Pilots: Would you give up a six figure career at 35 to start flying

Posted by Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 258 comments

I did two discovery flights and enjoyed it once I felt comfortable. It was cool and better than working but isn’t a burning passion. I have the capital to train without debt or a job but it would nuke a decade of saving.

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Elegant-Author2301@reddit

In a heartbeat yeah

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Successful_Ad_1846@reddit

Dont quit. Keep working, flying, work thru the ratings. Even if you give up trying to start a career, GA is awesome and opens a lot of doors if you're willing to go through them. You make enough it can reasonably be a hobby. Fly a lot of cross countries, network, ferry fly with people. This will pad your resume and might find fulltime work that isnt flight instructing

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thattogoguy@reddit

Do not quit your day job to be a pilot. That takes time and effort and money. Find a way to train during your schedule. The guy who I trained with for a lot of my PPL started flying professionally with a day job working as a satellite communications technician. He saved up close to $150k and then took a leave of absence for 4 months to do nothing but fly. To be fair, He already has PPL and something like 200 hours, But he knocked out his instrument rating, commercial and made some good progress on a few other ratings. His wife got a promotion at the hospital she worked at which meant she was making close to as much as he was, So they talked it over and budgeted and figured he would be able to make enough off of his savings to be able to be a CFI for a few years while he built up his hours. He left instructing about 2 years ago to be a flyer a regional.

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Jumpy_Speaker4363@reddit

As a former technician this was inspiring

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one1200@reddit

I am currently giving up a 6 figure career at 22 to start flight training. Even if you start at 40 you still got 25 years of flying ahead of you. Do it

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CaptMcMooney@reddit

i would work my 6 figure job while learning to fly, there's 0 reason to quit

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spacedropper@reddit

That’s what I’m doing. Luckily I own my own business so I’m just cutting back on hours worked and flying as much as I can.

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V35TN-BO@reddit

Are you planning on going the CFI route? Business owner here too considering the same

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spacedropper@reddit

That is the plan as of now

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CtrlcCtrlvLoop@reddit

Out of curiosity, what sort of business do you own?

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spacedropper@reddit

Agriculture consulting

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Prepped4Liftoff@reddit

ie. drug dealer /s

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CtrlcCtrlvLoop@reddit

Wow that’s really cool! Like farms or indoor grow ops? And did you go to school for this?

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PhillyPilot@reddit

You don’t have to quit your job to fly. I was able to do it and still increase my earnings from my job over that time period.

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theflyinghouse@reddit

I did it at 32. I left the security of a retirement-level legacy airline job (came from the maintenance side) to go out on a limb and try circling back to my same company in a pilot role. With zero savings, a now-ex who wa supportive of the journey at first, and a lot of stuff to move or get rid of. Was it smart? Nah. Has it been fun? Yep. Would I do it all again? Probably. Did it cost me a twelve-year relationship? Oh well, I guess. The dream lives on.

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owend108@reddit

I did. I was working a jobs b making $110,000 with growth to $200,000 (with overtime). I was absolutely miserable and knew I needed to do something different. I ended up deploying with the National Guard and decided during that year to find something new. My wife suggested a pilot since I’ve always enjoyed aviation. I took a discovery flight the month before I left and the instructor recommended books to study while away. I take my PPL check ride next month. Is money tight of course, I work at the airport I train at and make 1/3 of what I used to. But I’m much happier and have constant exposure to the new career I have chosen. If you want it you can make it work.

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misclurking@reddit

Two things: 1. Get your PPL first and then decide. It's not a walk in the park, and your life is at risk every time. (Yes, yes, it is relatively safe, you have an instructor, and so on, but *things* happen.) 2. You probably don't yet know all the flaws in the new potential career path. I had a certain job role in mind, which I thought was free from some specific constraints I faced before, and when I spoke to someone who had done that for a few years, I quickly realized various aspects made it a "churn and burn" environment and that was not what I wanted. My point here is that things may seem good on the outside, but you won't know what you'll despise about it for a while is all it boils down to. If you are really interested, go talk to some pilots now - network your way around and talk to them about the pros and cons or things they wish they knew earlier on, etc.

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Every_thing-fucker@reddit

Don’t quit your job. Work your job while you train, even if it takes longer. The aviation industry, particularly the job market, is very iffy. You’ll want to have a stability during your training as well as after while you grind for that first job. You aren’t guaranteed a job right out of CPL and multi IFR, hell you shouldn’t even expect one. Stick with ur job, and after training, use that job to pay for hrs until you can find a job flying. - a 230hr CPL pilot 2 weeks from multi IFR flight test currently staring at a market of not-a.

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sleuthing-around@reddit

I actually did. I also agree with everyone here. Have a second job

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tommyboy11011@reddit

My advice is to find a way to do both. Stay weighted in the beginning towards what you currently do and gradually make it your side gig. Best of both worlds and would never trade it.

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tempskawt@reddit

We’re very similar. However it doesn’t sound like you’re all that attached to flying, it just seems to fit the bill work and pay wise? Understandable at this early phase of your training. Important to know that there are other ways of making good money, traveling, and not bringing work home with you. Friend of mine does 6 months on/off on cargo ships and sees parts and ports of the world that very few get to see, they make like $180K and have half the year off, and that salary will rise. So I’d recommend continuing your license (who wouldn’t want a PPL?) and having an open mind to a wide range of careers including aviation.

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ltcterry@reddit

Give up… to *start* flying…? No way. There’s an 80% dropout rate at just the very first step. It’s a big step from “my discovery flight was awesome” to Private. Most don’t do it. Train alongside work for now. Good luck!

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McCheesing@reddit

Didn’t realize the attrition was so high. I have some buddies asking the same question and I’ll cite that as a caution.

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PLIKITYPLAK@reddit

Yes, the number one reason is the high cost. But the next greatest reason is that people are surprised by the amount of work and dedication involved.

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RocknrollClown09@reddit

Yeah, it’s not a ‘ hobby,’ it’s basically a Graduate Degree in terms of work and commitment.

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Impossible-Bad-2291@reddit

For what? A PPL? I'd say it's more like a full term first year university course, (e.g. "Geography 101") where you learn lots of stuff but at a superficial level. It's work, but it's NOT a graduate degree.

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NYPuppers@reddit

It really depends on your circumstances. A 152, an easy DPE, a lax CFI and an untowered airfield in the middle of nowhere Arizona are going to be easier, if you dont care about being an expert. If you are really committed to knowing all the knowledge that you ideally should know as a PPL (i.e. what you would want to know to keep your family and license safe with high powered aircraft in demanding conditions and airspace without additional training) it's a ton. I have a post-grad degree and with the way I approached learning (i.e. learn everything in a demanding environment with a demanding aircraft), it was easily on par with taking several challenging courses over the course of a year. Not a full grad degree mind you, but certainly the equivalent of a full time semester at the least. Everyone is different as is their approach to learning. That shows in the results. A lot of private pilots die and it (mostly) isnt due to bad luck.

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KITTYONFYRE@reddit

eh. PPL is like 100h of studying total at most, maybe a little less, and that's to be a pretty well prepared student. I think one hard college class is about the same amount of work. PPL really is not that hard lol anyone who says it is just hasn't tried to be good at anything before imo

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NYPuppers@reddit

Yeah idk I’m a pretty good lawyer who went to a pretty good law school and college and got some pretty fancy degrees and licenses. I don’t think the PPL is “hard” but knowing enough to make sure I felt I knew everything that was a risk to me felt on par with a semester of courses, or studying for the bar, in terms of time invested. Granted I could have passed with much less knowledge and my DPE acknowledged that, but I personally wouldn’t recommend knowing less unless you were just going to move onto instrument immediately and the chance of flying alone on XC missions outside the local area was pretty low.

