Happy I am not the only old guy!!!!!!!!!!!

[garvey]

I just got through checking out all the threads about being old(er) and wanting to fly . I am 43 and going through all the same self doubt that everyone else is going through . Thank God there are just as many "waiting to do a certain job when I grow up" associates out there . We really should have a kegger and talk about this at an Irish Pub or something!

 

By the way........what is the USVC thing all about!? Also ...who is thinking about HAI...I would like to compare notes ....... figure out who is going to be there when i go to train and tilt a few with now and then !!!Garvey OUT!

[Guest rookie101]

The UVSC thing has been discussed before in great detail. Quick summary: It's an online accredited university that you can get a degree from. Two or four year degrees are what's available. A loan from UVSC can also be tied into flight training. The most recent discussion about UVSC. Need I say more? (search feature!!)

 

http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/helicopterfor...?showtopic=4846

[dlo]

hello,

 

first of all, you are not old at 43, I am still in my twenties, and if I had a passion for flying helicopters at 50 i would go and do it. I see so many pilots that are over fifty and having a great time still flying and providing for their family. So if you really want to do this, then just go do it, set your mind to it and go. but on the other hand, if you are not 100 percent sure, this could be a major financial set back. you are a little older and have kids, i assume and a wife, you have alot more ties than I do. but probable more financially stable. so make sure this is what you want to do and just go do it ... easier said than done, but if you can get a loan and listen, im sure you can fly heli's and make a good living out of it.

 

you saying you are too old to go through heli school, is like me saying, i will have to quit flying heli's at 43 because I will just be too old and might not pass the medicall... i hope to be flying much older than 50. as long as my medical is ok, make sure your medical is all straight before begining heli school though. go for it and If it is truley your love, you will never regret it, it is impossible. even if you just do it for six or seven years , pay your loan off and make a few extra bucks. it would still be worth it too me.

 

Just think of this for example. I personally know of three doctors in my town that did not even graduate medical school until they were over 40. now that is a huge risk, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in school loans. they must pay them back.

 

I also personally know this guy in medical school now, he is 48 and this is what he wants to do. I asked him if he thought he was too old to be doing this. He said, not if its what I want to do. I can practice medicine until im 70 years old. you could also fly heli's till you are 70 as well. this guy will not be able to practice real medicine alone until he is 52 years old, now that seems a little late to start such a long adventure.... but what are you thinking, you should do it, if this is what you really want of course.......

[Witch]

Hey Garvey, I'm 44, so respect your elders.

 

I've been wanting to fly helos for a long time. It wasn't until I heard that Silver State ad that I really started pursuing it. I figure that after I get my commercial, I might have a good twenty years of flying left in me.

 

I've had doubts also. At one point I was ready to give up and go home. Seeing a lot of people stuck in low-paying jobs with no hope for advancement-me included-changed that attitude very quickly. I'd tell ya to fly a few hours and see how you like it.

 

Now then, where's this Irish pub? I don't drink-long story-but I'd like to listen to a good jig and talk flying.

 

Later.

[ADRidge]

you know, that triggered a thought... as good or bad as SSH may be, I will say they have one heck of an ad campaign going on. One of their pamphlets made me realize that flying as a profession was not beyond my reach. I just discovered that they weren't the only (or even the best) game in town.

 

Glad you're following your dream. I'm about to take my 2nd class medical and things are looking up. I can't wait for the day I'm able to start up a bird and fly solo. Heck, I dream about it a couple of nights a week or more.

[Gerhardt]

41 here and almost ready for CPL checkride, but not on the career track. Just having a helluva time.

[Castaway]

I just got through checking out all the threads about being old(er) and wanting to fly . I am 43 and going through all the same self doubt that everyone else is going through . Thank God there are just as many "waiting to do a certain job when I grow up" associates out there . We really should have a kegger and talk about this at an Irish Pub or something!

 

By the way........what is the USVC thing all about!? Also ...who is thinking about HAI...I would like to compare notes ....... figure out who is going to be there when i go to train and tilt a few with now and then !!!Garvey OUT!

42 here and start at HAI in december. career minded(again) when my present one's done in a few years! I'll have a Killian's please sir!!

[500E]

Hi kids

[Witch]

Hi kids

[sncollie]

I just got through checking out all the threads about being old(er) and wanting to fly . I am 43 and going through all the same self doubt that everyone else is going through . Thank God there are just as many "waiting to do a certain job when I grow up" associates out there . We really should have a kegger and talk about this at an Irish Pub or something!

