PotatoChip

Great point above!

Also, looking back on your timeline, do you have a degree??
That’s a big part of the package for major airline hiring... especially legacies.

Gordie H

Do give it a proper chance though…. we’re giving you all the negatives just so you go in eyes wide open. I would at least get to the solo but even better get the private before you make any decisions. There will be some ups and downs, barriers to overcome, etc. during the training for sure. I remember stumbling some on my landings just prior to solo…got frustrated. But then it clicked, I soloed and I thought it was fantastic again. From what you’re writing, I have a feeling flying might be a good fit for you.

One other thing – be sure you find the right primary instructor. Should be someone you click with and someone who explains things in a way you understand…very important. Once you get hired into your first job you basically have no choice regarding instructors…luck of the draw. But it’s your money now so you get to decide..

USMCFLYR

True - - - I got sicker than a dog on my secon flight. Threw up all over the instructor and the plane on short final.
Figured that was it for me and for that dream called 'aviation', but I stuck with it.

TO THE OP:
Let's address some of the other 'ideas' though that you have put forward.

"I know flying is much different than riding in the back but I grew up on a plane. To this day, I get a feeling of serenity after take off. "
Flying in the front is nothing like riding in the back. I currently fly with Air Force guys who have 1,000s of hours riding in the back on various aircraft worldwide (C-17s/-5s/-135s, etc...) and I tell them that the back of a King Air down low for a few hours in the Texas turbulence is a whole 'outer experience. They assure me they don't get airsick until.........that first itinerary. RIDING is not FLYING. Same thing for that "serenity" after takeoff. It is a beautiful thing - that sensation of flight - but usually there isn't much time for "serenity". You are most likely is some busy airspace, running a bunch of checklists, working the Nav and the Comm, and let's not forget that it is one of the statically most dangerous times of flight. You re busy - not dreamingly looking out the windows at the puffy clouds floating by.

"That stuck with me. And any old pilots closing in on retirement, thank you for being so kind to allow kids into the cockpit midflight and give those plastic wings. Bring your kid to work day and visiting pilots in cockpits is a fond memory I have to this day."
Airline pilots. This idea is dead and gone correct?
Maybe if you are lucky, you might get a peek of the cockpit as you are hustled by it with the masses while boarding and don't mind the stern stares of the FA's if you dare look in the direction of the cockpit.

"Where I work, most cops are distrusting and cynical."
Replace the word 'cop' with 'pilot' and nothing changes.

"Administration and city officials have no problem scapegoating a person to save face. Police Unions will defend a cop no matter what (even if he shouldn't be defended). "
You just described what I met often hear of Airline Pilots and Airline Management's relationship and the Unions in the airline world don't seem to be much different.

"It's not a bad gig but it's def not for everyone. Doing something for the money isn't everything."
This can be said over and over about aviation - and all parts of aviation - but many do it for exactly the reason you state. certain part of aviation (and really a certain part of the certain part) do it exactly for that certain. The chance to make the money and chance at the time off and flexability.

In the end = only you will be able to decide whether it is what you want. It the risk/reward is worth it (at least the chances are better now than in the long past at least for awhile)? Will the family be OK with the time, money, effort, expended along the way to maybe get you to that end game? They may say so now - but they haven't been down that road before either and don't really know what you are asking of them or what they are agreeing too.

Getting those first few lessons will be key. Getting that PPL will be key.
​​​​​​​Continuing to listen and learn about the trials ahead of you for a professional and re-examining that path along the way will be key. In the end - if it all comes together, you made it. Congrats.

poor pilot

On your 46 birthday all set for retirement you’ll always wonder if you would’ve made it if you tried. Get the ppl and then drop everything find a zero to hero program and you could be in a RJ in 4yrs maybe less. I come from a all cop family and could’ve had a cushy ride to the top but I’m glad I choose aviation, mainly for the quality of life I live now. Make it happen tell some cool cop stories in a interview.

VegasChris

I am a firefighter in a similar situation as you... just 2 years ahead. Sept 2017 I started. I hit my R-ATP minimums in May. I am trying to figure out how to merge careers for a short amount of time without taking a huge paycut.

Good luck to you

Chipjumper

Are you eligible for R-ATP? I thought you needed a degree in Aviation plus go to a 141 School.


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VegasChris

I am. I finish my degree from Liberty on March 9. Did all my training 141 thru the flight affiliate.

FJB627

Awesome responses guys/gals. Thanks everyone. I am definitely going into it eyes wide open. The guy that said I'll always wonder what would have happened if I chose that path: you are right! To the guy that compared my issues I have in my current industry with issues faced by pilots. I understand. I'm not saying the grass is greener on the other side when it comes to those things. I mentioned feelings of serenity and fond memories as a way to explain how I fell in love with aviation. Obviously riding and piloting are night and day.

​​​​I'm going to do what everyone has said and take it a step at a time and be brutally honest with myself. I may hate the experience after a discovery flight (highly doubt it). I may be satisfied after achieving PPL and Instruments and now I can buy a plane or rent one at my leisure. I may want to do more, obtain CFI, but then be satisfied doing part time CFI while keeping my day job. The idea of teaching my kids and others intrigues the hell out of me as well. I may do CFI, finally achieve the required minimums and still have a burning desire to jump ship to the airlines despite the paycut. Either way, I can't put the cart before the horse. I really appreciate you all for your time and opinions. To the firefighter, good luck brother. I wish you the best and thank you for everything you do and sacrifices you make day in and day out.

​​​​​

FJB627

Well... I just did my discovery flight today. Taking it a step at a time like everyone suggested.

My thoughts....

I found myself smiling on different occasions and having that feeling of happiness. The entire experience was really surreal. First time being in a small plane and it was tighter than a Honda Civic. That said, I really enjoyed myself but it was a delayed response. Learning about all the pre flight checklist, indicators, banking, heading, etc was slightly overwhelming on my first day. Putting the plane in position and attempting to descend to approach the runaway before letting the CFI takeover was slightly stressful. Hearing the language used by pilots and ATC was confusing.

All in all, it was a very unique experience. It was cool to know that I was doing something that millions of others never have or will do. The instructor said that I did well for the very first time and that I was a lot more calmer than most people who fly in a small plane for the first time.

So... I wasn't ecstatic right after the lesson or head over hills. I think I was in a state of shock because it was a very surreal experience. It was a very humbling experience seeing how ignorant I am when it comes to flying. I've since had a delayed feeling of euphoria after being back on the ground for a few hours. I think dedicating myself to studying and spending more time in the plane will get rid of that surreal feeling and build my confidence so I don't feel so helpless.

PotatoChip

Congrats!
Welcome to aviation, looking down on everyone else since 1903.
Expect to be completely overwhelmed for a long time. There is a LOT more to flying that little tin can than most people ever realize, especially if you take it seriously. You can’t exactly just pull over...