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KITTYONFYRE@reddit

a semester of courses is like 30h/week for 12 weeks, unless you learn slowly that's a LONG time for your PPL to take imo even if you assume you want to be overprepared. there were certainly some more things I wish I'd done in my PPL training, but that was mostly on the flying side of things. but knowledge/studying? I didn't even get any feedback on the oral half of my checkride, the only thing I messed up was saying 5 instead of 3 mile vis for VFR minimums (which tbh who gives a shit considering personal mins were 10+ at the time anyway). the checkride's the minimum and it's a license to learn for sure but there's no shot it's anywhere near a full college semester worth of work unless you're doing something wrong or a really slow learner. jmo

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NYPuppers@reddit

yeah again it depends on how you view the license. viewing it purely as a license to learn makes no sense if you plan to actually fly solo and with passengers right away. again, this is all subjective. what if it was 5 miles and you said 3 miles vis (which is possible because you didnt know the answer). that's a busted reg and a huge decrease in safety. most people get away with this stuff because they are poor (not wealthy) students and they immediately move onto instrument with an instructor, and there are months and years after PPL before they are actually flying solo to new regions and having to encounter weather and regulations on the fly. or they are cramming before an exam and forgetting it the day after. and their PPL oral exams are tailored towards that expectation. but if you are actually learning all the stuff you need to stay safe as a PPL, i think its the equivalent of several university courses, and i feel good attesting to that opinion because i have taken a lot of courses and am not a "really slow learner". but all subjective.

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KITTYONFYRE@reddit

> what if it was 5 miles and you said 3 miles vis (which is possible because you didnt know the answer). that's a busted reg and a huge decrease in safety. it’s neither because my personal mins are 10 miles and if it’s less I’d go IFR lol

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NYPuppers@reddit

Well you have an instrument rating which negates the point. A regular PPL is going to have to make a go / no go decision based on their understanding of the rule/facts, sometimes in the air, and it's always safer to know the actual rules or knowledge. I also don't buy into the lazy man's way out of being super conservative on everything if they dont know something. At some point for safety you will want the option of landing at an airport with visibility that is less than ideal, or the ability to fly through airspace that you normally stay out of because you arent quite sure, or the ability to continue flying when your aircraft systems are not functioning perfectly. If a pilot studies more they eliminate guesswork about whether something is legal or safe, and they can make better decisions. Anyways, we are just rambling, but my view is that anyone that puts only 1 college course of effort into their PPL and then goes flying solo XC is an idiot. It takes way more than that.

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mav3r1ck92691@reddit

Yeah this is the difference in studying to pass a test, and actually studying to learn. Sadly we lose a lot of pilots who just did the bare minimum to pass the test.

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KindaSortaGood@reddit

I'm glad I did my PPL under a Bravo with 3 Charlies and tons of Deltas under it, Took longer but I feel way better because of it.

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GlutenFremous@reddit

I really need to know what all these people got their graduate degrees in if they think that working towards a pilot license is comparable to that.

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Impossible-Bad-2291@reddit

Yeah. Like you, I get the sense that those responses are more indicative of the poor quality of some post secondary educational institutions than how hard learning to fly is. The one response suggested that it is the other way around and that my claim that a PPL is akin to a first year university course means that I had an easy ride through flight training. That doesn't hold water, though. I know how to fly as well as any other low time PPL, and I do it in and around busy and complex airspace. There are no shortcuts... And I am not an expert in anything because of it. Someone with a graduate degree, on the other hand, is arguably an expert in their field of study, having (presumably) taken years of hard work and advanced study to achieve their degree. Learning to fly prepares one to operate an aircraft safely. It doesn't qualify one as an engineer, or meteorologist, or what have you. It touches on those subjects, but only superficially.

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GlutenFremous@reddit

Agreed. Your comparison to a college freshman level course is perfectly apt. It's not exactly easy and requires more work than one would do in high school, but most people that don't make it through are because of lack of money or interest and not capability.

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TheRealTOB@reddit

But to go from nothing to ATP likely meets the graduate degree expectation

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Tradezulu@reddit

I spent way more effort and time on my PPL that I did for my MBA. And my pilot license is what I’m more proud of.

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RocknrollClown09@reddit

A PPL is not as easy as a single Gen ed college course. I’d say it’s like a semester of Grad School. Getting your IR, CPL, CFI, and MEL is about on par with completing a Grad Program. ATP is like getting the required work experience for your professional license (law, engineering, etc). I’m a pilot at a legacy, went to UPT, CFIed, and have an engineering degree, for reference. TLDR, people walking in thinking it’s like a joke class you barely study for, then take two scantron tests, and a final to get an A, are the reason like 80% finish

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NoRadio4530@reddit

Idk I think having both and interview style and a practical test(AND written) is pretty intense. Having to sit face to face with a qualified person and recite regulations and knowledge requires a high level of competency and understanding of the material.

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EnthusiasmHuman6413@reddit

Depends on the graduate degree. I’d say PPL was on par with the work of my graduate degree.

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PhilRubdiez@reddit

It was 3 undergrad credits for the ground class and 5 for the flight portion in college. It’s nowhere near a graduate degree.

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Clunk500CM@reddit

\>"people are surprised by the amount of work and dedication involved. This is why the sub typically suggests going out-of-pocket at a 61 school for PPL/IR instead of taking out a loan to start at a 141 school. You may have enjoyed the discovery flight, but that doesn't mean you have what it takes to get through PPL/IR.

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kaiju505@reddit

And then there’s the medical aspect. If you were sad once in the 3rd grade, good luck getting a 1st class.

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sirwritestoomuch@reddit

Yup I’m in this category. Had the best discovery flight (instructor literally said “fucking A you’re a natural” on my first landing), took a few more lessons, was utterly in love with it, then stopped. Landing my first plane will be a top 5 core memory for life, but the realization of what a long unsexy journey it would be to actually get to commercial flying gave me pause. I thought it was my calling, but it’s just not. Damn if I don’t miss it though.

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mav3r1ck92691@reddit

It’s obviously no where near the same, but if you want to make money with any type of flying with a much lower barrier, check out professional drone work! It’s currently paying for my flight training as a side gig while I work my normal job for the bills. It started as just racing little tiny quads for fun.

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UncleHec@reddit

What kind of work do you do with drones?

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mav3r1ck92691@reddit

Honestly almost anything I get approached for. It started as a joke to a friend that led me to get my license because they said "we could actually use you". I've done real-estate stuff (I find it boring and it doesn't pay as well so I mostly avoid it now), I've done the equivalent of aerial progress pics for construction companies, and I'm looking to get into actual survey work as I've been asked about it a few times (but need at minimum a new drone). I'm probably going to hit up some local race tracks soon and see if they or any of the drivers are interested in footage as well. The options are really limited by how much time and energy a person is willing to put into chasing down opportunities. It's currently a side-gig, but is approaching the "do I go full time" point. I never hesitate to throw out "need a drone pilot?" if something is interesting to me. I've gotten some of my favorite jobs that way.

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UncleHec@reddit

Thanks so much for the detailed response! I have my Part 107 and do a little flying now for my company in addition to my main job but have been exploring doing it as a business for myself and have been trying to gauge what areas there might be a need for and what’s over saturated. It’s a fun job and I like being outside so it would be cool to do it more and make some extra money.

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mav3r1ck92691@reddit

Not a problem! You already have the hardest two parts to get, the 107 and some experience. I cannot stress enough, if you think there is a need and you are interested, just put it out there and see what happens!

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UncleHec@reddit

Yeah that’s been my impression too with real estate. I’m sure there are lots of niche markets so I just need to figure out what those are around me.

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gromm93@reddit

Yeah, my discovery flight went like that too. You can either credit my years of simming and especially good flying conditions, or you can credit the reality that they deliberately set you up for success as an advertising campaign. Either way, I still haven't given up, I was just delayed a bit. Maybe my mileage is different.

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Other_Ticket1660@reddit

Ppl has a 50-70% pass rate. It ain't that serious bruh. Getting to the airlines is 80% dropout rate cause it's such a long road.

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ltcterry@reddit

Getting to the airlines is about 4% of those who start. 80% dropout before Private is a long-established, accepted figure.

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Other_Ticket1660@reddit

I got 60 yrs old dudes that are flying around with their ppl. It can not be that hard

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Huge_Analysis_1298@reddit

This is so true! I started with 24 other people, only 3 of us made it to PPL and I was the ONLY one to get a CPL. I just remember the classroom getting smaller and smaller every week until it was just me

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here_walks_the_yeti@reddit

Yeah. Truth. I continued working ft, flew multiple times a week and then covid happened. I didn’t get my ppl and haven’t flown since. I don’t regret the $ spent but.. here we are.

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Fit_Midnight_3927@reddit

Best advice. Now im 32 started at 28 and have had such a hard time getting through everything. I have commercial multi and an instrument rating. The hardest part was funding and finding and honest safe place to fly that would help me and teach me as well as not put me down in the dirt and take money from you. A lot of schools or places will take your money. A lot of places will help you. Honestly though at 35 6 figure job. I would stay. I wish I had that. As long as im not breaking my back like i use to.