 

By the way........what is the USVC thing all about!? Also ...who is thinking about HAI...I would like to compare notes ....... figure out who is going to be there when i go to train and tilt a few with now and then !!!Garvey OUT!

 

Hey, I'm going to HAI in January (if everything works out). Lookin' forward to it. I'll definately be up for a few cold ones.

 

I'm only 33, though...

[PA Pilot]

I just got through checking out all the threads about being old(er) and wanting to fly . I am 43 and going through all the same self doubt that everyone else is going through . Thank God there are just as many "waiting to do a certain job when I grow up" associates out there . We really should have a kegger and talk about this at an Irish Pub or something!

Hey, I have to have been one of the older ones to try this stuff! I started my training and got my PP-RH at age 62, and now, at 63, I own 1/5 of an R22 Beta II (which was the ship I trained in), and 1/4 of an R44 Raven II (which my wife loves to ride around in).

 

Life is good!

[Whirlwind]

If it's your passion - then go for it. Better to try and fail than to live a life of wondering "what if..."

I just turned 47 and will be starting on my helicopter career with Mauna Loa Helicopters on December 1st.

 

Luckily I've got an awesome wife that supports me 110%, and who loves to travel (so relocating is not an issue). We sold the house, gave notice at work, and are in the process of wrapping up loose ends before our move to Hawaii. I've been the responsible one for the last 20+ years - the one with the stable job and the one who needed things planned out far in advance. Now I'm off to be a full-time student in Hawaii with little more than a suitcase full of clothes to start with!

 

This is something I've been contemplating for several years and it is by far one of the scariest things I've ever done. Leaving the security of a good-paying job, selling off most of my posessions, and setting off on a career that may last a year, or may last another 20. The uncertainty, while unsettling, is also one of the most exciting parts. I know where I'll be in 20 years if I stay where I am in cubicle-land. The real growth and learning happens once we leave our comfort zone. Who knows what new things a career flying helicopters will bring? New friends, new places, new adventures. Bring it on! The view is much better from 1000 feet no matter where I end up.

 

The decision to fly helicopters for a career shouldn't be made lightly. In addition to the obvious financial sacrifice, there may also be a high price to pay in the form of family stability. I appreciate all those who have pointed out the difficulties in following this road. Their advice and input has given me plenty to consider and has painted a more realistic picture of what I can reasonably expect. I'm willing to accept the risks, uncertainty and hard work necessary to follow my passion. And if things all go to hell and I can't fly for a living, then I guess I can always go back and be an engineer again. At least I will have the satisfaction of knowing that I tried it and gave it my best shot.

 

Thank you all for sharing your opinions in this forum, and thank-you to Rey and the moderators for making it all possible and keeping it civil.

 

Keep the spinning side up!

Dale

[Castaway]

If it's your passion - then go for it. Better to try and fail than to live a life of wondering "what if..."

I just turned 47 and will be starting on my helicopter career with Mauna Loa Helicopters on December 1st.

 

Luckily I've got an awesome wife that supports me 110%, and who loves to travel (so relocating is not an issue). We sold the house, gave notice at work, and are in the process of wrapping up loose ends before our move to Hawaii. I've been the responsible one for the last 20+ years - the one with the stable job and the one who needed things planned out far in advance. Now I'm off to be a full-time student in Hawaii with little more than a suitcase full of clothes to start with!

 

This is something I've been contemplating for several years and it is by far one of the scariest things I've ever done. Leaving the security of a good-paying job, selling off most of my posessions, and setting off on a career that may last a year, or may last another 20. The uncertainty, while unsettling, is also one of the most exciting parts. I know where I'll be in 20 years if I stay where I am in cubicle-land. The real growth and learning happens once we leave our comfort zone. Who knows what new things a career flying helicopters will bring? New friends, new places, new adventures. Bring it on! The view is much better from 1000 feet no matter where I end up.

 

The decision to fly helicopters for a career shouldn't be made lightly. In addition to the obvious financial sacrifice, there may also be a high price to pay in the form of family stability. I appreciate all those who have pointed out the difficulties in following this road. Their advice and input has given me plenty to consider and has painted a more realistic picture of what I can reasonably expect. I'm willing to accept the risks, uncertainty and hard work necessary to follow my passion. And if things all go to hell and I can't fly for a living, then I guess I can always go back and be an engineer again. At least I will have the satisfaction of knowing that I tried it and gave it my best shot.

