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View Full Version : Mid Life Crisis gift to myself, Pilot Training


HarDeeHarHar
April 12th 06, 11:39 PM
I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
commercial flights that I can recall ...
Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
landings.)
Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over 400
hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more fun.

I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at ease
while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.

So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to carry
multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for commercial
pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)

So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be 51 -
52 by my training timeline).

Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out of
the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill anpother
dream, eh?

RandyL
April 13th 06, 12:55 AM
Har,
I certainly don't want to tell you what to do, but here is an
observation. $8500 is a LOT of money. You could certainly use it to get your
commercial license, but I am wondering how useful a commercial license will
be to you. The whole purpose of getting a commercial license is to get a job
with a commercial carrier. Even though you may have a commercial license,
most carriers will not hire anyone who does not have a minimum number of
hours logged IN ADDITION to the minimum numer of hours logged for your
commercial license. This is because of insurance liability. Most commerial
carrier require at least 300 hours or more above the minimum that it takes
for your commercial ticket. By the time that you get your commericial
license, AND the minimum hours logged for insurance coverage, you may well
be in your mid to late 50's. Unfortunately there are not very many carriers
that will hire someone in this age range. I'm not saying you shouldn't do
it, but I'm just wondering if that $8500 could be better used to perhaps
purchase an airplane of your own. You might do a little investigating before
you plunk down a lot of money on a commercial rating, and see just what the
minimum requirements are for employment with a commercial carrier. It's just
something to think about.

Randy L.
--
"When making an emergency off-field landing at night, turn
on the landing lights just prior to touchdown. If you don't
like what you see, then turn off the landing lights."


"HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
.. .
> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
> commercial flights that I can recall ...
> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
> landings.)
> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over
> 400 hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more fun.
>
> I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at ease
> while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
>
> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to
> carry multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for
> commercial pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
>
> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
> some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be
> 51 - 52 by my training timeline).
>
> Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out of
> the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill
> anpother dream, eh?
>

Peter Duniho
April 13th 06, 01:38 AM
(flight-sim newsgroup trimmed)

"RandyL" > wrote in message
...
> Har,
> I certainly don't want to tell you what to do, but here is an
> observation. $8500 is a LOT of money. You could certainly use it to get
> your commercial license, but I am wondering how useful a commercial
> license will be to you.

Note that in his case, the difference between the Commercial and the
"Multi-passenger" (must be some Canadian thing) is only $1000 CDN.

> The whole purpose of getting a commercial license is to get a job with a
> commercial carrier.

"The whole purpose"? Not even close.

Yes, many commercially certificated pilots want a job with a commercial
carrier. But there are a lot of jobs involving commercial certification
that don't involve a commercial carrier, most of which are not subject to
the mandatory retirement at 60 rule. Beyond that, many pilots get their
commercial certification without any intention of ever flying for hire.

> [...] I'm just wondering if that $8500 could be better used to perhaps
> purchase an airplane of your own.

If he spends $8500 on a new airplane (and by the way, $8500 CDN, doesn't get
you much of an airplane...that's ultralight territory, tops...it's not even
enough for a 1/4 share of a Cessna 172).

> You might do a little investigating before you plunk down a lot of money
> on a commercial rating, and see just what the minimum requirements are for
> employment with a commercial carrier. It's just something to think about.

If he has no intention of being employed with a commercial carrier, then the
minimum requirements for doing so are irrelevant. He may have other,
entirely valid, reasons for wanting a Commercial certificate.

Pete

Sammy
April 13th 06, 01:39 AM
A few observations:

1) You're not talking about $8500 vs $7500. With the added hours you're
talking about $33500 vs $7500. As you said you're not likely to become
a commerical pilot, so why waste $25k (or be constrained by rules on
how to spend it if you're allocating it to going up)?