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beretta01@reddit

10/10 do it at the same time, but do it 3 times a week, otherwise the 1 time a week will not get you anywhere, lead to frustration, and drop out. Ask any CFI and they will tell you the same. Frequency is huge.

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SternM90@reddit

100% percent this. It will take longer but ensures security. I will work my main job until the week before indoc. Perhaps added a year, but a ton more financial stability and less stress.

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Nice-Jicama9842@reddit

I don’t think anyone realizes the shitty aviation lifestyle. After you jump thru hoops and hoops, you’ll be in a regional airline being a reserve pilot with nearly no say in your schedule for the first 6-12 months. Then you get a line for awhile. Then upgrade to the left seat and the reserve status starts over. Then legacy, and it starts over again. Unless you somehow get in with a legacy that can get you in a type that you want to stay with, it’ll be a rat race for first several years.

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uncreativeO1@reddit

I did, even a little bit older than 35. Same kinda deal, well paying IT job. Had nice things, hated going to work every day. No regrets. Caveat- my timing was damn near perfect, started at a regional about 7 years ago. Topping out at as CA at regional wouldn't be too bad these days, though.

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NoSmallTask@reddit

“Not a burning passion” dont do it. “Job you cant take work home with you.” Completely false. Its a lifestyle almost. Constant exams and training. “I am very money motivated.” But willing to quit and liquidate your portfolio to maybe get through training with an 80% washout rate? Okay…. Doesnt sound like its for you man.

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retardhood@reddit

There is no guarantee you will be hired by a legacy. I gave up my 6 figure career in my 30s, but was flying helicopters part time in the national guard. Being military gave me a huge advantage even during the big dig. If money is no object and you like rolling the dice on your life, do it. The time to do this was 5-6 years ago, now everyone and their brother thinks it's a great idea to become a pilot because of the money.

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Corona21@reddit

No way. Never.

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CDR190@reddit

I don't think so. I same age as you but I never stop. For me, If not go LAE and follow flight as routine, or struggle to get CPL for make money then I will get PPL at last one.

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ifly4free@reddit

What sort of 6-figures are we talking? That makes a difference. Like if it’s $100k then definitely yes. If it’s 500k then definitely no.

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

It’s closer to 100-110k. I could probably get 130k if I switched jobs but I don’t see many opportunities for that.

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ResponsibilityIcy680@reddit

I'm in the same boat as you. Just a little older and a little bit more money. I'm 38 with 200k a year. Looking to do the same jump to flying...I just hate my job ATM. Working on spreadsheets and reporting to a boring cfo seems like hell compared to being in a cockpit. I think folks that fly don't know the other side of the grind of a day in day out of a 9-5 that's just mind numbing. Sure, it could be the same for flying at some point. But is the end game relatively the same? Would flying be the better option? Who knows?

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Ok_Barnacle7547@reddit

Flying as an airline pilot IS boring. And personally I dread the flights. Most pilots don't want to be in the plane any longer than they need to be. Don't jump ship for "excitement"...itl wear off I guarantee it. I have worked office jobs as well btw, and flying is a whole other level of boredom.

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ResponsibilityIcy680@reddit

This is what I was hoping not to hear haha. Damn well, the grass is truly always greener..

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Ok_Barnacle7547@reddit

Yeah sorry to be a downer but I wish more people knew how unglamorous flying is. It's the same routine each flight, like rehearsing a boring play. Then sit there in cuise for hours on end. Have you ever raw dogged a 7 hour flight? Then done it again the next day? It's like that, 4 or 5 times a month. Also, have you ever left for work at midnight to work a 16 hour shift? Had to eat your dinner off your lap while sitting next to your coworker? Stuff I never though about before becoming a pilot. The little things people with "normal" jobs don't appreciate they don't have to do.

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ResponsibilityIcy680@reddit

Fair. Here's another painting. 18 years of 9-5. Driving into work stuck in traffic for an hour, spreadsheets, fugazing numbers for companies that make little to no impact in the world. Mind numbing staring into a computer screen waiting for lunch so you can have an hour conversation with coworkers you hate. Only another 4 hours left till your commute back home. Rinse and repeat. The only saving grace is weekends.

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Ok_Barnacle7547@reddit

Yeah the time off is nice when you get to a major airline. That's the biggest upside for sure. But I think the best for both of us would be a remote job. My dream is to be a digital nomad. Currently working towards that.

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AtrophiedTraining@reddit

Have you tried moving around in the industry youre in? I quit a 160k job to hopefully start as a CFI soon at 25$/hr. To get this job there is a week worth of testing everyday, no PTO and no health benefits. Cant wait for some better QOL to arrive and not sure I made the correct decision.

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rdrcrmatt@reddit

I’m trying to right now.

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aviatortrevor@reddit

At least get your PPL first. Then assess if you still got the passion for it. Keep tabs on the airline hiring on forums like reddit flying and airline pilot central. If hiring picks up, I wouldn't mind advising you to go full time training and knock the rest out fast, but right now because of hiring being slow, I wouldn't put all my eggs in the "full time flight training now" basket. If you can get to the major airlines by 45, you still have a bright future ahead.

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SavingsPirate4495@reddit

I was making $80k with bonus circa 2002 when I decided to commit to full time aviation later that year. I was 41…almost 42 years old. Took almost an 80% pay cut my first year as a CFI. I had just turned 44 when I passed IOE at my Regional airline. I just retired from United Airlines and have NEVER looked back or regretted my choice. Do what you love and the money will follow.

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TxAggieMike@reddit

Do not give up that income!!! With that and being young, you have sooooo much potential to allow compound interest to take your savings/investments/and 401(k) and make you a major millionaire at retirement. That is a certainty. Giving that up that massive financial security to gamble on a dream that has zero certainty of coming to be is folly. Keep your current income and employment, maybe once it, live frugally, and take flight training one ***small*** step at a time. - While remaining employed, get your medical and then train for private pilot airplane. - Once that is done, keep your employment and income while you enjoy the privileges of private pilot. - When ready, employment and income while you train for instrument airplane. Hopefully you see the theme and will make wise decisions over chasing shiny squirrels and dandelion tufts.

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Tone-Powerful@reddit

Would you say this also applies to age 24? I make a similar income to OP and I'm debating making the switch to CFI, but I am not opposed to doing it as a part time thing until I have a CJO in hand at a regional/135.

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TxAggieMike@reddit

Even more so when you have an additional 10 years for income growth. Goo find the “Ben and Arthur” chart.

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Tone-Powerful@reddit

Does your answer change if I tell you I already have $200,000 invested?

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TxAggieMike@reddit

No.

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MrCoolCol@reddit

Money isn’t the best motivator. Flight training is hard, instructing is hard, grinding out 1500 is hard, landing a job with an airline can be hard - you’re going to need a solid motivator. First, find your “*why* aviation?”

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FLTLVL430@reddit

If you only look at aviation for the financial reward, you’re going to have a very, VERY miserable experience. The industry is highly volatile, seniority/rank/experience doesn’t transfer between employers, plan on being very poor for years as you transition the gap between 250TT and 1500TT.. And even some more after that. Better become very familiar with the career. Don’t just watch the highlight reels. Inquire about the struggle to get to that point. It’s also important to understand that the struggles/mistakes/bad days that you have in this career will follow you forever. Every re-examination, every dismissal, EVERYTHING. Understanding that, you’ll have to study/dedicate more time to being successful than you have ever studied/dedicated for anything before

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All_Thrust_No_Vector@reddit

If you are an engineer and want to fly, I recommend trying to get a job with Boeing. One of the company benefits is they fully pay for all ratings up to ATP. You can retain a high salary and have your training paid for.

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Tone-Powerful@reddit

This is what I did. Can confirm.

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

Would love to how many stormwater/civil engineers are you guys hiring? Honestly knowing fluids and Bernoulli equation probably could work realistically in aerodynamics or propulsion but that isn’t how things work.

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All_Thrust_No_Vector@reddit

I’ve worked with a lot of degreed civil engineers in aerospace. Many work as structure design or stress engineers.

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

Yes I worked in structural one year when I graduated. I doubt anyone would want to hire me at 130-140k as a structural engineer when I gave 1 year experience 10 years ago.

