sflyboy

So here is my current situation. I have my PPL with around 100hrs total. I haven't flown in about 16 years though. I am looking to get back current this fall. I know it will take some time, but that's ok. I just miss flying. I am currently an enlisted Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force, but have always wanted to be an airline pilot. I can retire in about 7 years. I already have my bachelors degree and have taken a couple of Masters Classes. I am thinking about trying to get my Instrument, Commercial, and CFI in the next 3-4 years. In 7 years I can retire and maybe flight instruct to build time. I will be 42 almost 43 at retirement. I haven't used my Post 9/11 GI Bill yet and was maybe thinking about paying for my Instrument, Commercial and CFI with that. I have also consider just paying out of pocket for flight training and letting my wife or kids have the GI Bill. Any thoughts or suggestions?

elgreko

Not sure what your question is but before I make any suggestions here is my story.Got my commercial multi in 1986 and didn't fly for 24 years.Spend 20 of these years in law enforcement.Retired 2010 at 45 and got my CFI immediately after.Spend 3 years instructing and was hired 2013 by a regional at the age of 48.If you think you'll be to old to start another career at 43 you are not. PPL and 100 hours you are halfway there.The fact that you haven't flown in 16 years it's not to big of a deal either.You can propably spend 5 hours on a BFR. 30 years ago every Airforce and army base used to have flying clubs with a bunch of cessnas for very low prices.I don't know how it is now but that would be my first option to built my time and get my ratings. I would start getting current now and flying about 5 hours a month and pay out of pocket.Gi bill requires part 141 school which are expensive and not of any value.Get your CFI right after your commercial while you still remember how to do a lazy 8.You might be able to instruct part time while still in the military.Best of luck.

sflyboy

That is pretty much what I was looking for. Very good info on the 141 schools. Unfortunately many base aeroclubs have closed down. It does seem like it might be better to stick to the part 61 route as it is cheaper. Overall getting current and trying to fly 3-5 hours a month was kind of what I was thinking to build some more time. I will probably try to go for the Instrument rating in about a year. Thanks again for the reply.

DiveAndDrive

If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend investing in Microsoft Flight Simulator. You can't log any of it as training, but it will help you immensely with the instrument. I have a yoke and rudder pedals, and I routinely practice my instrument stuff on there. My instrument ride was the easiest of my three rides so far.

sflyboy

I think I still have Flight Simulator X. I dont have a yoke or pedals anymore, but that doesn't sound like a bad idea either.

caylejqx

If you havent already heard about it...check out Infinite flight for cell phones. Its a really high end sim for phones that has helped me learn some things. Im always playing it when Im not doing stuff! Just a suggestion to maybe get those brain cells firing again! Good luck and happy flying!

sflyboy

Thanks...I'll check that out too.