Originally Posted by
tsimmns927
Wish I could still go the Military route, but age and two failed AFOQT test from the English portion by 1pt when I partied to much in college 15 years ago did that in.
So for now I have a good(not great paying job doing Non-Destructive Inspection on T-38s as a contractor and am in the guard. I can go the mom and pop route for training and hopefully get all requirement (PPL, IFR) for around 8k as I could use my Gi Bill after getting the PPL.
The problem after that is me not wanting to be a CFI and possibly building hours. Lots of people here in Texas area appear to just buy a plane as someone suggested and build your own time. Just hope by the time I’m 44 or 45 (7 years away) that regionals will be back hiring and I can possibly make a 20 career out of this, regardless if it’s at a regional or possibly a major. I’m 100% sure either one would be better pay down the road and enjoyable than what I do know.
If you choose not to go the CFI route there are other things you can do such as aerial survey, pipeline patrol, sky diving flights. If you can use the GI bill, even better. Also, if this is your dream it's your choice to go after it. No one on the forums or anywhere can tell you yes or no you have to make the decision. Times and things change and it will come back sooner or later. You're not taking on big loans or spending cash in the bank after PPL so that is a plus for sure. Good luck!