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BlimpDriver1@reddit

Absolutely

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Mre64@reddit

Do not do that.

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edurigon@reddit

I would learn to fly, buy a glider anda spend those 6 figures un gliding.

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Prestigious-Bend1662@reddit

If you are a pilot, why would you be giving up anything "to start flying", when you are already flying?

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aerohk@reddit

He is thinking about grinding the 1500 hours full time

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Prestigious-Bend1662@reddit

So, not to start flying, but to fly a lot.

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GenericName1442@reddit

Everybody's path is different. If I was you, and everybody is different, clearing 6-figures and I was happy with what I was doing I'd get my private and just buy a small airplane IFR capable and get my instrument rating.

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diningroomchaircover@reddit

Depends on if you have a family. I am your age and left a well paid engineering job for flying 10 years ago and it was worth it (left seat at a major) but no way I would do it over again at this age with all the bills and people I need to support.

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skyHawk3613@reddit

Out of the 100 people who were in my original class. Me and another person were the only ones who made it through.

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Fabulous-Bend1399@reddit

do it!

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Tradezulu@reddit

I am. And I love it. Spent 10 years in an office job and finally decided to go for it. I never took a discovery flight because I knew I’d love it. The difference for me is it was and still is a burning passion. Everytime I enter the cockpit I feel like a kid all over. I recommend trying to get your private pilot license part time and go from there. 80% of PPL students drop out so best to try it before you commit to it.

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SolarPunkYeti@reddit

How come so many drop out? Genuinely curious, I can guess but I'm sure there's more nuanced reasons

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Tradezulu@reddit

Cost is the biggest factor. I went over budget $700” on my PPL due to constant delays. Others don’t realize how much effort getting a license actually is. It’s much different than getting a drivers license. Finally, some people just realize after spending 10 hours in a clapped out Cessna that flying isn’t for them.

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Ok_Barnacle7547@reddit

But you're still in the training stage. Of course everything is still exciting and motivating. Wait til you're a couple years into commercial flying before you decide if it was worth it or not.

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SolarPunkYeti@reddit

Interesting, very good to know thank you!

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clburton24@reddit

Being expensive is a huge part. The other is that it's not always sunshine and roses. There's a lot of legal and regulatory stuff to understand which isn't fun in the slightest. The medical process sucks if you are anything other than 100% normal.

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ce402@reddit

And lots of people just suck at it.

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Mr_426@reddit

I'd be curious to know exactly which components people tend to suck at most.

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Tone-Powerful@reddit

Task saturation is a big one at first. Piling one thing on top of another like radio calls and holding an attitude/heading. But it can be practiced enough for most people to get better at. The question is: will they get frustrated or run out of funds before they get there.

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clburton24@reddit

Yeah completely forgot that one. Some people are just not made for it. Some people can't play a guitar, or dance, or fly a plane.

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KindaSortaGood@reddit

I can't dance or plat instruments... but I'm glad I can fly a plane. I'll be in 17C if you need me captn'

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gromm93@reddit

That's not true. The medical process sucks if you're anything other than 100% *exceptional*. A lot of people don't understand the difference. Doctors do, because they closely study thousands of individuals. For starters, there's no such thing as normal. They spend 7 years learning what's abnormal and the rest of their lives trying to learn what's normal. We're all so different that it's meaningless. But the law requires that pilots be the best of the humans. Don't forget that.

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SolarPunkYeti@reddit

Appreciate the reply!

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clburton24@reddit

Absolutely. I will harp on the medical process more for anyone lurking. It took me almost 3 years to get my medical and that included doing everything the correct way in the timeline provided and waiting for the FAA. In this day and age, everyone is medicated for ADHD or GAD. ADHD drugs disqualify a medical right out, so you'll have to be off of them for months before being approved. For anti-anxieties, I know they just changed it, but it was like only 5 drugs were approved but it also meant you needed to see an FAA approved psychiatrist. It also requires a pilot to get different sign offs from the prescribing doctor and your CFI (at least in my case) essentially stating that you're normal and stable.

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SolarPunkYeti@reddit

Thank you again! Great info to know. I'll have to look up that Germanwings thing 😬

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findquasar@reddit

It’s a grind. I mentor aspiring pilots, and while finances are the largest barrier, the grind is where people really seem to lose heart. Learning to fly is time consuming and requires a certain amount of consistency and frequency to advance at any pace, and doing that around a full time job is exhausting. Delays, DPE scheduling, weather, CFI leaves, you name it. It’s why people want to cave and take out loans, or go to programs where they think everything will align easily for them. But then if they do that, they make the entry-level job years even more difficult. It is a marathon, even if you start out trying to sprint. Especially these days with the glut of CPLs and CFIs in search of jobs.

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gromm93@reddit

This is the real insight here. I don't know why we don't hear it more often, it's not like nearly every successful pilot hasn't been a flight instructor or anything. Maybe they only did it for like, 20 people before moving on to the airlines, and they just haven't seen enough people drop out to know better.

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SolarPunkYeti@reddit

What's a rough estimate of how long it would take to get a PPL? Given all those obstacles you mentioned

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findquasar@reddit

It took me about 7 months of flying on weekends and vacation days to be ready for my PPL. I saved up as much as I could in advance, and only started it when I could self-fund the balance I’d need each month through my pay from work.

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SolarPunkYeti@reddit

Fantastic thanks for all that info. A lot shorter than I would have guessed but it seems like you worked very hard for it! 🎉

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

Saturation is a valid reason to avoid this….i don’t have more than 2.5-3 years to make it to a 95-100 job at a minimum.

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findquasar@reddit

I don’t think it’s a valid reason to not start if it’s something you want to do, but it’s a valid reason to not do anything drastic. Keep your job, pay as you go. The people who YOLO’d into the industry are drying up now that it’s like, work to get a job, and some aspiring pilots will leave the industry. You can always adjust and go faster to adapt to supply and demand, but if this is something you truly want to do, even measured progress is progress towards the goal. So, if you want to fly airplanes, fly airplanes. Just keep your day job for now.

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TogaPower@reddit

Money aside, a lot of people don’t actually realize it takes hard work and dedication and think it’s instantly like the European 737 influencer accounts.

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SolarPunkYeti@reddit

😂

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KentieBoy@reddit

I'm 28, got my PPL, then quit my well paying job as an electrician to further the dream of becoming a pilot. I'd say if you're money motivated you're doing it for the wrong reasons, you'll be spending most of your savings, it's a huge time commitment, you won't be making 150k+ when you get your commercial. If moneys the only thing you care about then septic tank scuba diving sounds more up your alley.

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OGJMo@reddit

I am an engineer mid career, started flying 4 years ago. Currently waiting for my jet job to come through, I paid as I went, totally worth it.

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nsxwolf@reddit

If it’s about the money, at 35 you’ve got a very long road to a very short career.

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Mysterious_Set_8558@reddit

How is that short? Lets say if he finishes all his ratings and landed a commercial job by 40, "in a perfect world kind of scenario" i know that not the case but still have 20 to 25 years ahead of him. I am 33 working on my ir.

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UPStrucker@reddit

I did it.

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Mysterious_Set_8558@reddit

I assuming you want do part 61? Why dont you keep the job and fly Saturday and Sunday. Work your butt off for private and if everything is going the way you thought it would be, then maybe quit your full time and fully dedicate for flight training. Dont take out loan at least for private.. I heard from my instructor that some times people decide to stop training because they cant comprehend certain menuvers. Good luck.

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AutothrustBlue@reddit

Oh god no. I’d buy the most cheapest, clapped out 152 and get my PPL and pick up as many chicks as I could in it (none.)

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beebeeks@reddit

Give up? You can get another job if it doesn’t work out. It’s not like you can’t ever go back to your old line of work. YOLO, OP.

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Not_Maurice_Moss@reddit

Yes I did just that. Worth it.

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CommercialLazy3563@reddit

No

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AirspeedsAlive@reddit

\+1 to "train while working". I made $120k when I started flying and it took me 3 years of weekend flying to go from PPL->IFR->Commercial, with my goal being to leave my day job and fly as a career. Along the way, I learned a lot about pathways to being compensated for flying, and it's not a joyride— it's a grind and will set you back much more than the salary loss alone. You should expect a few years of <$40k/year, (and that's if you're lucky and skilled enough to get a CFI job), and a big quality of life change with hot sweaty sunburn summers and likely moving to a new location to get employed. Now 5 years in and I've racked up 600+ hours, and my pay has steadily increased for >$300k. I've scratched the flying career itch and confidently settled into flying for fun. I bought a 1/4 share in a GA aircraft, and each time I take a biannual or IFR currency review, the CFI says "I wish I could afford to fly like this", and I realize how grateful I am to have kept with the corporate slog.

