Am I too old to learn to fly?

[TUNIA63]

I JUST joined McAir Aviation (Cessna pilot training) at Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (Used to be Jeffco) Broomfield, CO.

My dad was a sport pilot; he owned a Stitson and am Ultralight aircraft.

In my 20's I almost went to Colorado Aerotech and in HS considered Flight Attendant.

My facination and interest with planes and flying has remained strong; Now at 48 I am able to financially obtain the means to persue my dreams into being a pilot someday.

Id love to fly commercially but if thats not possible then possibly a flight instructor. I was told by my father (yes, the pilot), I am too old to start with this career change. I dont think so, I dont think anyone (physically and mentally able) should be told they cannot persue their dreams.

-Paula

[drseti]

Welcome aboard, Paula. Most of my Sport Pilot students are in their fifties and sixties, so at my flight school you'd be one of the youngsters. Career changes past fifty (in aviation or anywhere else) are difficult, so if this is your dream, get on with it now! It's unlikely you can achieve all the required ratings and experience quickly enough to get any return on the significant investment, before hitting the FAA's mandatory retirement age for air carrier pilots. But, there is no such ceiling for flight instructors, and the investment is much less. And, there is considerable demand for career flight instructors (as opposed to young CFIs just trying to build hours on somebody else's nickel). So, if you have a knack for teaching, by all means go for it! (once you get your ratings, if you're interested in instructing in scenic Central PA, give me a call!)

[designrs]

Interesting article on things happening in the airline industry...
could be titled "Lots of new pilots will be needed... Big demand, but still low pay?"

http://blog.aopa.org/flighttraining/?p=472