At 50, should I become a new pilot?

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psachseJr

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Paul
Hello all,

This is my first post on the forum.

I am 50 years old and am strongly considering pursuing my certificate. I am a lifetime boater and motorcyclist, which is part of the reason I am writing today.

You see, my observation as a motorcyclist and particularly a boater is that many people who take on these challenges later in life never really become good at them. Having grown up on boats and still having one today, and having raced motorcycles and still having one today, I can't even begin to understand the benefits that my experience has brought to me. But, what I do know is that I am pretty good at both, and can answer just about any question asked me on either topic.

Let me tell you about me. Then I will finally ask my question. I am a former engineer (the boss now) and when I do something I tend to dive in deep. I typically read a great deal, and usually know any boat or motorcycle in depth. I would expect to approach flying in the same way. The risk of flying gives me some pause, but I like the fact that my behavior and training and skill (practice) can positively influence that. I make mistakes like anyone does, but never for lack of preparation. I will worry a bit, but never panic. My health is good and my eyesight is very good (but need reading glasses). Blood pressure is very good, etc. I have wanted to learn to fly since I was 16.

Now my question: Is it a bad idea to take this on at age 50? Sure, I have flown several times and have a few hours of instruction. But I can't help wondering if this is one of those things one shouldn't start late in life.

I look forward to your honest responses,

Paul
 
No reason why you can't start later in life. Lots of people do it.

If you don't try, you will never know.
 
Paul, My answer is a BIG, YES!! I began at age 52, now i am 57 with almost 300 hours, and wondering why i waited so ling. Don't you wait another minute. Is it clear today? Drive as fast as is safe to the airport and take a lesson today. Dave
 
I started late; was 43 then, I'm 51 now. I always wanted to fly, had a wife and a friend who finally each (independently) told me, "go fly." No regrets, except that I waited so long.

Now around a thousand hours, my own (old) plane, and many wonderful trips and stories behind me (and, one hopes, many more to come). As long as you recognize that the greatest risk is poor judgment on the pilot's part, you'll be safer than biking, because there are way fewer idiots trying to kill you.

The other thing (and I had no idea this would be the case when I learned): you meet some of the finest people you'll ever know as a result of flying. If I could never fly another hour, I'd treasure the experience for that fact alone.

Tell us more about yourself, where you are and the like, and odds are, we can get you hooked up with someone who can help you feed your fix -- err -- answer your questions.

Best,

/s/ Spike
 
Hell yes. My aerobatic mentor was flying to +10 Gz and winning aerobatic contests into his 70's. The partner I had in my Columbia 400 got his private, followed by his instrument and his commercial tickets in his 60's. So unless you're somehow challenged by something other than age, you should definitely go for it.
 
Paul,

Welcome to Pilots of America!!

I started at 47 and will have been flying six years this July. Recently obtained my instrument rating and love anytime spent flying. JUMP IN AND DO IT.......don't look back wondering what if.
 
I say go for it. I started at 40 and took a four year hiatus between 43 and 47 for school. I am 53 now fly well over a hundred hours a year and love every minute of it.
 
Go for it. It is a sport that you can dive in as deep as you want and with a lot of variety. I started at 42 now 57 and don't regret a day. Every flight is an adventure and I never tire of looking down.
 
If you want it, do it. There is no such thing as "should" when it comes to flying.
 
Youngster!
I took my introductory lesson as a 58th birthday present in 1999. I now am approaching 900 hours and hav landed in 27 different states and 200 different airports.

Read the journal for more details on how to have fun after 60.
 
Unless you're going to be younger next year, then do it this year.
-harry
 
Why not? I basically started over at age 63.
 
Sure. Don't be surprised if it takes more than the nominal 40 hours, but go for it now while you are still young and healthy.
 
Come on in. We need the dues....
 
psachseJr said:
Now my question: Is it a bad idea to take this on at age 50? Sure, I have flown several times and have a few hours of instruction. But I can't help wondering if this is one of those things one shouldn't start late in life.
Click to expand...
Wait a minute. Is 50 "late in life"? :cryin:
 
I did all my power airplane stuff "late in life" (gag, hack, groan) and sure haven't regretted it.
 
I doubt you'll find any currently active pilots that will discourage you from training for a PPL. If you've wanted to do this since you were 16 there's no reason to put it off any longer.

Since you mentioned being an engineer and a tendency to dive in deep (a couple of my own "faults") I'll make a couple of additional recommendations.