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rmy26@reddit

It's not a question of would I... I literally did exactly this at 36 years old. So my answer is yes. I'm 10x happier than I ever was. Just make sure you really love aviation first, and if you can swing it start training before quitting your job.

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Boeinggoing737@reddit

Is this in the USA? You’re already educated with a lucrative career. I would keep working and get a PPL and maybe some instrument training before making drastic moves. I was told 1 out of 20 that get into this with a “I want to fly for a career” mindset actually do it and I think that is pretty accurate. A lot of people do make careers in aviation but it isn’t in a cockpit. ATC, aviation insurance, airport management, selling charter flights… good careers that are a whole lot less of a gamble that will pay similar to what you already have. As you get older the idea of working weekends, holidays, etc to grind towards being competitive loses its appeal. The money was only at the very top when I started training and it is better now but there’s also more people chasing the great jobs. You might be the 1 in 20 but are you going to be the 1 in 50 who gets the dream job? The competition is pretty stiff and there’s dumb luck involved. It’s a huge gamble.

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Bowzy228@reddit

Keep your job and train part time. The job market in aviation is pretty much dead at the moment or “back to normal “. Not worth it. If I was in your shoes I making that much I would get to commercial multi, build a lot of multi time and skip CFI. You would be miserable going back to making 20-30k a year as a CFI for 2-3 years.

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PILOT9000@reddit

Absolutely not.

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jjkbill@reddit

I wouldn't get into flying just for the money. Yes the potential ceiling is high but the majority of people don't get to that point, and you're one medical episode away from the career being taken away from you.

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nist7@reddit

Check out this forum: https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/career-questions/

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Zehro-cool@reddit

You have left out some important information for life changing career choices. Married? Kids? Any stabilizing family situations? You will be spending a large amount of time away from these things. That being said, I’ve flown with a number of ex-engineers. Bright people. A little too analytical. Drop the engineer side and stop trying to build things. You will be much happier if you can except on move on to the next pressing subject. Also, don’t quit your day job. Find out if you have the personality and aptitude for this job. It’s not for everyone. First, get a First Class medical to see if you are physically able to fly. Then go get your private and instrument on the side. At the very least, it makes a great hobby. If you still like it and still want a change, THEN go blow your wad. (Of cash). Also, except the fact that the airlines have 70% devorce rate. Best to know what you are getting into. It’s a great paycheck, but it took a long time to get that way and some days I feel like I would rather be doing ANYTHING else than what I was doing right that second. But I’ve never been an engineer, so maybe I wouldn’t?

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NDBlover@reddit

If you don’t feel passionate about it I would not

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cirque_plc@reddit

Yeah there’s obviously very good money to be made in this job but it’s not guaranteed. Money should not being the driving factor, passion should

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Nooner827@reddit

I agree with this. I gave up engineering to be a pilot, but a) I got burned out in college (finished my degree) and b) was in love with flying. I say get your PPL while working and then decide if you prefer flying or septic-tank scuba diving. ;)

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BestSanchez@reddit

Yep this is something you have to *want* really badly to persevere. Left my high paying job (with plenty of savings and a working spouse) at 30 to train full time and I'm currently working on CPL. No regrets here, but it's a passion for sure. Get the PPL while working and you'll know by the end of this is for you OP.

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jjckey@reddit

I agree. If it's not a passion you will be part of the 80% very quickly. Just enjoy it as a hobby until you're bored.

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imblegen@reddit

No. If you make 6 figures and are as conservative with your money as you say, you can most likely get your private without pulling from your savings. Once you have your private, you’ll have a better idea of how much you enjoy flying and if you’d like to make a career out of it. You can then reevaluate your desires and finances and decide from three options: 1) Stick with the PPL and forget the career change. 2) Continue training while working your good job. 3) Quit the good job, stop your cash flow, and go all-in on training full time.

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Imaginary_Run4354@reddit

“My car isn’t even worth 15k I am very conservative with my money... I would scuba dive in septic tanks for 200-300k so I am very money motivated.” You sound like a pilot already!

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buzinatorius@reddit

Getting your medical could be a stepping stone, you get to continue to ponder your interest level but still accomplish a goal towards CPL without too much money/time sunk. That said, just research it to start with. If your research suggests you'll have some interesting hoops to jump thru, tread lightly. Don't actually apply, a rejection would take even Sport Pilot off the table. Do more research of the processes, and probably also have a general consult with an AME to have conversations with them prior to committing to an application.

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Gileaders@reddit

Never in a million years!

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Confident_Juice4351@reddit

I did it. I gave up a 6 figure job in finance to start flight training at 30. I had never looked back! It was the greatest decision I ever made. I have always had a passion for flying, but never had the money to pursue it. The work life balance now at a legacy (and at a regional) is so much better. I don’t take my work home with me and I get more time at home to be present with my family. It has afforded my family some great opportunities that we might never have been able to do. That being said again there were some tough parts. You say you’re money motivated and that could be something you need to reflect on. You’re not going to make a lot of money during the early parts. I made $0 in training, $30,000-$45,000 as a full time CFI for 2 years, and $50,000 as a regional FO for a couple years. Once I became a captain at the regionals it drastically picked up. Then off to the majors where you see the biggest payoffs. It’s going to take a while to get to the big payday. EVERYONE WANTS THE VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN, BUT NO ONE WANTS THE CLIMB. I always tell people this has to be something you have a passion for otherwise it won’t work out. You can’t do it for the paycheck or you’ll burn out. I worked hard to build hours as a CFI and at the regionals to take the foot off the pedal at my legacy. The hiring environment has changed since I did it as well, so timeframe to the highest pay levels are increasing.

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-wayne-kerr@reddit

If your main goal is to make 200-300k and you don’t really have a passion for flying, consider becoming an aircraft mechanic or industrial machine electrician or something along those lines. I do aircraft maintenance for a large airline and several of my coworkers have engineering degrees but do maintenance because it pays better. Plenty of us made 300k+ last year, and some even broke 400k. It takes 5-10 years to make the big bucks in maintenance, but you do it with little to no debt and can make 100-150k right out of school if you go to a major airline. You can become an airline pilot in that same timeframe, but it’s going to cost you a hell of a lot more and your income during that time will be shit. If you go the pilot route, don’t quit your job until you at least have a few ratings. Don’t just get up and go all in right away.

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

If what you are saying is true that maintenance pays that much I would rather do that. I think flying would be cool. If I have to work anyway wouldn’t mind flying to Japan or Hawaii for 200k a year. If airline pilots got paid 50-75k at the top end I wouldn’t want to do it.

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-wayne-kerr@reddit

Entry level is not 55k. Multiple major airlines are hiring right out of school and starting pay is $40-$45 an hour right now. Add a little bit of overtime and you’re over 100k your first year. Now if you want to work GA or corporate, pay is a bit lower. I also have no idea what helicopters pay these days.

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KP1Shot@reddit

I would say discovery flight first then possibly part time flying. I personally stayed working full time while flying full time after/before work and weekends. I stay on at my employer until I got my instrument rating then resigned from full time to fly full time while working on my CPL/CFI. I picked up a part time job working remote to offset. So yes I left a 6 figure job @38 but not immediately and not completely. And full transparency I had the support of my bosses after 20 years in the field.

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Meani123@reddit

I did. I'm at a regional now. Disclaimer: I retired from the military, I get a pension, medical is 63 bucks a month, and I have no debt. House paid off and both cars are paid off. My wife works. I paid for all of my training while working the job I gave up to avoid loans. Took me 8 years but it worked.

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Mrs_Fagina@reddit

Don’t quit. The market sucks for CFIs right now. Just do them both simultaneously (I did). By the time you’re done with CFI, get a pulse check on the market. I’d also recommend joining a flying club. Give some dual on the side and fly IFR the rest around your work schedule. Gives you some dual given for the airlines, the ratings, but keeps you out of the rat race. No one cares if it’s 1200 dual given or 500. As long as you have some. But giving up a job to compete with every 270-hr CFI for ramen money is not something you should be doing.

