patmike
Pre-takeoff checklist
hello everybody, i'm about to begin the learning to fly process and i was just wondering if i'm crazy for starting at age 52. just something i've always wanted to do.
flight training age
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airbornejohnny
Line Up and Wait
Never stop learning! If it's something you've always wanted to do don't let your age be a factor. Good luck!
Better late than never! Your age won't be a factor and you will have many years of flying left ahead of you. Welcome to the board and good luck.
Noticed your location, I'm a 1989 Central Connecticut grad.
Noticed your location, I'm a 1989 Central Connecticut grad.
wabower
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Wayne
Perfect age! Many others have been in your shoes (or even older shoes) and have distinguished theirownselves. You'll do fine, probably struggle with something along the way (everybody does without respect to age) and be proud of yourself when the training is completed. Plus, if it's something you've always wanted to do, you'll have a hell of a lot of fun doing it. Good luck!
rottydaddy
En-Route
It's a bit like asking if it's crazy to learn to fly at any age. Who cares what somebody else thinks? Which do you want more- your pilot certificate or for someone to tell you it's OK? 
When I went for my ticket in my late 30s, reactions from friends, coworkers and family ranged from "let's just pretend he didn't say anything about flying, and change the subject" to "OMG please don't get yourself killed!"
I can't honestly recall a "good for you!" or "that's cool!"... but I didn't let that stop me.
You won't be the oldest to go for it (and succeed), so forget all that and just go for it (and succeed).
When I went for my ticket in my late 30s, reactions from friends, coworkers and family ranged from "let's just pretend he didn't say anything about flying, and change the subject" to "OMG please don't get yourself killed!"
I can't honestly recall a "good for you!" or "that's cool!"... but I didn't let that stop me.
You won't be the oldest to go for it (and succeed), so forget all that and just go for it (and succeed).
flyingcheesehead
Taxi to Parking
In 10 years, you're going to be 62, and you're either going to be a pilot, or you're not.
(in a couple words: DO IT!)
BTW, I think that 52 is not too far from the average age that people learn how to fly for fun... Most people, when they're younger, lack the time (family), financial resources, and stick-toitiveness it seems. So you're in good company.
HPNPilot1200
En-Route
I would like to echo everyone else's comments. Definitely pursue learning to fly if you are interested. Feel free to email or PM me with any local questions, I am based in OXC.
Thumper
Pre-takeoff checklist
Age 61 and working on my Instrument Rating......never stop learning!
TMetzinger
Final Approach
No problem starting at that age. Be aware that you're probably not going to pick things up as quickly as you did when you were in your 20's. On the other hand, you've probably got a lot better judgement then you had in your 20s so it can even out a bit.
Stick with it, don't get frustrated when you hit the inevitable plateaus in the learning process.
Come back here and keep us up-to-date on your progress!
Stick with it, don't get frustrated when you hit the inevitable plateaus in the learning process.
Come back here and keep us up-to-date on your progress!
djeanis
Filing Flight Plan
Just remember that those that start when older have a tendency to "ground aversion". This means that you may feel fine at altitude and feel really anxious as you make your approaches and departures. T&G's and landings will help over come this problem. Remember it is because you were not young and "immortal" when you started is all.
Everything else is just normal learning....
Also I have a suggestion that you make sure you study hard and that you make sure your instructor is always asking you questions during flights (about regs, weather, the airplane..anything that will be on a test or used to survive!). When I learned, the questions never stopped as long as we were near and aircraft.
Everything else is just normal learning....
Also I have a suggestion that you make sure you study hard and that you make sure your instructor is always asking you questions during flights (about regs, weather, the airplane..anything that will be on a test or used to survive!). When I learned, the questions never stopped as long as we were near and aircraft.
Skylane81E
Final Approach
Probably arround average age for folks at the our school.
eMKay
Pre-takeoff checklist
I'm 36 and seem to be on the young side if the members of my club are any indication. My CFI is 23 though, the last two students he had were in their 50's
ajstoner21
Cleared for Takeoff
Welcome to Aviation 
If you can pass your medical (or at least hold a drivers license for LSA), never too old!
If you can pass your medical (or at least hold a drivers license for LSA), never too old!
Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe
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Light and Sporty Guy
Welcome to Aviation
If you can pass your medical (or at least hold a drivers license for LSA), never too old!
Re: medical. Know before you go. Do not put any mark on a form until you know the answer to every question and know that it will not be an issue. If you fail the medical you will be locked out of the Sport Pilot option even if you would otherwise be safe to operate as PIC under S.P. rules.
patmike
Pre-takeoff checklist
first off thank you all for the words of encouragement.
