covsting76

So i have posted on here a few times about how I want to purse my PPL. Something I have always wanted to do since i was a kid. Anyway I have a 4 year business degree and great job but as I am sure everyone knows it seems impossible to get ahead.

I told myself i would start my flight training this year but something seems to always get in the way.... college debt, car payment, etc. etc. My girlfriend and i are starting to talk marriage and buying a house as well. With all these things it seems almost impossible to set the money aside to purse this and i don't want to keep pushing this to the back burner in fear of never pursing this.

Just wondering how you guys do it, besides going into a massive amount of debt with loans and I am sure a lot of you will say get rid of the girlfriend but lets be realistic.

Thanks for your time.

jeepthrills

If just getting you private is giving this much stress...put it on the back burner for a while.
You really need to have your head in the game, and meet with your instructor to fly 2 times a week (1-2 hour lesson)...Minimum!! On top of that expect to spend at least 2-3 hours at home studying for each 1 hour in the plane.

It sounds like alot, but you are going to learn: aerodynamics, basic engine operation, basic engine troubleshooting, basic weather theory, chart reading and interpretation, navigation, a new language (pilot speak), a whole new batch of "road" signs, how and why your instruments work, how to control the plane with no outside visual reference, and how to steer with your feet.
This is something you do not want to start/stop/start again. Set about 6k aside, and go do it!

Have you taken an intro flight yet?

Astra

Here's my story, maybe there is something there that can help with your decisions, or at least to provide context for my suggestions.

I took my first flying lessons about 10 years ago, then changed jobs, moved to a different city (paying rent instead of living with Mum & Dad) and didn't find the money to fly any more. I vaguely expected to get back into it but a "day job" has a momentum of its own. It's very easy to be focussed on the next payrise, promotion, international experience, ... and to lose sight of the big picture. On the upside, a steady income let me pay off my loans (student and car loan).

I recently had some time away from work to think about my goals and priorities. Flying was top of the list. I will be starting my PPL soon, paid for with savings. I did lots of research and aviation in this economy is a marathon, not a sprint. I will be saving for each licence and rating - this step-by-step approach will let me make more informed decisions along the way on whether this is a career or something I do for fun. I'm not sorry I stayed with the corporate career for a while because it has put me in a good financial position, but I am sorry I put flying on the "back burner" for so long.

So, my suggestion would be to balance keeping your finances (and relationship) together while not losing focus on your goals.
Do you need to buy a house now? More debt will make it more difficult to save, and the first flying jobs people get seem to be unstable and don't pay well, again not always compatible with a mortgage. Then again, if your girlfriend has an income and you do the maths on rent vs mortgage, maybe the mortgage works out okay. What are her thoughts on your aim to take up flying?

Maybe you can focus on reducing the debt you have already while saving some money for lessons? Even small savings can keep the dream alive and remind you that you will get there - planning only as far as a PPL to begin with is a more attainable goal than looking at the price-tag on an ATPL.
Just some thoughts... I'm only taking my first steps so I'm sure there are others much more experienced than me.

atlmsl

Just make sure you take care of life first. With a girlfriend/soon to be wife you've got a lot on your plate. Flight training will always be there. As mentioned already you don't want to start training and then something comes up that makes you stop. Plus training has a tendency to stretch out and cost more than you planned. With weather/maintenance cancellations, more training required, etc. Just wait for the right time and go for it. You'll know when that time comes because you won't be worrying about it anymore.

SkyHigh

You have got to set your priorities. Marriage and buying a house take precedence over getting your private pilots license. After the house comes children and life.

Flying after getting your private is difficult as well. It is not cheap and can take you away from the family. Most can not make it happen for themselves. I would take measure of the reality of fitting flying into your life. It is not easy. Sometimes it is easier just to turn your back early then to put yourself through the agony of slowly coming the the realization that it will not work out.

Skyhigh

USMCFLYR

Sky is right - YOU have to set your priorities. In the next sentence Sky sets YOUR prorities. It is really easy in the end. YOU decide what you want and then YOU make it happen. I'd say that most would go down the same road that you seem to be heading; BUT NOT ALL.

USMCFLYR

ryan1234

Probably every civilian pilot that wasn't part of the lucky gene pool has wondered how to make that step. It is pretty daunting at first, figuring how to pay for it all...

The bottom line is... no one is going to do it for you, if you want it... you gotta make it happen.... or else you'll be 20 years down the line with the woulda coulda shoulda thinking and no pilot certificate.

It may not be easy, but few things worth anything are.

You have a business degree, so the mechanics of making money/paying for it are up to you.

rickair7777

I used to train a lot of students who were at or near retirement and FINALLY had the time and money to pursue this dream. If you want to do it, I would probably make the sacrifice to get it done now...

Older folks (over 40 but especially over 50) don't learn as easily, especially some of the hands-on, radio communications, and multitasking skills. They usually take longer, struggle more, and spend more money. Worse, the flying skills never seem to become "second nature" to them even aftyer theuy get their ticket...IMO this puts many of those folks at higher risk in an emergency as they are more likely to get distracted and lose their SA or neglect. something important (like airspeed).

Also my then-girlfriend/now-spouse had a blast flying around to different places before kids. You could still do it when you're older, but I think would be more fun while you are young enough to fly all day and still go party at your destination.

Two approaches...

Pay-as-you-go: use a budget to ensure you have enough cash to train 2-3 times/week (less often and you will do the 3-steps-forward/1-step-back routine and waste money relearning things)

Save Up: Work with a local school or CFI to develop a REALISTIC budget and save up that amount. With this approach you could possibly use a couple weeks of vacation to get started...a one week intensive start will actually help to solidify basic flying skills. After that you can go 2-3 times per week or more if you have time.

pattupilot

If you go through a professional school, they will force you to fly under part 141, but don't accept that. For a part time and busy student part 61 is the best option.

I am talking about experience. I had a student who was in the same situation.He was forced to take part 141. And before every stage check he was stuck. Cause he did not have the time to read that much. So when he changed over to part 61, he there was no ''pressuere''. He read whenever he had time and completed the whole thing.

Also make sure you fly 1-2 a week
Good luck!

rickair7777

Yeah, that too.