JoeC
New Member
Hello All.
This is my first post after years of reading the forums (I've gained so much knowledge from this site and a bit of guilt in not being able to contribute...), and I'm sure it's going to be a doozy!
I've been dreaming of being an airline pilot since about 4 years old... An Alitalia MD11 crew member took me up the cockpit somewhere above the Atlantic, and I've been in love ever since. The years went by, and I couldn't shake the aviation bug off. I started my family at a young age, and chose to put my goals and dreams on hold until - who knows when. I'm now 27, and mentally/emotionally/semi-financially ready to start implementing gradual changes that will take my career towards the airlines (hopefully) by around age 35. In the last six or so years, since my son was born, I've started a business (real estate) and became a broker, and it pays the bills. This evening, I met with a local CFI who - according to anyone you'll talk to in our community - is truly one of the best. Our first lesson is set for next Saturday. I feel that my most obvious 'headwind' in this situation is that I am in a race against the proverbial clock: mandatory retirement at 65 for a 121.
In the midst of family and business life, I've not only aged, became bald and noticeably more rotund, I've also foregone the four year bachelor's degree that virtually every (at least mainline) airline looks for in their hiring qualifications. My hope is that a track record of working closely with others, delegating duties and taking on more than my share, guiding them and ultimately being their employer will count towards something on a resume. Maybe, maybe not... Once I've obtained my PPL, I've got a few choices - save money and join the local ATP flight school, with their 100ME Career Pilot Program (about 45 minutes away, so I can be "home" every night), or save my money and buy a small Grumman/152, and truly earn my hours the old fashioned way. Each one presents its own unique set of challenges, mainly that I'd be able to still work if I go the tried and true method, or take an extended LOA and figure out a way to survive for +- 9 months or more with a significantly reduced income.
I've done years of soul searching. Do I just want to wear the stripes? Am I chasing just the thought of flying jets? Yet it all boils down to one thing: I want to be a part of something bigger than me. I've realized that I have a strong, far reaching respect for aviation as a career, community and science.
So I come to you aviators, humbled as I can be, in search of any and all advice you can throw my way. Tear me down or build me up, I'm opening up to anything and everything anyone can kindly share. Much appreciated.
This is my first post after years of reading the forums (I've gained so much knowledge from this site and a bit of guilt in not being able to contribute...), and I'm sure it's going to be a doozy!
I've been dreaming of being an airline pilot since about 4 years old... An Alitalia MD11 crew member took me up the cockpit somewhere above the Atlantic, and I've been in love ever since. The years went by, and I couldn't shake the aviation bug off. I started my family at a young age, and chose to put my goals and dreams on hold until - who knows when. I'm now 27, and mentally/emotionally/semi-financially ready to start implementing gradual changes that will take my career towards the airlines (hopefully) by around age 35. In the last six or so years, since my son was born, I've started a business (real estate) and became a broker, and it pays the bills. This evening, I met with a local CFI who - according to anyone you'll talk to in our community - is truly one of the best. Our first lesson is set for next Saturday. I feel that my most obvious 'headwind' in this situation is that I am in a race against the proverbial clock: mandatory retirement at 65 for a 121.
In the midst of family and business life, I've not only aged, became bald and noticeably more rotund, I've also foregone the four year bachelor's degree that virtually every (at least mainline) airline looks for in their hiring qualifications. My hope is that a track record of working closely with others, delegating duties and taking on more than my share, guiding them and ultimately being their employer will count towards something on a resume. Maybe, maybe not... Once I've obtained my PPL, I've got a few choices - save money and join the local ATP flight school, with their 100ME Career Pilot Program (about 45 minutes away, so I can be "home" every night), or save my money and buy a small Grumman/152, and truly earn my hours the old fashioned way. Each one presents its own unique set of challenges, mainly that I'd be able to still work if I go the tried and true method, or take an extended LOA and figure out a way to survive for +- 9 months or more with a significantly reduced income.
I've done years of soul searching. Do I just want to wear the stripes? Am I chasing just the thought of flying jets? Yet it all boils down to one thing: I want to be a part of something bigger than me. I've realized that I have a strong, far reaching respect for aviation as a career, community and science.
So I come to you aviators, humbled as I can be, in search of any and all advice you can throw my way. Tear me down or build me up, I'm opening up to anything and everything anyone can kindly share. Much appreciated.