Career Change
 

Hello all fellow pilots,

Da Boss here. Glad to be apart of the forums on my journey of becoming a commercial pilot. First let me give you a little background on me. As a young boy I always dreamed of someday becoming a pilot. At the end of high school my parents really couldn't afford it back then so I was forced to take my back up route (IT Administrator). I've been working in this field for about 7 years now and still have the urge to fly. Sitting at a desk, answering the phone, listening to people belly ache and jack up their computer, manage servers is very dull to me. Im looking to start my ppl at a local FBO. Trying to cut down expense cost by studying on my own. For the past three weeks I have been reading jeppesen, going through Sporty's learn how to fly course and grabbing every bit of information on the web. Even though I work as IT Administrator MS Flight Simulator stuck with me through the years. I have the basics, rudder pedals and yolk and throttle. For the past year I have been taking flight sim extra serious because of my goal. My goal is to get my ppl in 40 give or take +-10hrs. I think I have what it takes and have the drive and money to do this. After my ppl I plan to get my instrument and commercial multi ratings and fly for a local company. I'm currently 31. Do you guys think its to late to start? Honest opinion.

Thanks for taking the time out to read my post

DaBoss

I also fly with a commercial buddy pilot a lot. Just to get some aviation cockpit exposure.

Not too late at all. With that being said..don't drag your feet either. The more frequency in your lessons the less total time it will take to finish. I'd fly as much as you can afford without acquiring any new debt. This job is not worth it with a high debt load.

Noted. Thanks for the words of encouragement. With my current work load I try to fly at least 2 times a week with my buddy who flies a Saab 340A and gain as much knowledge from him as possible. First financial goal is not to go over $6500 for my PPL.

For some reason I see you can't receive private messages yet. Maybe make more posts?

Do you really hate your current job? Are the pay and benefits at a minimum decent? Are you already sure the best way to get your aviation fix is to fly professionally? How much do you value being home at night?

As you ponder these things, I would imagine the "pilot shortage" rationale is on your mind based on your reading or what flight schools are saying. I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor in a possible career change. I could go on at some length about that, just my personal advice would be weigh other factors while minimizing some of the "hype."

Best regards, make the best decision you can!

Hi Block30,

I live in a different country and flying within the region is almost like a 9-5 job. My buddy only ( on average flies 2-3) flights a day. Go to work for 5 and get off at 1 or 2. The latest evening flight for domestics in my country is about 6pm. Most guys work shifts. Layover is never an option here. Captain pay for the airline he works for is about $1800 a week. I know it comes with experience to get that but I can live with a pay cut. I always live within my means. Right now I'm in the 40k range. My thing is this as long as I can pay my bills and live my dream I'm gonna push myself to the limit. Been saving for some time now so I think I can do it.

Keep in mind the transition is going to happen over time. I'm looking at a 2-3 year period.
:D

Not in the US? OK, that's a monkey wrench for me. My concern comes from my experience as a both a former student and then instructor. I saw what to me were used car salesman tactics; Bending the truth, getting people to think emotionally, not rationally, etc.

I wish you well whatever path you go down, I simply like to interject that flying your own airplane for fun can be a great way to get your flying fix :)

Thanks for the support. Doors are always open. Maybe there is a plane out there that has my name on it:). Concentrating on my PPL at the moment. When I get that, the sky's the limit.

Maybe if you could tell us what country you are from and where you intend to fly as a pilot will help other aviators point you in the right direction and the path to it. Every country and its aviation situation is different. Also your final position that you wish to achieve in the aviation industry will also help others give you some lead.