1) $7500 is quite a bit of money, but less than what it would cost to
do the same in AUS. I have a friend here at work that had his
commerical license. It cost him around AUD35000 about eight years ago
to get his PPL and CPL and then he couldn't get a job. He considers it
wasted (but I disagree with that and told him as much). However the
kicker I think is the minimum to get your PPL is in AUS is something
like AUD12-15k. I think your dollar is worth a little more though.

2) If it's what you want to do, and you have the cash to spare (ie no
family commitments etc. you'd have to neglect) go for it. Do expect it
to be hard work (but that doesn't mean it won't be fun).

3) I'd disagree with the other poster about putting the money towards a
plane. Even $33500 won't go far unless you're talking ultralight. But
what about putting $7500 towards a nice computer, projector, yoke and
pedals, extra monitors and build a home cockpit? Have you looked at the
traffic, scenery and weather addons you can buy or download for free?
That's another option certainly within reach of $7500. It's never going
to be as good as the real thing, but if you're just doing it for fun
you won't have to worry about weather, time of day or night, medicals,
motion sickness, currency of your license. Plus if you crash you don't
die or end up in hospital. Just another option.

4) Do you have to decide right away whether you're going for the
multi-passenger or commercial ticket? I'd put that decision off until
the absolute last minute and do as much as possible of the training and
exam that's common to both. Circumstances both medical and financial
change, and you don't want to be out a lot of money or obligated to do
200hrs unless you have to be.

Bottom line is real world flying's what you want to do go for it. Do it
safely and smartly, have fun, and lots of luck to you!

Jeff Shirton
April 13th 06, 02:05 AM
"HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
.. .

> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger,

That's called a Recreational Pilot permit...

> $7500 to carry multiple passengers,

That's the Private Pilot Licence...

And hopefully you realize that these costs are estimates only,
and usually ends up being more?

> or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for commercial pilot...(all in Canadian
> $$$)

Hopefully you realize that it's not "or", the cost is in *addition* to
the Private Pilot license you already need, so for your commercial
license, youwould be looking at:

$7500+ (private license training)
8500+ (commercial training)
25000 (200 extra hours)
-----------------------------
$41,000+ total

(And again, these are conservative estimates, not set prices.)

> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and
> have me some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm
> done (I'll be 51 - 52 by my training timeline).

Not only would you need money as well as time, but also please
be aware that for the Commercial rating, you'd need to pass a
class 1 medical, which is stricter than the class 3 that you'd need
for the Private pilot licence.

Jeff Shirton (PP-ASEL)

HarDeeHarHar
April 13th 06, 02:06 AM
I want to do it because it's something that I can be proud of, something I
accomplished.
And all for the price of a new SUV....which will turn to rust in 10 years...


"RandyL" > wrote in message
...
> Har,
> I certainly don't want to tell you what to do, but here is an
> observation. $8500 is a LOT of money. You could certainly use it to get
> your commercial license, but I am wondering how useful a commercial
> license will be to you. The whole purpose of getting a commercial license
> is to get a job with a commercial carrier. Even though you may have a
> commercial license, most carriers will not hire anyone who does not have a
> minimum number of hours logged IN ADDITION to the minimum numer of hours
> logged for your commercial license. This is because of insurance
> liability. Most commerial carrier require at least 300 hours or more above
> the minimum that it takes for your commercial ticket. By the time that you
> get your commericial license, AND the minimum hours logged for insurance
> coverage, you may well be in your mid to late 50's. Unfortunately there
> are not very many carriers that will hire someone in this age range. I'm
> not saying you shouldn't do it, but I'm just wondering if that $8500 could
> be better used to perhaps purchase an airplane of your own. You might do a
> little investigating before you plunk down a lot of money on a commercial
> rating, and see just what the minimum requirements are for employment with
> a commercial carrier. It's just something to think about.
>
> Randy L.
> --
> "When making an emergency off-field landing at night, turn
> on the landing lights just prior to touchdown. If you don't
> like what you see, then turn off the landing lights."
>
>
> "HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
> .. .
>> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
>> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
>> commercial flights that I can recall ...
>> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
>> landings.)
>> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over
>> 400 hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more
>> fun.
>>
>> I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at
>> ease while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
>>
>> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
>> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to
>> carry multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for
>> commercial pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
>>
>> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
>> some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be
>> 51 - 52 by my training timeline).
>>
>> Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out
>> of the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill
>> anpother dream, eh?
>>
>
>

Bob Fry
April 13th 06, 02:28 AM
As others have noted, you might reconsider pursuing the
multi-passenger and commercial licenses.

