Flight training for over 50s.

[Andy Furlong]

I'm interested in finding other 'Over 50' aviation nuts who want to get a Pilots Licence. Have you started training or still planning to? I'm 55, but I can't start my training until I've got some money saved. What's your story?

[Broken Slinky]

A good friend started his training in his mid 60s. Took him a bit longer than a year to get his PPL. He finished his Night and is presently working on his CPL. He passed his CPL written about 2 weeks ago.

[xsbank]

There is no reason why you can't teach an Old Fart to fly. I am one myself, but I've quit flying. Complex airplane's, not so much, I've witnessed decline in performance in OF pilots (not me, I packed it in before it became obvious!) but recreationally, go crazy! It would be a lot of fun to learn as an OF, especially if you are retired because the longer you spend learning, the harder it is and the more you spend.

If you've got the dosh, do it!

[ant_321]

When I was an instructor, I flew with a guy who started flight training at age 72. He was on par with most of the 19-20 year olds I instructed.

[c150rocks]

You are never too old to learn something new. Don't let anybody stand in your way. I'm 53 and although I have my pilot license, I am working towards my commercial/mulit and IFR for no reason but for my desire to become more proficient and better my skills. Good Luck

[New_PIC]

I got less than 20 hours when I was in my 20's. That took over a year and a sequence of three different instructors, still without soloing. When the third instructor moved on, I decided to quit until I could afford to do it all at once. Of course, that never happened. I started back in my mid-50's, and got the PPL and a night rating so far. I've even recently picked up a small, older plane. It may not be smart financially but, as someone recently told me, there's no luggage rack on a hearse.

[Bede]

I did a guy`s CPL when he was 72.

[Andy Furlong]

Thanks for all the supportive comments. It helps to know I'm not unique. I don't think I can wait until I'm 72 though.

[Shiny Side Up]

I've instructed lots of older folks, and well they say 50 is the new 40 or something. Either you let your age get in your way or you don't. I think the oldest person to do their PPL was 75 when they completed. Like Stewie says: Whether you think you can or you think you can't, You're right.

[Andy Furlong]

Actually, I think I'm more ready now than when I was younger. I'm more likely to study without seeing it as a chore. I think I've found my inner geek.

[praveen4143]

You are only as old as you think you are! I know of someone who retired from some profession when he turned 58-60 and went on to get his CPL, flight instructor rating and was taking young air force pilots through their abinitio training and acrobatic flight training at Allied wings at Southport!

Never too late to start!!

[JMACK]

I love to read posts like this. While I have been doing this for 30 years now I still want a float rating and an instructor rating and a 707 type rating not sure if there is any where to do one of those any more.

Am I nervous about float training yup 53, can they teach an old dog new tricks I sure hope so. As for the instructor rating I just cant see a day when I wont want to go to the airport. I do see a day when I wont want to fly jets any more but maybe teaching at a small club would be a way to pay it forward. I came from a club with a retired LTCOL. Ron Holden was the most amazing fellow to fly with you could not help but learning from this gentleman.
Good luck Andy and dont wait if you can fly a couple times a month well thats a couple times a month you get in the wind and it is good!

Cheers....Jim

[Andy Furlong]

Jim,
Thanks for the positive comments. My main obstacle is putting aside money. I'm sure I'm not alone
Andy

[Shiny Side Up]

Budd has some advice on the subject.

[JMACK]

Budd has some advice on the subject.

I been reading Budd since I'm gonna say early 80's "Air Progress" magazine I think. He certainly has a way with words. I think of him as a friend I've never met.

J

[Shiny Side Up]

I think of him as a friend I've never met.

J

I know, right? I've sent him some queries about his check outs, and he's always been very kind to repond. I keep telling myself I have to go do that, because he ain't getting any younger.