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bigbeakbaby@reddit

Good advice here. OP, I was in a similar situation. Making six figures when I started PPL at 28. I am working on IR but got a less demanding corporate job for a very slight pay cut and making both work. I recommend doing both at the same time. And w/ instrument you can fly at night and rack up night hrs too.

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SeptimusVonFlounder@reddit

Maybe not the exact situation you’re in, but I did it at 30. I just turned 33 now and this year as a pilot I’ll be back in the 6 figure range as a full time professional pilot. I did already have my private when I started. At 35 I think there is still plenty of time to pursue this. I would encourage you to stick with it and stay consistent through your training.

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studente_telematico@reddit

No, I wouldn't give up a six-figure salary to become a pilot at 35. I'd rather get my private pilot's license and maybe in a few years take an instructor course, a supplementary activity to my main job that would allow me to teach flying for a fee.

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Todd_Wallnutz@reddit

As a broke CFI with 1700 hours and nothing lined up still, wanna trade?

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Theta-Wonder@reddit

I'm in the same boat, make about $140k and CFI on the side. Only got about 550 hours but can't give up the salary. 34 rn, and figure even if I got to an airline at 40, I'd still have plenty of time to enjoy a flying career.

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SignificantToob@reddit

No. Keep your 6 figure paying job. Some of us spent 6 figures and a year of our lives to get these ratings and we still can’t find a job.

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IM_The_Liquor@reddit

I mean… no. But I absolutely would keep working and take lessons as a hobby. Work on your PPL and endorsements, then just fly.

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Ok_Witness179@reddit

I did, but don't quit your engineering job until you have an aviation job lined up. It's not practical to train as a full time job. It's also ~80% drop out rate for PPL alone, and even more don't make instrument or CFI. It's also unlikely you'll succeed without more passion. It's a lot of studying, frustration, etc. Building time requires instructing or knowing someone to give you something different (not necessarily better). The job requires a lot of time away from home. You have to maintain a medical certificate, there's a lot of ways to be or become ineligible for that.

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Queasy_Context4902@reddit

I would give up flying for a six-figure job.

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Dingletonius@reddit

Get your private first then reevaluate.

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RebornArts@reddit

I’m in similar situation as you. I make 6 figure engineering job, stable and secure. I love aviation but I wouldn’t give up my career and would fly as a hobby. I’m in progress getting my PPL, that’s about it. I spent the dollars in flight sim. I’m enjoying this life a lot!

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Space_Monkey_1977@reddit

Interesting scenario. I would probably keep your job and try to get your Private and Instrument. Then if it still seems good, make the jump into full time student for your Commercial and Multi and onward. Quitting an engineering career after two discovery flights sounds premature.

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rcbif@reddit

Nope. Keep your job. Get your private. If you have the passion, buy your own airplane, and enjoying General Aviation in your 30's - it's a blast!

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Silly_Issue@reddit

No.

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yinglish119@reddit

I quit my job in 2015 (at 35) to train for a PPL (not to be a commercial pilot). I was making 130k+ back then. The amount of depression/alcoholism going around in CFI community made me realize that is NOT the job for me.

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joe_6269@reddit

I did! Was making almost $200k in sales. Had been doing it for about 10 years. Hated it more and more every year, just hard to give up that income. Gave it up early 2025 and I’m just about to finish up CFI. 2 main differences, I had the passion. It was pretty much all I thought about for those 10 years and I had my private for a while before I started everything else. Maybe at least get yourself to solo before you quit. Flying by yourself is very different. That way if you decide it’s not for you, you walk away having spent $2-$3k and that’s that.

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daphuc77@reddit

I wouldn’t quit my day job yet. Fly twice a week and you will find it will help you relax from your day job. If you truly want to fly for a living. Buy a plane and get your other ratings. Don’t nuke your life savings yet.

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Honey-Entire@reddit

I’m in the same boat (albeit further along, about halfway through a part 141 school for my PPL, but same age) and a lot of others have some excellent advice. Here’s mine: 1. Don’t quit your day job. If, for ANY reason the switch to a pilot career doesn’t work out, you’re going to be thankful you still have a paying job and haven’t had to dip into savings, investments, or worse your retirement. 1a. Get your first class medical. You want to know as soon as possible whether you’re going to be medically qualified so you don’t get any surprises later on 2. Becoming a pilot is so much more than learning to fly. There’s an entirely new world of information you’ll need to ingest and a different type of English you’ll learn to speak. In some ways, flying is the easiest part, but learning to be a pilot is a hell of a mountain to climb 3. Consider finding a new job in your current field *while* earning your private if it’s possible to improve your work life balance and still make roughly the same amount but somewhere you enjoy. You definitely need to consider the toll hating your job and dumping $50k plus to get all of your certainly will take on you. Not to mention the long haul building hours and working your way into the industry On a personal note, I really feel you on hating engineering work. It can be incredibly stressful with little to no incentive to be better because your career progression and pay are seemingly out of your control unless someone higher up leaves the company and creates an empty slot AND the company is willing to promote internally vs external hire. I haven’t gotten a raise in 3 years and have been let go twice as part of layoffs to cut costs. The most recent round was enough for me to take a 2-month sabbatical to work on my private but now that I’m close I’m already re-applying for full time positions so I have stable income until I can make a paid-leap-of-faith into flying without burning every last penny I’ve saved over the years. Best of luck whichever way it goes for you!

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anonamouse__@reddit

Theres so much bullshit you have to put up with in every step to getting to a high-paying job in this industry. If you don't have pure passion for it, you will wash out pretty quick

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

I made it in civil engineering an equal amount of bull shit very low pay. That said I don’t think I can put up with a lot of bull shit again.

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anonamouse__@reddit

I guess the difference I'd emphasize, is dealing with all that bullshit while making basically no money, with a very unclear path to that high-dollar job, after having made 6 figures for however long you've been doing it and being comfortable in life. Source: I'm in basically the same boat right now and the thought of quitting a mid 6 figures job for a 30-40k one for who knows how long, scares the shit out of me. However I've wanted to do this since I was a child so the drive in me is there, it was just a medical issue that made it happen so late in life

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pilotslashCPA@reddit

I’m a career changer and things worked out great for me. I continued working (accounting industry, similar pay to you) while I went from private to CFI, then quit to CFI full time. Highly recommend going that route because I didn’t have to take on any debt to fly. Even if you can afford it with your current savings, why not keep working so you don’t spend all your money? I’d recommend at least getting your private pilot license while still working to make sure you love flying. Worst case you have a cool hobby, can’t lose.

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EnvironmentCrafty710@reddit

Understand that there are years of shit pay between you and a high paying flying job. Years. And i mean shit pay. Like barley enough to survive if you're lucky bad. The industry is a meat grinder. You might make it into one of those dream gigs some day, but it's a long way at best and it's a chance, not a certainty. Get your PPL first. Then you'll have a much better idea of what you're signing up for.

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BrokenFlap@reddit

Taking from personal experience, don’t underestimate the amount of work it requires while doing it in parallel with an engineering job. You need to sacrifice all your time off to study and prepare for flights. If you have kids and a wife, good luck. If you take things “slow” you’re risking burning more money for repeats and to burn yourself out. Definitely take it 100% seriously and invest. Im not trying to discourage you or anything, just to give you a reality check. This is exactly the method I’ve followed and it worked wonders for me at 28 in parallel with a high paying tech job. Took me only 3 months to first solo but I was on aviator mode 24/7. If you have questions about the logistics side of things like how many times I flew and when, feel free to ask.

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Schwalbe262Guy@reddit

If you are only motivated by money you won’t last.

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WorkingOnPPL@reddit

I'm not a professional pilot but I think with questions like this you need to ask yourself if you would be comfortable with less than optimal outcomes. 15 years from today if you were flying planes, but still not earning your current salary, would that be okay, knowing that you dropped $100K to get your ratings? Would it be okay to never make it beyond a regional airline, where you are based in some city 1,000 miles away from where you currently live?

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

No, I would be angry if I wasn’t rich to be honest flying to Japan weekly or Hawaii.

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SRM_Thornfoot@reddit

While working your current job, spend the money to finish up your PPL before making any decisions. By then you should know if a flying career would be a good fit for you. If it turns out it is not, not only will be certain of your choice, you will always be able to call yourself a pilot.