Assuming you have the money and the question is how to spend it, you
might try:

- a few long cross-countries once you have your certificate. Can you
get your 1-passenger rating and add on night and controlled airspace?
That would be a help on cross-countries though not required. Anyway
the overnight/several-night cross-country trips are a wonderful
learning and aesthetic experience.

- get endorsements/certificates for tailwheel, acrobatic, seaplanes,
gliders, and so on.

- buy into a partnership and own part of an airplane. I own a small
two-seater and have never regretted it. Well ok for two weeks each
year during the annual I am cussing and swearing but otherwise it's
great.

PPS
April 13th 06, 03:10 AM
If you want something to be proud of, reachable, and get a return on your
investment, consider getting your Instructors certificate as well.

Jose
April 13th 06, 03:27 AM
> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence

US rules are different; we can do our training in stages. Can you not
do that in Canada? Train for the one passenger certificate, and then if
you like it, continue the training.

More valuable (in the US for personal flying) than the commercial
certificate is the instrument rating. Although it may be different in
Canada, it is worth looking into.

Jose
--
The price of freedom is... well... freedom.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

Captain Ken
April 13th 06, 03:46 AM
I know what you mean, - GO FOR IT - good luck, have a ball!

"HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
.. .
>I want to do it because it's something that I can be proud of, something I
>accomplished.
> And all for the price of a new SUV....which will turn to rust in 10
> years...
>
>
> "RandyL" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Har,
>> I certainly don't want to tell you what to do, but here is an
>> observation. $8500 is a LOT of money. You could certainly use it to get
>> your commercial license, but I am wondering how useful a commercial
>> license will be to you. The whole purpose of getting a commercial license
>> is to get a job with a commercial carrier. Even though you may have a
>> commercial license, most carriers will not hire anyone who does not have
>> a minimum number of hours logged IN ADDITION to the minimum numer of
>> hours logged for your commercial license. This is because of insurance
>> liability. Most commerial carrier require at least 300 hours or more
>> above the minimum that it takes for your commercial ticket. By the time
>> that you get your commericial license, AND the minimum hours logged for
>> insurance coverage, you may well be in your mid to late 50's.
>> Unfortunately there are not very many carriers that will hire someone in
>> this age range. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but I'm just
>> wondering if that $8500 could be better used to perhaps purchase an
>> airplane of your own. You might do a little investigating before you
>> plunk down a lot of money on a commercial rating, and see just what the
>> minimum requirements are for employment with a commercial carrier. It's
>> just something to think about.
>>
>> Randy L.
>> --
>> "When making an emergency off-field landing at night, turn
>> on the landing lights just prior to touchdown. If you don't
>> like what you see, then turn off the landing lights."
>>
>>
>> "HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
>> .. .
>>> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
>>> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
>>> commercial flights that I can recall ...
>>> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
>>> landings.)
>>> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over
>>> 400 hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more
>>> fun.
>>>
>>> I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at
>>> ease while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
>>>
>>> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
>>> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to
>>> carry multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for
>>> commercial pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
>>>
>>> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
>>> some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be
>>> 51 - 52 by my training timeline).
>>>
>>> Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out
>>> of the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill
>>> anpother dream, eh?
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Private
April 13th 06, 04:09 AM
"HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
.. .
> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
> commercial flights that I can recall ...
> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
> landings.)
> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over
> 400 hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more fun.
>
> I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at ease
> while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
>
> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to
> carry multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for
> commercial pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
>
> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
> some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be
> 51 - 52 by my training timeline).
>
> Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out of
> the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill
> anpother dream, eh?

