortgage. I know I’ll never be a major airline pilot. But I kinda have to decide… do I make the jump, work towards a commercial rating, plan on ditching my desk job and work my way towards a flying job for something small in my later years?

Or do I face the facts - I’m 36 and have financial commitments, I can join a club with other non professionals, and just enjoy it as an expensive hobby.

I’m curious if other people here faced a similar choice in their life. Im fully aware I am probably too starry eyed about flying. But I’m still curious what actual pilots would have to say !
Do you want to fly commercially, or do you want to fly? Or do you just want to do anything but a desk job?

With the money you'd save by not getting a CPL and multi rating, have you considered buying an airplane? Much more satisfying than renting or joining a club. And you get to fly where and when you want.

It's common to have 30-40 year old people asking about a career switch to get into flying. But it's also happens surprisingly more often than you think to hear about 30-40 year old pilots leaving aviation for other careers.

At 36, the 'adventurous' first jobs up north sharing crew houses and living in crappy conditions might not be as appealing to you anymore. Depending on your current life style of course. Are you able to move? Will your partner still be supportive if you're gone 2 weeks at a time? Or 4-6 months at a time? Would you like that lifestyle? Just some thoughts, only you know the answer :wink:
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nohojob
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Re: Is this a pipe dream

Post by nohojob »

I started about the same age, today I am an NB captain.
Go for it :)
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doe.agnes
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Re: Is this a pipe dream

Post by doe.agnes »

If you have funds - for sure go for it. I think nowadays there are a lot of options to obtain your pilot license, but you have to decide if you want to fly commercial, private or as a hobby.
You can read about different licenses: https://baatraining.com/abinitio/how-to-become-a-pilot/

In general, if you have the means, I would encourage to pursue your dream. I feel like you would regret not doing it later on. Best of luck!!!!
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