LmannyR

Currently have PPL (-115hrs) haven’t flown in 10 years. Took instrument written about 5 yo and passed on first try. Did not continue IR. Been an ICU Registered Nurse for 17 years. Looking to do what I’ve always wanted to do, fly. I used to tell my mom when I was in grade school, “one day I’ll bring groceries home in an airplane”. Lol. I’m 43yo now. Medical certificate will be a non issue.

Looking to quit and go full time flight school and get into regionals ASAP. I live near KSUA In FL. Have about $70k saved.

What is the best path for me? Any local flight schools that are recommended near KSUA?

How many of the written tests can I complete before stepping foot in a flight school?

Thank you.

QRH Bingo

I don't know your work life or schedule but since you already have your PPL, I feel like that's the big hurdle (well, besides getting some currency back and such). It could be best to continue working and pursue the additional ratings up thru CFI until making the jump and quitting your day job. You will need an endorsement to take the written for the Instrument Rating and Commercial Certificate so you could complete an online ground school and knock those out before flying, if that was the path you choose. Additionally, the FOI, CFI & CFII (The full 50 question version, not the 20 question "added rating" version) do not require endorsements to take the written. So you can add those on at your leisure.

Keep your day job, pay as you go for your flight training and work that as hard as you can. Likely, by the time you get current and comfortable again, complete your instrument rating and then your commercial training, you'll be at 250 hours and ready for that checkride. Then it's off to the races with your CFI and take the plunge, quitting your day job. Best of luck.

I can't help you about FL flight schools but I'm sure someone else on here can and will answer that for you.

Danger19

Plenty of good points here^. A few quick thoughts:
-I can't attest to schools in FL, but doing 8-10 dual review/proficiency flights at the Private Pilot or Commercial Pilot level, before you go all-in, can give you an idea of if it is still for you.
-I'll emphasize it, keep your day job. Or maybe go part time. Don't give that up until you have to.
-To be blunt, just make sure this isn't a phase or a "passing fancy" (lol) before you commit.
-When you go to a school, pay as you go. Don't give them a lump sump (unless a university program or the like), that can be bad if you decide it's not for you 10-20 hours in, but they have your money.
-Going to a 141 university program (or schools like ATP or CAE, though I've heard horrid reviews from a lot of people about places like those) has partnerships allowing you to get to regionals and some majors at 1000 hours.
-University Programs (if accredited, check on that) allow you to get an R-ATP at 1000 hours. They also train you up to the level you want, and hire you back as a CFI. Insurance and liability can also be better. Wherever you go, make sure they are insured and that you insure yourself. Don't risk it for the biscuit.
-You mentioned you're 43. Retirement age (for now) is still 65 if you go to a Part 121 carrier (airline). However, going to a Part 135 carrier (charter) doesn't have that requirement, but pays less (still good money) for more work. Bottom line you can fly longer, and if you started today this training would take 3-4 years to get all your ratings and 1000 hours (47 or so by then). Just something to consider.
-135 carriers also can hire at lower hourly requirements (usually around 500TT for small-medium operators) vs 1000 hour regionals, etc. Or you could use a 135 to get hours to go to a regional, but again then it becomes "is it worth all this to spend 3 years at a regional (50ishyo) to spend 15 years at a major/legacy, or get really senior at a good 135?" That's up to you.

Happy to answer other questions. Best of luck to you

LmannyR

Thanks for the replies everyone. All Good info.