Lots of good thoughts from previous posters.

Flight training is great fun and will challenge your mind, you will meet
interesting and intelligent people. It is not a good investment financially
but a bargain compared with other mid life recreation like gambling or young
women or new red sports cars. The cost of flight training is rising quickly
due to the cost of fuel and insurance.

IMHO you should focus on learning to fly and not on acquiring licenses or
ratings.

I am a big believer in learning good stick and rudder skills by training on
a taildragger. IMHO the Citabria 7eca is the very best trainer and a lot of
fun to fly. It will not be easy to find one for training but when you do
the odds are you will have also found a good instructor. A school in your
area (that I know nothing about) which does have a Citabria and some float
planes is http://www.futureair.ca/
I am sure there must be others.

On your way to completing the CPL requirements of 200TT including 100PIC you
can also do RPL, PPL, night, OTT, float, aerobatic, multi and IFR. You
could even get some of this training as part of your R/PPL. You also need
several solo xc including one of 300 nmi radius. When you travel to a new
location you can take a flight (with an instructor) for sight seeing or to
try a different aircraft. If you get a glider license you can use ~50 hrs
towards your CPL. Few people reach the PPL level with only the minimum
required hours but it really doesn't matter since when you do complete your
PPL you will just be that much closer to your CPL. You can fill the ground
school requirement by self study, get advice and log your study time. By
the time you do all or some of these you will have developed a great deal of
aviation knowledge and hopefully some stick and rudder skills.

You should do a lot of planning to ensure that you acquire the right mix of
required types and amounts of dual training without over training (paying $)
in one area. As an example it is best to do your instrument training hood
work (you need 5 hrs for your PPL and 20 hrs additional for your CPL, and
35? total for IFR) at night so that you can count the time taxiing and
taking off and circuit and landing as dual night and you can combine dual
night xc with hood work to give more variety to each lesson and to build
your dual hours in the most efficient way. It is better to do your night
flying in the winter as it is dark much earlier.

I paid < C$25,000 for my CPL, it took me several years and I had a lot of
fun and met some great people. Costs have increased somewhat since then and
will probably increase some more before you are done. Take intro flights
with all the schools in your area and log the dual time. These lessons are
usually a bargain.

CAUTION - NEVER PAY IN ADVANCE. Make your school and your instructor earn
your next lesson by giving you great training and not overcharging on this
lesson. IMHO (and you will receive may contrary opinions here), you should
not be afraid to try different schools and instructors and after about
twenty hours you should definitely have two instructors and two schools to
avoid the problems you may face if your one instructor or school quits or
goes broke or refuses to recommend you for your flight test.

Keep good records (and receipts) of your training costs as training towards
the CPL is income tax deductible if you are intending (hoping) to use it to
get a job and earn income. Get good advice from several experienced tax
accountants.

Happy landings,

SnakeEyes
April 13th 06, 04:50 AM
HarDeeHarHar wrote:
> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...

Hmm.....seems I got off cheap when I went through mid-life crisis.
Just switched from real women to porn movies. Best decision I ever
made (other than simming) : )))

SnakeEyes
(aka SoreEyes)

Jose
April 13th 06, 05:01 AM
> (Hey, [Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is] still hot for 72)

Ouch.

Jose
--
The price of freedom is... well... freedom.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

Peter Duniho
April 13th 06, 06:58 AM
"Sammy" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>A few observations:
>
> 1) You're not talking about $8500 vs $7500. With the added hours you're
> talking about $33500 vs $7500. As you said you're not likely to become
> a commerical pilot, so why waste $25k (or be constrained by rules on
> how to spend it if you're allocating it to going up)?

Presumably, the additional hours would be hours he'd fly anyway as a pilot.
It's not entirely clear how the FBO where he got his quote handles things,
so maybe there's some window of time during which he's required to fly all
of those hours. But a person getting a pilot certificate is presumably
intending to spend money flying, even after they get the certificate. So
general-purpose hours required for an advanced rating aren't really part of
the cost of the rating; they are just a consequence of flying.