QUOTE=ajstoner21;709892]Welcome to Aviation
If you can pass your medical (or at least hold a drivers license for LSA), never too old![/QUOTE]
what does this medical involve that a normal one doesn't
i figured if i was healthy enough to work 60 hours a week and drive a stock car on thurs. nights with guys half my age this should be doable.
i don't know if it's a problem but i'm a recovering alcoholic 18 years sober and a lung cancer survivor 12 years ago so i do have some tough miles on me but hasn't stopped me form doing anything i set my mind to.
going up for my demo ride sat. afternoon
never been in a small plane before lot's of big ones in the military C-141 and C-5 (navy) plus lot's of helo's CH-46, CH-53, UH-1
we'll see what happens. i'm starting to get the same adrenaline rush i get when i'm about 3 exits before the race track
thanks again guys
keep the advice coming
QUOTE=ajstoner21;709892]Welcome to Aviation
If you can pass your medical (or at least hold a drivers license for LSA), never too old![/QUOTE]
what does this medical involve that a normal one doesn't
dont put a mark on what form?
i figured if i was healthy enough to work 60 hours a week and drive a stock car on thurs. nights with guys half my age this should be doable.
i don't know if it's a problem but i'm a recovering alcoholic 18 years sober and a lung cancer survivor 12 years ago so i do have some tough miles on me but hasn't stopped me form doing anything i set my mind to.
going up for my demo ride sat. afternoon
never been in a small plane before lot's of big ones in the military C-141 and C-5 (navy) plus lot's of helo's CH-46, CH-53, UH-1
we'll see what happens. i'm starting to get the same adrenaline rush i get when i'm about 3 exits before the race track
thanks again guys
keep the advice coming
It's pretty much nuts at any age, but it's a pleasant sort of insanity so I go with it.Just try to dedicate 2 flights and 10-15 a week to studying and you'll be done quickly and cost effectively. Then try to make it to 100 hous in the rest of the first year and you'll be pretty set in the skills required.
Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe
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The form that they will hand to you at the AME's office. Don't recall the number 'cuz I gave up on those...
Being healthy has nothing to do with passing a medical. If you took the wrong medication, had a "bad" diagnosis, whatever, you can be SOL.
Good on ya!
You may wish to go in for a "consultation" with an AME before you commit to a physical. The rules for medicals and/or Sport Pilot don't always make sense, so one needs to tread carefully...
Have a good time!!!
BTW - AOPA has a "turbo medical" that you can do on line to see if any red flags come up. I believe that you can get a free 6 month membership if you want. aopa.org
ajstoner21
Cleared for Takeoff
Good Call Geoffrey, I didn't even think about that.
Color me crazy but I started last August at age 53 and have enjoyed the ride. I'm looking forward to exploring the USA from above with the wife and kids over the next several years. The RV can wait for when I'm actually "old". :wink2:
I don't want to have any "I should haves" in my golden years.
jesse
Touchdown! Greaser!
That's good advice right there.
Laurie
Pre-takeoff checklist
Oldest student I had was 72 when he started and went through instrument. He would be 83 now and he is still flying. I get a Christmas card every year with a nice letter about his flying over the past year.
steingar
Taxi to Parking
No way, too damn old. The OP should forget aviation and content himself with a life of Viagra and Metamucil.
patmike
Pre-takeoff checklist
thats a good one dirk. i can relate to ground aversion. same thing happens to older race car drivers but it's more like wall aversion. you become less likely to stick the car in the corner because hitting the wall hurts worse with age.
MBDiagMan
Final Approach
Well, if you're crazy, then by comparison, the men in the white suits will be coming soon to haul me off to the funny farm!
I will be 62 week after next. I got close to my private license 20 years ago and had to give it up. I have taken it up again and I am in the process of buying an airplane to complete my private, then instrument rating, commercial and CFI. My goal is to be a flight instructor as a retirement job.
I personally believe that hesitating to do things based in your number of years on Earth is not a good way to live. There are great things to do on Earth. I plan on enjoying as much of it as I can while I'm here. I have been blessed with good health and I'm in pretty darn good physical condition for someone near retirement age. I'm not about to back off and not make the most of it.
Go find a flight school and they will tell you how to go about getting your medical and passing your written. You don't have to do these things before starting your training in the air. JUST DO IT! Go out there and fly your butt off.
Uh-Oh! The door bell is ringing, there's a white van out front and two men at the door wearing white suits and holding a straight jacket. I'll see if they have internet access at the Funny Farm.
Doc
I will be 62 week after next. I got close to my private license 20 years ago and had to give it up. I have taken it up again and I am in the process of buying an airplane to complete my private, then instrument rating, commercial and CFI. My goal is to be a flight instructor as a retirement job.