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thanksforallthetrees@reddit

No I would not. Unless it is soul sucking and 80hour weeks… but a six figure job with good time off and benefits that I enjoy, I’d probably stay in the non flying job. Do you like it? Do you dread working? Does it allow time for hobbies and travel?

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

I do dread working and have to sacrifice hobbies. I am not living a great life. It might be possible to get a better job but very unlikely.

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AceofdaBase@reddit

I commuted to reserve at the regionals for nearly a decade. I am unfamiliar with this concept of hobbies.

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LxGNED@reddit

Flying is a job just like any other. It has its pros and cons. However, this career is better than most in my opinion. But as others have said, theres a massive difference between discovery flight and professional pilot. Most people underestimate the scope of what pilots do and have to know. I think people see the cockpit of a commercial plane and think that learning the buttons is the whole scope of flying. But it reality pressing the buttons is the easy part and just the tip of the iceberg

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thanksforallthetrees@reddit

That sucks. Maybe try getting your private while continuing to work, but I wouldn’t quit my high paying day job at 35 for something I’m not passionate and rabid about.

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AceofdaBase@reddit

Nooooooo. You won’t hit $150k in pilot income for 10 years. The ONLY option is pay as you go. No loans. Work full time. Fly part time.

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Vindicated0721@reddit

Noooooooope

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evileight@reddit

You should do what makes you happy. It’s hard out here though. Be prepared to have to relocate and make half of what you do now for an unknown amount of time.

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flyingcircusdog@reddit

If you're making that money now, get the PPL on your own dime before deciding to quit.

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sh3rp@reddit

I did what you're talking about in my early 30's. Sold my house, took the profit and went to flight school, got all of my certs except for ATP. After I got out of flight school, it was so hard to get even a $12/hr instructor job I just went back to my well-paying tech job after 6 months. Best decision I ever made. You really have to be very passionate about being a pilot because of all the obstacles to overcome (competitive market, low pay, subject to the elements, etc) to become even an instructor and, eventually, a commercial pilot. If you're making good money right now, stick with it and fly for fun on the weekends. Aviation is one of those activities that translates well into a hobby, but not so much into a fulfilling job.

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pisymbol@reddit

One aspect of flying I want you to consider: There is a VERY BIG difference between flying where YOU want to go vs. flying where you HAVE to go. Caveat emptor.

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Fight_Or_Flight_FL@reddit

Advice given to me and that I pass on is to keep your job until you have ratings and certificates to be employable as a pilot. Life rarely goes as planned. In my case, I went part-time at my engineering job, and flight instruct part-time. I have a house and kids so that's why I pursued this arrangement so that I don't sacrifice the family standard of living for my personal career change.

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DigitalNomadicYogi@reddit

Life is short, money isn't everything. Do what you love, you'll never regret it.

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dgroeneveld9@reddit

I'm 29 and starting my journey soon. I went to my employer about an education scholarship to start using toward my PPL. If I get my PPL which is apparently the hardest step then I will decrease my hours slightly while pursuing additional steps.

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Ok_Truck_5092@reddit

Idk about 35 but I did at 25 lol

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frostyhongo@reddit

Had a IT professional do this same time I learnt to fly nearly 20 years ago. I still view it as the worst decision he ever made. Flew for a couple of years, went back to IT. Finally pre covid went back flying again and he is where I was 18 years ago but another 18 years older… It works for some but it’s not so simple as dropping everything to play pauper for a few years clawing your way back to the lifestyle you had

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JonEG123@reddit

I wouldn’t quit until I at least get through PPL.

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xdarq@reddit

Not a burning passion? Then absolutely not. There’s no reason to do this if you’re not passionate about it. If you’re pursuing a career, the first 10 years will suck the life out of you if you don’t love it.

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TempoMinusOne@reddit

No. Take up flying as a hobby and keep your six figure career. Rent or buy an airplane, or even get a nice sim setup. Doesn’t matter. I’d rather be bored with a 6 figure salary sleeping than be constantly stressed about checkrides, medical, furloughs, commutes and missing out on friends and family all the time. If all these is still not enough to deter you then you have your answer.

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PLIKITYPLAK@reddit

In the mid 2010s when hiring was ramping up in anticipation of all the retirements while at the same time you had Regionals expanding their fleets, yes absolutely. Today? Probably not

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Ok-Masterpiece5573@reddit

Well do you like your current job/life? I did this exact thing two years ago at 35! Similar job and self funding! It doesn't have to be an absolute passion - if it gives you the life you want. Lots of perks to being a pilot. It can give you an amazing quality of life for the next 30ish years of your work life.

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imapilotaz@reddit

So lets be real open and honest about numbers here, it really is a finance decision. But we need more info. What is your actual annual income? 6 figures means nothing. Are you at $100,000, $150,000, $200,000? This is super critical cuz this answer will really change. Whats your real world growth for your job. Are you likely topped out. Are you likely for 4 more big promotions over next 20 years? How much savings do you have? How much is liquid? What IRA/401k status? Family status? Cuz you will go thru 2-5 years of massive change in income, at least, just getting to 1500 hours. Which today 1500 is worthless. Most are needing 2000 or more. Then we can pretty realistically model pay if you make it to the airlines.

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Regular-Employer-431@reddit

It's your money.

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boobturtle@reddit

I did it at 36. Nuked my corporate career, sold my dream car, sold my motorbike, moved in with the inlaws with wife and two young children in the middle of a pandemic that decimated the global aviation industry. YOLO. Now I fly a 787 for a living.

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adnwilson@reddit

I kept my 6 figure job and started flying. No reason I had to leave my job to train. I don't plan on going for airlines, by time I'd make it there (if I did) and the going into debt for all the training. I'd make more staying/progressing my current job / business ventures. I love flying, like doing it for travel even when not always the most economical but I'm blessed to be able to. Sure I won't ever fly a big jet, but definitely worth not losing my established life. If your dream is to be an airline pilot, then go for it! If your passion is to fly, you can do it without being an airline pilot (and probably have more fun, but that's subjective)

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Diver_Driver@reddit

I was about your age when I gave up a decent paying career to become an Airline Pilot. Its an expensive grind with no guarantees but in retrospect it was the best decision I could have made. That said, it was something I was very passionate about. I have the right mix of skills to be good at it but had no idea of that going into it. If you do pursue it I'd suggest keeping your current career as long as possible and leverage your income to be debt free from flying. Embrace the suck in the beginning and keep working your way up to bigger and better things. Whatever you do, don't do what my over confident neighbor did and quit your career completely with zero experience thinking you can just grind it out quickly at ATP. Get that PPL and Instrument and see how that goes. If you crush those with no issues then start thinking about whether its something you can realistically do as a career.

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ResoluteFalcon@reddit

No. You quit your six-figure job when you have all of your certs and you actually have a CJO in your hands.

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Icy-Two2036@reddit

Why wouldn't you just do both? Pt.61 is pretty self paced, as long as you have the time to fly 2-3 times a week and can dedicate an hour or two to studying a day you'll be fine. Hourbuilding might be more complicated since most low-time jobs pay peanuts, but you might be able to pull off both until you qualify for a more desirable mid-time job

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Dbeaves@reddit

No

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Slammedtgs@reddit

Can you explain further? I’ve had the thought cross my mind many times and really considered it up until 2023. In 2023 I doubled down on my current career and did a two year masters program. My original goal when I was 18 was to be a pilot but the economics sucked in 2004 and the math didn’t make sense. Understand the hiring environment today is unfavorable but still seems significantly better than 2004.

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Mega-Eclipse@reddit

A bird in the hand, is worth two in the bush. In short: for people who already have well paying jobs, the best advice is to keep the high paying job, and take your time getting ratings and hours. It gives you options. Then, if/when it makes sense, you can make the career switch. If it doesn't make sense you can wait or fly for fun (or stop entirely). In more detail, there are no guarantees in aviation or life. Airlines are cyclical with hiring, layoffs, furloughs (bankruptcies?). Then you have the issues of getting/keeping a medical. What happens if you can't keep a first class medical or fail a couple checkrides? Or get sick and have to take a month off? The first 250 hours and several ratings are coming from your pocket...with ZERO guarantee you will ever get any return on that "investment." Even if you do it all right...it might 2 years before you're eligible to be hired at any airlines, and the that job offer might have a start date another year away....The people who get to 1,500 hours in 2 years are grinding. They are at the airport 6-7 days a week, 8-10 hours a day. The best "ability" is "availability." And none of that factors in life. Maybe you meet someone, maybe you have kids, maybe you get in a car crash and are in a cast for 6 weeks.