> 1) $7500 is quite a bit of money, but less than what it would cost to
> do the same in AUS. I have a friend here at work that had his
> commerical license. It cost him around AUD35000 about eight years ago
> to get his PPL and CPL and then he couldn't get a job. He considers it
> wasted (but I disagree with that and told him as much). However the
> kicker I think is the minimum to get your PPL is in AUS is something
> like AUD12-15k. I think your dollar is worth a little more though.

Hey, that's two #1's! :p

Just for reference (as of today):

$1 AUD is $0.84 CDN
$1 US is $1.15 CDN

and just for grins,

$1 US is $1.37 AUD

(in case anyone is trying to compare the costs directly)

> 2) If it's what you want to do, and you have the cash to spare (ie no
> family commitments etc. you'd have to neglect) go for it. Do expect it
> to be hard work (but that doesn't mean it won't be fun).

Agree 100%.

> 3) I'd disagree with the other poster about putting the money towards a
> plane. Even $33500 won't go far unless you're talking ultralight.

$33500 would go far enough. You can get a pretty nice used 2-seater (Cessna
150, Ercoupe, etc) for that (well, maybe not abroad, but certainly in the US
you could). You could buy a couple of decked-out ultralights for that kind
of money. Maybe three.

> But
> what about putting $7500 towards a nice computer, projector, yoke and
> pedals, extra monitors and build a home cockpit? Have you looked at the
> traffic, scenery and weather addons you can buy or download for free?
> That's another option certainly within reach of $7500. It's never going
> to be as good as the real thing, but if you're just doing it for fun
> you won't have to worry about weather, time of day or night, medicals,
> motion sickness, currency of your license. Plus if you crash you don't
> die or end up in hospital. Just another option.

Certainly nothing wrong with that option. But IMHO the fun of flying on a
PC and the fun of flying for real are two completely different things. As
much as people like to use the sims as a surrogate for the real thing, they
really are two completely different endeavors.

> 4) Do you have to decide right away whether you're going for the
> multi-passenger or commercial ticket? I'd put that decision off until
> the absolute last minute and do as much as possible of the training and
> exam that's common to both. Circumstances both medical and financial
> change, and you don't want to be out a lot of money or obligated to do
> 200hrs unless you have to be.

Yes, hopefully he wouldn't be committed to the $8500 until it's time to
continue to the Commercial. I cannot imagine that he would be committed to
the 200 general-purpose hours. Any FBO that would make such a requirement
deserves avoiding at all costs.

> Bottom line is real world flying's what you want to do go for it. Do it
> safely and smartly, have fun, and lots of luck to you!

Good answer. :)

Pete

April 13th 06, 08:12 AM
some of them real women you find can be real hags LMAO
"SnakeEyes" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> HarDeeHarHar wrote:
>> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
>
> Hmm.....seems I got off cheap when I went through mid-life crisis.
> Just switched from real women to porn movies. Best decision I ever
> made (other than simming) : )))
>
> SnakeEyes
> (aka SoreEyes)
>

Jarod (the puppy)
April 13th 06, 11:06 AM
"H" == "HarDeeHarHar" writes:

I agree with you in a lot of what you are saying.

The first arguement put against you was valid, but here is another
thing for you to think about:

Get flying with passangers (though why I don't know - there is a
story there but doesn't matter).

This will cost you less.

Use the difference to subsidize flying with "GA" aircraft for longer.

So you pay $4500 and have $4000 left.

That is a lot of hours flying.



Now going to what I was saying about "PAX".

Here's what I see:

YOU want to fly.

That said, you fly where you want, and pretty much when you want.

Having people (one is bad enough) complaining about where they want
to go, but many people all wanting to go somewhere? You can only fly
ONE plane at any one time.


Unless they are all pilots or plane buffs, taking people around can
get annoying.

They NAG at you and say some of the most stupid things at the most
un-appropriate times.

