Hello to all. My name is Marcus and I attempted to get certified from '08-'12. At the time, I was 47. I had to go the way of (3) HIMS evals and that's ok. The last two recommended certification however the CP for the FAA decided otherwise. Never thought in a million years that I would have been part of the 0.004567% that are out & out denied. I was crushed. At the final decision, I was 51. It felt like I had wasted four years of time and resources. I was angry and disappointed to say the least.
Fast forward to 2023 and at 61, I'm attempting the process again. I've come to understand and accept what & why it happened as far as the aforementioned goes. Progress...not perfection. For me, it's all about my relationship with TMH and my lifestyle choices. I'm right where I'm supposed to be. Given my growth, I anticipate the HIMS process to be seamless this time around. No hitches. Even if conditions are placed on my certification in terms of the class level (at least 3rd to start training), that's cool too.You see, like most of you, I've always wanted to be able to say, "...and good evening from the flightdeck folks. This is your Captain speaking. We all know the feeling relative to each of us when we think of being able to do that. We've accomplished our goal and there's no greater satisfaction...professionally speaking that is. In addition, even if I don't get the opportunity to fly 121, albeit 4-8 years, depending what they do with the retirement age, I'll do the ole 91/135 bop. Fly till ya die. If not that, then just to be able to rent a 172/182 RG and do lunch/dinner/wknds in KYW, APF, TPA, JAX, MCO or the Bahamian Islands. It's all good.
My goal is to fly. At what level, will be determined later. All I want to do is be in command of an aircraft. There's no greater feeling. Hope this has encouraged someone. Btw, you've got guys like rickair, 11 Fan, JohnBurke, DiverDriver, and my buddy, SkyHigh, who will give unbiased, sound advice. Consider what they and others say. At the end of day, when it's all said and done, the final decision lies with you.
See y'all on the flightline somewhere. All the best. Blue skies!
atpwannabe