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ThisGlove5676@reddit

These days you have to specify „six figure“ career. Is it like 100k: Probably yes worth the risk. You most likely will fall back to 100k if you are in the US. Is it like 300k/500k: Probably not worth the risk and your time.

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Unusual_Equivalent50@reddit (OP)

110k maybe 130k if I change jobs but there are not a ton of opportunities.

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redditburner_5000@reddit

Six figure $100k job or six figure $200k job? Six figures is a wide range. Generally, no. A six figure job puts you into a n income range that will let you climb ladders. I would never trade away a decently paying non-aviation career to get into flying. Double no since it's not a true passion for you.

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rbuckfly@reddit

Absolutely not. I would start flying get my private/instrument/commercial and then make that decision. You’d nuke the savings either way

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___buttrdish@reddit

Idk how six figure-y you are, but I’m in this boat with a very flexible schedule. I’m aware I can’t rush earning my ratings while I keep my day job. I earned my PPL in Sept and I am starting to work on my instrument now. It’s going to be a very slow process for me.

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grego8422@reddit

You CAN do all three options and succeed: 1. Fly for fun on the side 2. Fly to pursue a career and build time while working 3. Send it and quit and go all in There will be no single story to emulate that you’d be able to recreate. There are stories of success and failure in each option. If you’re confident in your ability to re-save late, go all in. If you’re the type to worry and hem and haw and don’t like the uncertainty, then slow burn Some pilots have amazing schedules and make $500k working less than 10 days a month with earth shattering retirements and free world travel Others who worked no less hard but had unfortunate timing or didn’t do the exact right thing accidentally at the perfect moment make $82k grinding at a regional with poor schedules. Even the ones that “hate it” I’ve never heard them hate it as much as an office job

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Guysmiley777@reddit

Consider giving up your career once you get your PPL and IR.

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TemporaryAmbassador1@reddit

Still worth it if you never touch an airliner or make “big” money?

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General_Screen9761@reddit

At my flight school it's very common for people to leave corporate America to do flight training. I personally don't plan on doing that since instructing from 250 -> 1500 hours seems like slavery but many of the CFIs I know did it

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derdubb@reddit

I work a 6 figure job doing industrial automation, and working on my CPL. Currently have my PPL with ME and IR done and have around 180 hours. I plan to instruct to build time and then get a job flying somewhere while doing industrial automation contract work on the side to supplement the pay gap while I build more time and climb the ladder. Everyone has a different situation but if you really wanna do it you can make it work with enough focus and dedication, but it takes a lot of it and you need to be disciplined.

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ImmortanBen@reddit

Absolutely not

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SolarPunkYeti@reddit

I'm 38, flew a fighter jet a few years ago and I still can't get it out of my mind. I regret not going into the Air Force is all I can say. I've considered doing what you're proposing, I'm also in the six figure range, but honestly think getting my private license is the smarter way to go at this point. I'm passionate about my current job, but I've learned that it fu*ks with my passion lol. It's like a chef cooking all day, will order food when they get home kind of thing.

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Kermit-de-frog1@reddit

You can pretty easily get through ppl to Cpl while still working you’re current job. THATS the time to be asking this question. The answer for now is a hard NO for the following reasons: 1. You have a confirmed income now. It really doesn’t matter how much you “like” your current job, It pays the bills and can fund this exploration. 2. After a couple of discovery flights, you. Have ZERO data on real flying, AND you had a meat based auto land feature sitting in the right seat there to correct anything that went wrong. 3. While fun, hell I fly for fun, there is a ton of data you have to learn to even fly private . Go get a medical, get Sportys online groundschool for ppl and knock out your FAA written. Then get up in the air and get your ppl. While you’re there , ask your CFI about quality of life while grinding towards and far past minimums .

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mr_dee_wingz@reddit

Nope. Wont give that up. I’d get PPL with IR or maybe a CPL. Thats about it. Get my own plane and fly it. Or Do even better in life and get an even nicer plane and have a couple of us professionals fly for you

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fatmanyolo@reddit

No. Not saying it’s a bad idea, but I wouldn’t. This is just a job at the end of the day, as romanticized as it might be.

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Whompner@reddit

Just get a PPL, fly for fun maybe buy a plane down the line. You do not want to go from 6 figures to a starving CFI then never be home for something that used to be fun. Helicopters are great but the pay and getting sent to work overseas for half the year kinda burns you out.

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muchoqueso26@reddit

Get your private licence and buy a cheap airplane. Enjoy.

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LounBiker@reddit

\> Get your private licence and \~\~buy a cheap\~\~ rent a reliable airplane. Enjoy.

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runnymountain@reddit

Yes. I am doing that.

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TurnandBurn_172@reddit

Giving up 10 years of savings after two extremely basic flights is crazy. I don’t think you understand the industry you’re trying to enter. Almost no one who starts this process ends up going to the airlines or working as a professional pilot, and most of the people that start had a boatload of passion. It’s a long and expensive process, and entry-level jobs are hard to come by and low paying.

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Separate_Bowl_6853@reddit

Why do you need to quit? Get a ppl and then decide if you want to do it for a living

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noamgboi1@reddit

Nah

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CeonM@reddit

Made the move myself at 35, 42 now and still love it.

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stikshift@reddit

No. I'm in the same situation. 33, good job, good benefits. My 9-5 is just boring enough that I look forward to every time I get in the cockpit. Flying is exciting and fun. However, if it was make-or-break, I'm not sure if I would enjoy it as much. Too much pressure.

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acidreducer@reddit

If you can afford it, just fly for fun. Get your PPL and IR and enjoy the freedom of being in the sky

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abl0ck0fch33s3@reddit

Seconded. Putting your livelihood at stake is the fastest way to turn something you enjoy into stressful, unfun work. If you enjoyed it then spend the money to fly for fun, at your own pace, until you have a better idea and can make a more informed decision if you decide to go that route

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AirborneHentai82@reddit

As weather permits lol

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IrishConnection97@reddit

If it’s not a burning passion then it’s risky because you have exams and other things that will test your metal like you’ve never known, trust me on that. Also, it’s a while before you make back what was spent on training. If the passion was there and you could genuinely see yourself with an airline job, I’d tell you to go for it. But you have to really love aviation to put up with a LOT of the bullshit that comes with the training and schedule.

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AirborneHentai82@reddit

You can use it to fund your flight training.

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Strega007@reddit

"It was better than working..." In that case, no. You haven't experienced the "work" part of flying professionally, only the fun part. By all means, get your ratings and fly for fun, and somewhere down the line you'll be able to decide if you want to be a career-changer. It is essentially "never too late" to be a career changer, but there will be a lot more to consider in that decision than anything you're aware of at the moment. Enjoy it! It is supposed to be fun at this point.

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Candid-Inflation-129@reddit

I usually don’t give advice too often, because changing careers can be a really personal thing. However, since you said it’s not a burning passion, I would definitely heavily advise against just dropping everything and running towards aviation as a career. The amount of crap you have to put up with in aviation will make you want to quit if you don’t have a passion for it. I would just start slow and get your PPL and go from there. Flying for fun can be super rewarding, and you can always go further later if you develop a burning passion. Plus, it could end up taking a long time to get back to 6 figures. Keep opportunity cost in mind here.

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TheTangoFox@reddit

Train while working, and network. You never know when this industry will swing up or down.

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Jrnation8988@reddit

Fly for fun

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Prof_Slappopotamus@reddit

Without the passion, no. But by all means, go get your private and instrument ratings. Then maybe you'll think differently about it, but start there.

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nicolastheridiculous@reddit

No

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LawManActual@reddit

Sure, if that’s what you want to do. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows, and it has its own set of challenges you may or may not be ready for or fully understand. If you can vibe with that understanding, do your thing.

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Flavortown42069@reddit

I’d keep working and get some ratings under your belt first. After 2 flights it’s a very drastic decision.

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Smokey_Bird@reddit

Nope.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity: --- I did two discovery flights and enjoyed it once I felt comfortable. It was cool and better than working but isn’t a burning passion. I have the capital to train without debt or a job but it would nuke a decade of saving. --- Please downvote this comment until it collapses. Questions about this comment? [Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index/rflyingtower/). --- I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please [contact the mods of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/flying).

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