When you are listening to ATC and they are talking over then you
nearly want to throw them out - because you told them before you took
off to shut up when ATC is talking.





H> I want to do it because it's something that I can be proud of,
H> something I accomplished. And all for the price of a new
H> SUV....which will turn to rust in 10 years...
--
========
Thanks.....

Jarod

Jarod (the puppy)
April 13th 06, 11:10 AM
"S" == "Sammy" writes:

Yes, I agree.

The thing which would probably be better is to rent.

This way you save on the initial cost, insurance, rego, maintenance
costs amd all the hassels.

As the proverb goes:
"If it floats, flys, of giggles in bed: It is cheaper to rent than
buy."


S> 3) I'd disagree with the other poster about putting the money
S> towards a plane. Even $33500 won't go far unless you're talking
S> ultralight. But what about putting $7500 towards a nice computer,
S> projector, yoke and pedals, extra monitors and build a home
S> cockpit? Have you looked at the



--
========
Thanks.....

Jarod

kontiki
April 13th 06, 11:56 AM
Its your money and your life so do what you want to do. Remember, you can't
take it with you. :^)

Crash Lander
April 13th 06, 01:47 PM
"HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
.. .
> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
> commercial flights that I can recall ...
> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
> landings.)
> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over
> 400 hours of flight on that game....

BOOM! Headshot!
Crash Lander

Crash Lander
April 13th 06, 01:56 PM
"Jarod (the puppy)" > wrote in message
...
> "S" == "Sammy" writes:
>
> Yes, I agree.
>
> The thing which would probably be better is to rent.
>
> This way you save on the initial cost, insurance, rego, maintenance
> costs amd all the hassels.
>
> As the proverb goes:
> "If it floats, flys, of giggles in bed: It is cheaper to rent than
> buy."
>
>
> S> 3) I'd disagree with the other poster about putting the money
> S> towards a plane. Even $33500 won't go far unless you're talking
> S> ultralight. But what about putting $7500 towards a nice computer,
> S> projector, yoke and pedals, extra monitors and build a home
> S> cockpit? Have you looked at the
>
>

You can buy a half, third, quarter or even less share in some a/c.
Basically, you and say 3 other people own the plane, and you just work out
between you who can use it when. You all split the insurance and hangar
costs evenly.
Crash Lander

B A R R Y
April 13th 06, 07:07 PM
Captain Ken wrote:
> I know what you mean, - GO FOR IT - good luck, have a ball!

The OP asking us if he should learn how to fly is like asking a dog if
it's hungry. <G>


Good luck, and keep us up to date.

Vaughn Simon
April 13th 06, 10:59 PM
"Peter Duniho" > wrote in message
...
> "Sammy" > wrote in message
> Presumably, the additional hours would be hours he'd fly anyway as a pilot.
> ... But a person getting a pilot certificate is presumably intending to spend
> money flying, even after they get the certificate. So general-purpose hours
> required for an advanced rating aren't really part of the cost of the rating;
> they are just a consequence of flying.
>
Bingo! Give that guy a prize. That is exactly correct, and that is one
reason why I am not shy about paying for dual on a fairly regular basis, even
though I am not working on any particular rating. The hourly price of a CFI is
only a fraction of the hourly cost of the plane, which I would be flying around
in anyhow.

Vaughn

Chris Ehlbeck
April 13th 06, 11:00 PM
HarDeeHarHar wrote:
> I want to do it because it's something that I can be proud of, something I
> accomplished.
> And all for the price of a new SUV....which will turn to rust in 10 years...
>
>

Then, by all means GO FOR IT! I too intend to work through and get my
commercial (US) and then my CFI. With my proposed schedule it'd be just
about retirement time for me and would give me part time job AND let me
share aviation.

Good Luck!!
Chris

The Visitor
April 14th 06, 12:46 AM
Get your private licence, not your rec(if that is what you are thinking)
but get your rec signed off when you qualify for it. Go right into your
night rating. If you like it still go four your commercial. It keeps you
working towards something. Or just fly. You can buy time on various
planes and people are looking for partners in 172's and such.

