Late Bloomer

So, why does someone decide to start flight training at age 55? For me, it is something I have wanted to do for almost as long as I can remember. I actually did make a start about sixteen years ago. I got in 5 hours before life intruded and I just never got back to it. Over time, I came to accept that the chance had passed me by. Recently though, I began noticing those “Be a Pilot” spots on TV. Maybe it wasn’t too late for me after all. I did some online research and found that a great many people my age and older have successfully learned to fly. If they could do it then maybe there was still a chance for me. I made up my mind to give it another try.

I thought that choosing a flight school would be a problem since there are so many to pick from here in the Chicagoland area. In fact though, the decision turned out to be an easy one. Campbell Airport is just 10 minutes from my home and about 15 from work so it was a logical choice for me. My only concern was that I didn’t know anything about the quality of instruction there. I turned to the Internet for help once again. Comments from past students were favorable and everyone who commented agreed that being so close to the airport would be a big advantage since I could fly more often. I especially want to acknowledge two very special people for their help and inspiration. So, thank you Oblivion for answering all my questions and for that special podcast. Also, thank you Lindy500 for posting those superb descriptions of your training flights on iPilot. I read every one of them and learned a lot.

Although I have never been able to keep a journal, I have decided to keep this blog of my training experience. Even if no one else ever reads it, it will be a record of my progress that I can refer to later. Still, I really do hope that others will read it. If just one person finds just one post helpful, I will feel blogging is worthwhile. If it encourages someone to pursue their own once set aside dream, then I will truly be overjoyed.