ATP I have always liked you and consider you to be a good friend but I got to tell you that you sound like you are 12 years old. You must be a dreamer who is well supported by your family. Most people who are 47 years old realize that there are hard consequences for the choices we make.

Most likely you are going to blow a fortune on an endeavor that is a huge long shot at a time when you should be thinking of saving for your kids college and for your own retirement. As adults we need to put away such frivolous thoughts and focus on what really matters in life.

You have already made your choices. Your hand has been played. It is too late and would be irresponsible for you to indulge in something as selfish at this point in your life. Take a step back and evaluate what you are considering. You have a family to think about. As a father and husband you must supplant your own wants for theirs. It is a choice that you have already made and must live up to.

No one wants their dreams to be stepped on but you need to do what is best for your family. Get a private license. Join a club. Buy a plane, but fulfill your obligation to your wife, children and future self. By 47 "believing" is not good enough.

Skyhigh

 

If this is what you want to do then by all means go for it. Don't let any of us hold you back from flying for a living. I took the slow road approach to flying for an airline and after a year of flying I got furloughed, but looking back I wouldn't change a thing. There are always going to be a few that are bitter about where they are at and they forget about the ones who lost their jobs or still are trying to get to where they are at. If you can afford to go and knock out your tickets and get you flight time, I have a feeling in 2011 there is going to be another hiring wave and you need to be ready. Hopefully by next year recalls start happeneing but no one knows what is going to happen. I absolutely loved flying for a regional carrier even though I was on reserve the entire time I still had a great time and hopefully I can do it again soon. Good luck to you and just be patient, times are tough.

 

In the next 3-5 years I hope to have found a job either flying for the gov't (in some other capacity) or flying mid-large cabin corporate aircraft for a stable corporate flight department or fractional airline.

USMCFLYR

 

My ole friend SkyHigh:

How are you? It sounds as though things are going as well as expected for you. I'm happy for you.

You know, although I'm 47, divorced and my only responsibility is to myself and my son, I make no apologies for having the options and opportunities that I have. You have the right to express how you may feel about my situation and no I don't take it as a personal attack because I know that you wouldn't do that any way, however, I will say that I don't agree with or accept your assessment of me sounding like a 12 year old or being "dreamer".

By no means am I in denial, blinded by SJS or engaged in wishful thinking about my chances of becoming a professional pilot. Far from it. This is a very well thought out plan. Sure plans don't always go the way you want, but that's where resourcefulness and tenacity come into play. By no means am I suggesting that none of the participants here don't have these qualities either. I know that they do.

Btw, believing in something is synonymous with action....."Faith w/o actions is dead".


Love ya buddy,





atp

 

ATP,

Sorry about the divorce. I did not know about that. It does change things a bit, however don't let your disappointment compound the situation. You still have an obligation to yourself and son. Divorce makes finances and parenthood difficult enough.

Don't make any rash decisions. My advise is to get your private pilots license and save to buy a plane. Unless you are financially independent everyone needs to think about their financial future. If your only goal is to eventually reach being a CFI then there is no rush.

Do not make any big changes in your life. The economy is due to get much worse. Aviation will be sidelined for a long time. Hold on to your money. Keep your day job.

Skyhigh

 

Yeah....I've been divorced since I've been a member of APC. My ex and I have from time to time talked about getting back together, however, it just hasn't happened. I guess it's for the better.

You know, I've been a member here for so long that I've seen guys go from getting their flight instructor rating to FO at a regional, like ctd57 and freezingflyboy just to name a few. I can remember when I used to exchange posts with akpilot, RedEye, Calcapt and LAFrequentflyer. A lot of wisdom and knowledge to be gained and used by those who participate and who have participated like yourself, rickair, Slice and de727ups. So some of what I've decided on as far as my career is concerned has been influenced by quite a few guys here.

As they say in the hood......"it's all good."




atp