I personally believe that hesitating to do things based in your number of years on Earth is not a good way to live. There are great things to do on Earth. I plan on enjoying as much of it as I can while I'm here. I have been blessed with good health and I'm in pretty darn good physical condition for someone near retirement age. I'm not about to back off and not make the most of it.
Go find a flight school and they will tell you how to go about getting your medical and passing your written. You don't have to do these things before starting your training in the air. JUST DO IT! Go out there and fly your butt off.
Uh-Oh! The door bell is ringing, there's a white van out front and two men at the door wearing white suits and holding a straight jacket. I'll see if they have internet access at the Funny Farm.
Doc
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ajstoner21
Cleared for Takeoff
I'll just say, it might be best to go get the medical before you spend a ton of money on training. If it turns out you can't get the medical, that could be a lot of money wasted.
I'd modify that to getting a consultation with an AME about getting a medical. That way if there's a problem Sport Pilot is still available.
patmike
Pre-takeoff checklist
i don't think i'll have to worry about any of that. when i went for my demo flight, i got in the plane and took a look at all of those gauges and how small it was inside and had to get out. i'm still trying to figure out what bothered me more, how tight it was, the guages, or the fact that the cfi said i would be controling things right off.
is it common for the new guy to go right in the pilot seat? (left side) i was more looking for a ride to observe how things were done.
also we were a bit rushed because we had some weather moving in. maybe if i could have sat there and soaked things in a bit i would have been ok. i've worked i alot of thight places in cluding submarines and have never had a problem with claustrophobia.
funny part is, a part of me still wants to do this.
maybe i'll try to find someone who'll let me sit in the plane to check things out at my own pace.
is it common for the new guy to go right in the pilot seat? (left side) i was more looking for a ride to observe how things were done.
also we were a bit rushed because we had some weather moving in. maybe if i could have sat there and soaked things in a bit i would have been ok. i've worked i alot of thight places in cluding submarines and have never had a problem with claustrophobia.
funny part is, a part of me still wants to do this.
maybe i'll try to find someone who'll let me sit in the plane to check things out at my own pace.
ajstoner21
Cleared for Takeoff
I would say its perfectly normal for a CFI to have the student in the left seat right away. Depending on how new and "jumpy" the CFI is, the amount the CFI lets a new student pilot do may vary a lot.
On my intro flight, my instructor did all the radio work (I think, its been a while), and let me taxi (listening to his guidance), and even let me take off and fly most of the time. He was doing things I didn't really realize before, like helping with the rudder on take off and climb. I remember being talked through the first landing, and I didnt even realize I was landing till I turned to final.
Overcoming a fear or uncomfortable feeling of a tight space may be tough, but I would say not to worry too much that are you doing too much. Your CFI will most definitely be keeping a close eye on everything, and will be doing a lot more than you realize at this point.
If you feel you need to just take things in for a while, maybe ask your CFI if you can ride as a backseat passenger on some of his other training flights and you can observe, get a feel for the radio work, and soak it all in. Keep in mind though, as a VFR pilot, you should be using the horizon most, not necessarily your flight instruments.
You think that was bad, wait till the first time you hit turbulence, you're gonna s-t yourself
. As far as the gauges go, there's only one you'll have to pay attention to on your first flight and that's the airspeed, most likely it was on the top left. There are controls on both sides so the instructor shouldn't let you screw up too bad. Normally on your first lesson you will sit there and the instructor will go over the whole panel with you. Normally the student goes directly into the left seat because that is where you will be and you learn the correct sight picture right off the bat. Don't worry, the instructor can fly perfectly well from the right seat.If it is a claustrophobia thing, well, you may find a bigger plane (I don't know what you were in), but it won't be much bigger Until you get into cabin class planes, the difference in size up in the front is just a few inches between all the models, and even cabin class twins it's only going to be a foot or so different.
Go again on a day when you aren't pressed by weather, try and make a couple of flights, if you aren't reasonably comfortable by flight 3, then flying may not be your cup of tea, it's not for everyone.
MBDiagMan
Final Approach
From my limited pilot experience, what you experienced was a little normal. When you first start, you are managing a 10 ring circus. Over time you manage to get some of the rings controlled by habit, sort of like when you guide your car down the road without thinking about it. As you fly more and more, you get it to a three or four ring circus.
It is normal to take the controls right away, but REMEMBER, the instructor has the controls at hand as well.
Most anyone can take off in an airplane. It's all quite natural except maybe for the rudder pedals on the ground. I would suggest that you do a little reading about the controls and indicators. There are plenty of books about the basics. Study a little so that things are not foreign to you when you climb in.
Don't give it up! Do some learning and stay on course.
Doc
It is normal to take the controls right away, but REMEMBER, the instructor has the controls at hand as well.
