EMC2

I have wanted to fly since I was 4 years old. My dad worked for Delta and we flew all over the place. I was never happier than when I was in a plane. When I did decide to pursue flying as a career I was a single mom with a full time job and was attending college full time. I got my private pilot's license in 43 hours, flying 3 times a week (all I could afford!). I went right into my instrument rating after that. But then tragedy struck. I won't share the boring details. But needless to say I did not continue on with flying (not for lack of trying). I did graduate from college with a degree in physics and now work for the DoD and will be graduating with my Ph.D. in short order.

But every time I see an airplane overhead that is where I want to be. Not in my lab, but in the air. I would very much like to find my way back to flying but I know much has changed since I flew last (2002). I would love any advice on how to get back to flying, especially if any of you are familiar with the DC area.

LifeNtheFstLne

I'd be happy to help answer any questions you may have. I'm in NoVA (near IAD) and sit on the AirLine Pilot's Association Education Committee.
Check out clearedtodream.org and drop me a private message on here when you have enough posts. I think you'll find a few other people on here who have made mid-life career changes.
When you're ready to resume lessons or just go up for a refresher, we'll head over to Leesburg. Congrats on the difficult but exciting move.

__________________
How copper wire was invented: two pilots fighting over a penny.

EMC2

Thank you so much for the reply! That has given me hope. While I do love physics and I have a very nice career it just simply isn't what I want to be doing.

EMC2

Oh, and I will definitely contact you as soon as that is possible. Thanks!!

Zayghami

AV-Ed is Leesburg is a good school...

EMC2

Some people have been very nice on here so far. Some have been, well, grouchy (to be polite). I have lots of questions but I get some not so great responses. Though I guess that is due to the anonymity of the internet.

But thanks for your kind words.

Great Cornholio

Dulles Aviation in Manassas (HEF) is a pretty good flight school. When I used to work there (1998-2001) they had 20-30 planes and about 30 CFIs so they were able to keep you busy if you wanted to fly a lot. I still talk to some of the people that are there since my parents still live in Manassas, and sometimes will stop by for a visit when I'm in town and it looks like they havent reduced the fleet. If you have any questions for them give them a shout at 703-361-2171.

You looking to get into flying full time or just do it as a part time gig? I know at Dulles Aviation we had a handful of guys that had "real jobs" and did the part time CFI thing to pay for their flying habbit. Those guys seemed pretty happy cause the real job paid enough money that they could afford to eat and they got paid to fly.

EMC2

Hmm... I guess right now I am undecided. Basically I just want to fly again and see where it takes me. Though I do have the capability of being a consultant with the type of work that I do, so I wouldn't have to ever give up my job completely if I chose to pursue flying full-time.

Thanks for the info about the school.