First in addition to the typical PPL prep materials I strongly suggest you pick up a copy of Wolfgang Langewiesche's "Stick and Rudder" as well as "Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators". The latter is available as a free (a $5 donation is requested) PDF download at:

http://www.askacfi.com/3219/aerodynamics-for-naval-aviators-pdf.htm


S&R will teach you a lot of very useful stuff I wish I knew when I started learning to fly airplanes. Amazingly even though it was written a long time ago it's still pretty valid although Wolfgang's writing style is a bit outdated.

A4NA is a bit more technical but still a fairly easy read for an "engineer" and it's chock full of good stuff about what makes airplanes fly and what you can expect from them.

Finally, I suggest you put significant effort into selecting an instructor. If you're anything like me you'll want to understand the "why's about any subject that comes along and unfortunately there's a lot of CFIs out there who cannot or will not support that desire sufficiently. Chances are by now you have a pretty good idea about the way you prefer to learn and some instructors don't have the ability to adapt to all learning styles so you'll do better if you find one that's on your wavelength. At your "advanced age" (I'm older so I can say that) you're likely to prefer someone who's been out of high school a few more years than many of the CFIs you'll find at the local schools. There are some instructors who've been flying and teaching a lot longer if you look hard enough.

You're also going to advance at a more palatable rate if you can structure the rest of your life such that you can devote enough time to fly 3-4 times a week (each flight typically requiring a couple hours at the airport). Inevitably the weather, airplane schedule, your schedule, and instructor's schedule conspire to eliminate at least one of four scheduled lessons and unless you actually do fly at least 3 times a week you'll spend too much time rehashing old material.
 
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I started at 61, I now have close to 500 hrs. I had a tough time getting my ticket for a variety of reasons, but I got it done.

My personal advise to anyone thinking about getting a license is this. Get your ground school and written out of the way as fast as you can. Learn to fly a C-172 at your local airport, then call Sheble Aviation in Arizona. http://shebleaviation.com/ It is well worth the trip out there, no matter where you live in the lower 48. They will finish you off in a few days.

I only wish I had known about this when I first started. Most small schools are hungry and will milk a guy of your age and finances as much as they can. You will never be quite ready for a check ride, trust me. Their stock answer will always be "It's up to you."

Sheble does not operate that way, they get it done as quickly as possible. If your medical is current, your written passed, and you are used to a C-172, you will be done in a day or two. It took me four because I wasn't familiar with a 172.

John
 
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psachseJr said:
Hello all,
Click to expand...

Howdy.

I am 50 years old and am strongly considering pursuing my certificate. I am a lifetime boater and motorcyclist, which is part of the reason I am writing today.
...
The risk of flying gives me some pause, but I like the fact that my behavior and training and skill (practice) can positively influence that.
Click to expand...

Well, I have up motorcycles years ago - got tired of people in cars trying to play bumper tag...

And compared to racing sailboats, I'm reasonably sure that I am much more likely to get killed on a boat than in an airplane (I'm the bowman - the one who can't not do the job when the weather hits and the one most likely to go overboard in said bad weather.)

Gopher it.
 
Are you crazy, hell NO!!!!

Okay just kidding. I started at 19 but had to quit at 21 and didn't get to restart until 57. Go for it!!! :D
 
I became a pilot at 47. Like everyone else has said....go for it!
 
John Baker said:
Sheble does not operate that way, they get it done as quickly as possible. If your medical is current, your written passed, and you are used to a C-172, you will be done in a day or two. It took me four because I wasn't familiar with a 172.
Click to expand...
It'd be pretty hard to knock out 30 hours of flying in a day or two and effectively learn much of anything. If you were close to being finished up (most of the requirements knocked out) I'm sure they could wrap you up in a day or two. But if you had 10 hours it's going to take awhile.
 
jesse said:
It'd be pretty hard to knock out 30 hours of flying in a day or two and effectively learn much of anything. If you were close to being finished up (most of the requirements knocked out) I'm sure they could wrap you up in a day or two. But if you had 10 hours it's going to take awhile.
Click to expand...

Your right, I forgot about the basic requirements. Here is their web sight for a complete privates course. http://shebleaviation.com/ Actually, compared to what I had been milked out of, their fees and time table are incredible.

They have worked out a great deal with a local casino for around $35.00 a night. I stayed there, very nice, clean room, great restaurants.

I still maintain this is the best thing going for any kind of pilots certificate.