Have you looked into Burlington?

John

(Mmmmm, Jeannie.....)



HarDeeHarHar wrote:
> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
> commercial flights that I can recall ...
> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
> landings.)
> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over 400
> hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more fun.
>
> I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at ease
> while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
>
> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to carry
> multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for commercial
> pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
>
> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
> some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be 51 -
> 52 by my training timeline).
>
> Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out of
> the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill anpother
> dream, eh?
>
>

kosh
April 14th 06, 01:00 AM
HarDeeHarHar wrote:
> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
> commercial flights that I can recall ...
> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
> landings.)
> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over 400
> hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more fun.
>
> I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at ease
> while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
>
> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to carry
> multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for commercial
> pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
>
> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
> some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be 51 -
> 52 by my training timeline).
>
> Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out of
> the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill anpother
> dream, eh?
>
>
go for it!!! for the personla satisfaction... if for nothing else!

have you seen the photographic industry lately!?! I have a career change
on the cards... been flying FS since the commodore 64 and wire frame
models..... think it's about time to start something.

Whent up in a glider at Lilydale (australia) flew a good chunk of the
time.... got a taste!

kosh

Judah
April 14th 06, 03:09 AM
You need to get yourself an intercom with an ISOlate switch...

"Jarod (the puppy)" > wrote in
:

<snip>
> They NAG at you and say some of the most stupid things at the most
> un-appropriate times.
>
> When you are listening to ATC and they are talking over then you
> nearly want to throw them out - because you told them before you took
> off to shut up when ATC is talking.

Jase Vanover
April 14th 06, 03:31 AM
Go for it. Lots of good advice for you to read here, but based on your
post, you're doing this for the "dream factor" not the rational factor. I,
too, played with MSFS for a long time. There really is no comparison. It's
kind of like flipping through Playboy versus having sex... the same interest
in mind, but the end results are, well, different.

The important thing is to get started. You can decide along the way if you
want to go commercial, add ratings, whatever. Just get started. That is
the important thing. You won't regret it.


"HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
.. .
> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
> commercial flights that I can recall ...
> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
> landings.)
> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over
> 400 hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more fun.
>
> I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at ease
> while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
>
> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to
> carry multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for
> commercial pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
>
> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
> some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be
> 51 - 52 by my training timeline).
>
> Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out of
> the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill
> anpother dream, eh?
>

Crash Lander
April 14th 06, 07:30 AM
"Jase Vanover" > wrote in message
.. .
> Go for it. Lots of good advice for you to read here, but based on your
> post, you're doing this for the "dream factor" not the rational factor.
> I, too, played with MSFS for a long time. There really is no comparison.
> It's kind of like flipping through Playboy versus having sex... the same
> interest in mind, but the end results are, well, different.
>
You mean real people actually have real sex? ;-)
Crash Lander

Dallas
April 14th 06, 08:10 AM
"Jase Vanover"
> I, too, played with MSFS for a long time. There really is no comparison.
It's
> kind of like flipping through Playboy versus having sex...

Na... I'd say it was more like having sex with a rubber blow up doll vs. the
real thing.


:-)

Dallas

Dallas
April 14th 06, 08:10 AM
"Crash Lander"
> You mean real people actually have real sex? ;-)

Single ones do.


:-)

Dallas

Frode Berg
April 14th 06, 10:43 AM
"Dallas"
>
> "Crash Lander"
>> You mean real people actually have real sex? ;-)
>
> Single ones do.
>
>
Would that require an ATPL?

Frode

Frode Berg
April 14th 06, 10:44 AM
"Dallas"

> "Jase Vanover"
>> I, too, played with MSFS for a long time. There really is no
>> comparison.
> It's
>> kind of like flipping through Playboy versus having sex...
>
> Na... I'd say it was more like having sex with a rubber blow up doll vs.
> the
> real thing.
>
>

Ah, rubber versus latex you mean? Yes, I know, quite a different feeling
altogether.

