Originally Posted by CFI Guy

I usually cringe when I read these midlife career (crisis) changer posts. The fact that you have the money to pay for training, a college degree, and prior military experience (not required but a plus in my opinion) puts you way ahead.

I've given thousands of hours of instruction to people from all kinds of backgrounds (including construction). My only suggestion is to perhaps consider obtaining your private pilot and at least your instrument rating before you decide on flying as a career. Flying isn't exceptionally difficult but it takes a certain aptitude. I'm always amazed by people who want to sign up for 6 figure debt (not your case) and they've never logged even one hour of flight time.

On a side note, a friend of my mine is a plumbing contractor (owns several businesses). He's super smart (German guy, has a MBA). He lives in a $2 mil home, just bought a new $250K Audi (cash), along with all the other toys (all cash) and is in his 40s. He could retire tomorrow. He shows up to flight lessons covered in dirt and stinks. He still gets in the trenches. He's saving up to buy a turboprop (TBM) when he finishes his ratings. He wants to spend summers flying around Europe with it. Makes me wonder if I made the wrong decision in life.

Best of luck to you. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.