Sheble presents a relaxed training atmosphere yet they guide you through it in a well choreographed, very professional, manner. You don't feel pressured, yet you find yourself accomplishing every step successfully.

My experience there was for finishing me up, I had accomplished all the requirements, several times over before arriving there.

John
 
gismo said:
I doubt you'll find any currently active pilots that will discourage you from training for a PPL. If you've wanted to do this since you were 16 there's no reason to put it off any longer.

Since you mentioned being an engineer and a tendency to dive in deep (a couple of my own "faults") I'll make a couple of additional recommendations.

First in addition to the typical PPL prep materials I strongly suggest you pick up a copy of Wolfgang Langewiesche's "Stick and Rudder" as well as "Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators". The latter is available as a free (a $5 donation is requested) PDF download at:

http://www.askacfi.com/3219/aerodynamics-for-naval-aviators-pdf.htm


S&R will teach you a lot of very useful stuff I wish I knew when I started learning to fly airplanes. Amazingly even though it was written a long time ago it's still pretty valid although Wolfgang's writing style is a bit outdated.

A4NA is a bit more technical but still a fairly easy read for an "engineer" and it's chock full of good stuff about what makes airplanes fly and what you can expect from them.

Finally, I suggest you put significant effort into selecting an instructor. If you're anything like me you'll want to understand the "why's about any subject that comes along and unfortunately there's a lot of CFIs out there who cannot or will not support that desire sufficiently. Chances are by now you have a pretty good idea about the way you prefer to learn and some instructors don't have the ability to adapt to all learning styles so you'll do better if you find one that's on your wavelength. At your "advanced age" (I'm older so I can say that) you're likely to prefer someone who's been out of high school a few more years than many of the CFIs you'll find at the local schools. There are some instructors who've been flying and teaching a lot longer if you look hard enough.

You're also going to advance at a more palatable rate if you can structure the rest of your life such that you can devote enough time to fly 3-4 times a week (each flight typically requiring a couple hours at the airport). Inevitably the weather, airplane schedule, your schedule, and instructor's schedule conspire to eliminate at least one of four scheduled lessons and unless you actually do fly at least 3 times a week you'll spend too much time rehashing old material.
Click to expand...

Thank you for taking the time to type this thoughtful response.
 
You're not too old, Paul. If this is something you want to do, go for it. There is nothing else like flying.
 
One of the great things about learning to fly later in life, is the expense. When you think of your kids, with their arms crossed, their toe taping, while constantly checking their watch, waiting for "their" inheritance, aviation just seems to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling. :)

John
 
Log off the internet and get to the airport. NOW.

ARE YOU STILL HERE?!?!?!

:D
 
psachseJr said:
Hello all,

I am 50 years old and am strongly considering pursuing my certificate.

Let me tell you about me. Then I will finally ask my question. I am a former engineer (the boss now) and when I do something I tend to dive in deep.

Now my question: Is it a bad idea to take this on at age 50? Sure, I have flown several times and have a few hours of instruction. But I can't help wondering if this is one of those things one shouldn't start late in life.

I look forward to your honest responses,

Paul
Click to expand...

YES!
I became a pilot at 50 and have enjoyed it beyond description. I also am an engineer who goes deep. One year later I was so hooked I got an instrument rating, self taught on both ground schools (PPL & IFR). The plane has allowed our family to take more trips for fun and family visits. Life is short, enjoy. :)
 
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psachseJr said:
You see, my observation as a motorcyclist and particularly a boater is that many people who take on these challenges later in life never really become good at them.
Click to expand...

And if you look a bit closer, you'll notice that a lot of those same people are the ones that go "ooh, that would be fun to be able to do that since my neighbors friend does it, ok start, wait, what do you mean it takes effort, just take shortcuts and ooh those lights are pretty colors, oh I was learning to fly, that's right, too much effort, very difficult, oh well, back to the sofa."

Ok, so that's a bit extreme, though sometimes very realistic, however you get the point.

Most things are often NOT age dependent up to a point. It's mostly mental. If your brain works and you can put the effort into a project for more than 3 minutes at a time, go for it.
 
Everskyward said:
Wait a minute. Is 50 "late in life"? :cryin:
Click to expand...

If it is, I'm in trouble.

I passed my private checkride two days after turning 49. My current goal is to pass my IR checkride before I turn 59. If the weather cooperates, that should happen.

Go for it!
 
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