Frode

Crash Lander
April 14th 06, 11:40 AM
"Dallas" > wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> "Crash Lander"
>> You mean real people actually have real sex? ;-)
>
> Single ones do.
>
>
> :-)
>
> Dallas
>
Bugger!
Crash Lander

Simon Robbins
April 14th 06, 12:25 PM
RandyL wrote:
> I certainly don't want to tell you what to do, but here is an
> observation. $8500 is a LOT of money.

That's Canadian dollars, don't forget. Not that bad at all. Less than
the price of many other "mid-life crises", as a new motorcycle, flashy
speedboat, or sports car, for example.

Go for it, I say. And so he's not going to find himself being picked up
for a co-jo on a big heavy, but there's plenty of opportunity for mature
flight instructors. Might just be the kind of late career someone's
looking for as they begin to wind down towards (and into) retirement.

Si

SnakeEyes
April 14th 06, 01:08 PM
Frode Berg wrote:

> Ah, rubber versus latex you mean? Yes, I know, quite a different feeling
> altogether.
>
> Frode

You have to LOVE this forum. There's an expert on everything here.

SE

Barney Rubble
April 14th 06, 07:15 PM
On piece of advice - go get your medical now before you start, rather than
getting into it and then finding an issue that stops you soloing. Hopefully
you're in good shape and this will not be an issue.

- Barney
"HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
.. .
> I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
> Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
> commercial flights that I can recall ...
> Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
> landings.)
> Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over
> 400 hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more fun.
>
> I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at ease
> while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
>
> So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
> airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to
> carry multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for
> commercial pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
>
> So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
> some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be
> 51 - 52 by my training timeline).
>
> Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out of
> the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill
> anpother dream, eh?
>

napd
April 15th 06, 02:26 AM
Barney Rubble wrote:
> On piece of advice - go get your medical now before you start, rather than
> getting into it and then finding an issue that stops you soloing. Hopefully
> you're in good shape and this will not be an issue.
>
> - Barney
> "HarDeeHarHar" > wrote in message
> .. .
> > I'm 48, and time to have me som fun...
> > Been flying as a passenger since I was 8 months, have had 102 flights on
> > commercial flights that I can recall ...
> > Have flown Schweizer 232 sailplanes, and Cessna 172's (not take off or
> > landings.)
> > Have played with MS Flight Sim since 1995, and probably have logged over
> > 400 hours of flight on that game....the new ATC versions make it more fun.
> >
> > I understand flight theory and dynamics, and have felt at home and at ease
> > while behind the yoke or stick while in the 172 and 232's.
> >
> > So I looked at flight training, and here west of Toronto at the Guelph
> > airport, it's about $4500 allowing me to carry one passenger, $7500 to
> > carry multiple passengers, or $8500 (plus 200 hrs @ $125/hr) for
> > commercial pilot...(all in Canadian $$$)
> >
> > So I have time, might as well go for the commercial licence, and have me
> > some fun...not that it will get me a job by the time I'm done (I'll be
> > 51 - 52 by my training timeline).
> >
> > Never too late, and since having sex with Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is out of
> > the question (Hey, she's still hot for 72), I might as well fulfill
> > anpother dream, eh?
> >

Andy L.
April 17th 06, 05:59 PM
> Then, by all means GO FOR IT! I too intend to work through and get my
> commercial (US) and then my CFI. With my proposed schedule it'd be just
> about retirement time for me and would give me part time job AND let me
> share aviation.
>
> Good Luck!!
> Chris

That would be my dream retirement. I wish you the best. My immediate goal is
to solo by the end of the year. I haven't started yet. I'm selling a
business and hope to fund my PPL with some of that. My only concern about
the CFI part of the dream is a red/green colorblindness issue. If I can't
demonstrate ability I would be limited to daytime restrictions and might be
disqualified from CFI. Anyone know?

Andy

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