 

Thank you all for sharing your opinions in this forum, and thank-you to Rey and the moderators for making it all possible and keeping it civil.

 

Keep the spinning side up!

Dale

Dale, i couldn't have said it better myself, if fact i've had issues with myself over the last few months looking for the word to describe it! Press on my brotha' and have a good time out there! I'm not too far behind you(although i don't think i'll wind up in HI!!)

CHEERS!!!!!!!

[garvey]

Hey GUYS.....OLD GUYS...........Because the "OLD GUYS RULE " club seems to be in session..I am glad to hear others in that same quagmire of if you are making a dumb move or a smart move . Well , since I see others that have also found themselves in a similar situation ....I guess I do not feel as uneasy about going back to school for this gig !

 

A piece of advice for the young guys.........I started taking helo lessons 20+ years ago and gave up due to lack of money . So after 20 years of offshore fishing in New England (which is brutal) and working in the ROV industry in the oil fields (which ain't much better) I am coming around full circle . I wish I had kept at it from the beginning . Whats HAI pub we will meet at !? I am going in February I think .

 

Mr. Board Moderator-- What is the possibility of having a seperate board for guys going to school to shoot the breeze!? Just curious . Thanks all for input...makes me feel a bit better ! Garvey -OUT

[Jocko]

Well gentlemen (Garvey, Castaway) Looks like we may have started something with legs. We're gonna have to get a patch or something made up for the ODC (old dudes club). Can't wait to hook up with ya'all down in Florida in the next month or so. Sounds like great minds think alike. I'll drop ya a line when I get some solid info on when. till then

Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars....(was that Casey Kasem who said that?)

[gft]

Where do I sign up for the "ODC" club and patch?

I'm 52 got my rotor ticket last April.

Celebrated with the purchase of a 44.

Didn't have the money to have this much fun when I was younger.

 

gft

[ironranger]

I'm 43 and started heli lessons this year along with my wife and have about 45 hours logged so far. The wife is 40 and she has about 20 hours logged. Wish I would have started younger but agree with other posts that the resources weren't there at the time. No time better then the present.

 

Spin on

[rotorchic]

Hey I just want to know how many old women there are flying or taking lessons? I am 40 years old and I quess after reading all this talk about old guys, are us girls invited to the pub for a beer?

[Castaway]

Hey I just want to know how many old women there are flying or taking lessons? I am 40 years old and I quess after reading all this talk about old guys, are us girls invited to the pub for a beer?

it is a bit warmer in florida!!! but believe the beer is pretty chilly!! come on down.....

[67november]

Hey I just want to know how many old women there are flying or taking lessons? I am 40 years old and I quess after reading all this talk about old guys, are us girls invited to the pub for a beer?

 

the women are few and far between on this site, mostly youngsters in training.

[Jocko]

Hey I just want to know how many old women there are flying or taking lessons? I am 40 years old and I quess after reading all this talk about old guys, are us girls invited to the pub for a beer?

 

 

 

Allways room for the ladies

 

 

I'll even buy

[Witch]

Well gentlemen (Garvey, Castaway) Looks like we may have started something with legs. We're gonna have to get a patch or something made up for the ODC (old dudes club).

 

Now if it's a patch you want, you've found the man. I've already thought of several designs, now to do the artwork. What kind of shape and would an old guy with a cane be to your fancy? Just an idea.

 

Let us be old.

 

Later

[garvey]

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM how about a walker with a rotor comong off the top for the patch. Actually there is an old guys rule T Shirt that is made up already........it has a surf board I think...or some do . They sell it at the surf shops .I guess you could imagine it was a rotor . As far as the ladies go I think that we could make room......... well let me just move the kegs over a bit , there you go....don't step on the pizza box ok!!!!

 

Well that is pretty cool we have a squandron maybe a black sheep sqandron . I am glad everyone chimed in here........ its the safety in numbers thing I guess . I seem to get the feeling that Dlorida is the ground zero destination for everyone . Does anyone have any idea of a good pub in the Titustville /Cocoa area!?

 

Well I will tell you , this board is my only connection with sanity . I am sitting @175 miles offshore on an oil rig with a month to go , so it is a nice escape to come to VR . Thanks to the gents who set this board up!

 

Garvey --- OUT !

[sncollie]

Well, there HAS to be a real kickin' bar in that area...come on, all the astronauts work there!

[FlyGirl86]

yes, the women are very few and far between. I am not even old enough to go out for a beer to talk about these things (legally, anyways!!). I am only twenty. I am the youngest person in my class, too.