Most anyone can take off in an airplane. It's all quite natural except maybe for the rudder pedals on the ground. I would suggest that you do a little reading about the controls and indicators. There are plenty of books about the basics. Study a little so that things are not foreign to you when you climb in.
Don't give it up! Do some learning and stay on course.
Doc
flyingcheesehead
Taxi to Parking
What kind of airplane was it? Cessna 150/152 (2 seat) type planes can definitely be claustrophobia-inducing - There's just not much room there. But if you can't deal with the amount of room in a 172 (4-seater, and most of the extra room will be behind you) you're going to have a problem with most single-engine training airplanes.
Definitely stop by and see if you can just sit in the airplane for a while and get used to where everything is. Maybe a cockpit poster from Sporty's would help you as well.
Also, yes it is not only common but pretty much expected that you'll be flying on your first flight - It's not rocket science, even though it may feel that way right now! On my first flight I did everything but the landing (including the radio work - I worked at the airport as a lineman so I was listening to the radio a lot and knew how it went). A year later, when I could actually afford lessons, I took another intro flight and did everything including the landing - I was with a much more experienced instructor that time.
It sounds like you felt a bit rushed - Let the instructor know that you're looking for something a little slower-paced and they should work with you on that. But, generally the "easy" maneuvers (simple turns, climbs, descents, etc) will be done by you right away, and more complex maneuvers like stalls, steep turns, and such will be demonstrated once by the instructor and then you'll do them. The instructor has a full set of controls on their side of the airplane and they won't let you screw up too badly. So, relax, fly, and have fun!
patmike
Pre-takeoff checklist
thanks for the input. the plane was a cessna 172 r
i'll give it a rest for a week or so and in that time get a consult with and ame as henning recommended. i have a name of a doctor that they use. i'll also try to have a 1 on 1 chat with the instructor as i did feel a bit rushed as he was in a hurry to beat the weather.
i'll give it a rest for a week or so and in that time get a consult with and ame as henning recommended. i have a name of a doctor that they use. i'll also try to have a 1 on 1 chat with the instructor as i did feel a bit rushed as he was in a hurry to beat the weather.
ajstoner21
Cleared for Takeoff
How do you and the instructor get along? From the first flight, would you anticipate any conflicts with this instructor?
patmike
Pre-takeoff checklist
didn't even have a flight. i had to get out. i didn't feel comfortable. the instructor was great. as i said i don't know what freaked me out more, the confined space or the fact that i would be controlling the plane right off. i had a picture of doing something wrong and crashing the thing right off.
jesse
Touchdown! Greaser!
I can promise you that the instructor intends on going home at the end of the day and has done this many many times. They're not going to let you make a mistake that will hurt you or the airplane.didn't even have a flight. i had to get out. i didn't feel comfortable. the instructor was great. as i said i don't know what freaked me out more, the confined space or the fact that i would be controlling the plane right off. i had a picture of doing something wrong and crashing the thing right off.
Don't throw the towel in on this yet. Talk to the instructor about it. Or come out to Nebraska
Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe
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You can pretty much ignore most of the gauges - the rest are like your car - airspeed is like your spedometer, tach is like, well, a tach. Altimiter - Ok, not one of those in the car. Engine oil temperature / pressure - like your car.
Horizons, turn coordinators, radios, etc. are just a distraction at this point. They don't mean much when you are flying in visual conditions.
When I did my last flight review the instructor had me put on "foggles" which limit my view so I can't see outside and just have to use all those stupid dials to fly. I thought I was doing OK - wings level (artifical horizon), turn coordinator nailed flat. Then he asks for a turn to a heading - I roll into the turn look at the turn coordinator to set up the standard rate turn - and it's still sitting in the middle. It was broken and I hadn't noticed.
(and neither had he.)As far as small - you should spend some time in my ride - then you get into a 172 you will be amazed at how big it is. :wink2:
Yea typical. It's not as hard to point the airplane in the direction you want it to go as you might think. It's not going to fall out of the sky if you goof up a bit. Really. It's not like the movies.
You can even let go and put your hands in your lap for a while. The airplane already knows how to fly - you just tell it where.
My brother used to fly a Champ - in that airplane you could take the stick and stir it around in a big circle - round and round. And the airplane would just kinda wiggle and bob like a fat chick on the dance floor - but it would just keep on it's way. It was always good for a laugh.
Feeling rushed is not a good thing. I suspect that was a lot of your problem. If the instructor was on edge trying to get this done and worrying about the weather, that could have rubbed off.
Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe
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i had a picture of doing something wrong and crashing the thing right off.
Most instructors save crashing until the second lesson.
Sounds like he/she should have spent more time explaining / preparing. You can do some really stupid **** and not crash. Trust me on that one.