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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To seriously want to work towards a private pilot's license?

86 replies

Muddygreenfingers · 21/05/2023 17:36

Perhaps AIBU isn't quite right, perhaps it's AIBCaUN? (Am I being completely and utterly nuts?)

I've been on a few flight experiences and I absolutely love being up there. It gives me a buzz I haven't had since my horse riding days.

I've always loved going on planes (as exciting as the actual holiday) and always track planes on an app/look up for them on clear days. I love being up there, love the view and the feel of it. I play flight simulator, I watch videos, follow pilots on Instagram etc.

Financially it's expensive (about 12k to train), but I can afford it comfortably.

My biggest concern is that the aviation world is full of men over a certain age.
Sexist and ageist I'm being perhaps, but it honestly makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.

I'm a 30 something female, and even though I haven't felt uncomfortable with any of the instructors I've had (all male), I just feel like I'd end up feeling a bit lonely and/or uncomfortable.
I know IBU but it's honestly how I feel.

Should I let that put me off? Do I go for it?
A long shot but any other female pilots out there ??

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AnathemaPulsifer · 21/05/2023 17:48

My ex’s mum learned to fly in her 50s or 60s. She really loved it.

SwedishEdith · 21/05/2023 17:51

Do it. I knew someone who did it in her 20s then had a business flying business people on short trips to Europe. Essentially, she had her own airline. Eventually she switched careers to become an air traffic controller.

saltinesandcoffeecups · 21/05/2023 17:53

According tho the things I want to ban thread you’ll be single-handedly responsible for the downfall of Mother Earth if you do. 😒😉

Go for it! You are super young and while it’s not my thing it sounds like you’ll enjoy it!

amylou8 · 21/05/2023 18:00

I'm a bit of an avgeek too, this would be my dream, although I wouldn't be happy until I was flying a 787 😁. If you can afford it absolutely go for it.

Original poster
Muddygreenfingers · 21/05/2023 18:09

SwedishEdith · 21/05/2023 17:51

Do it. I knew someone who did it in her 20s then had a business flying business people on short trips to Europe. Essentially, she had her own airline. Eventually she switched careers to become an air traffic controller.

That sounds awesome. Like a proper dream job for me.
It's a bit hard at the moment as I have a young DC but I'd love this sort of job later in life!
Not sure about air traffic control. I think you need to be super human to do that sort of job!

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Snowite · 21/05/2023 18:15

Not a real life one but I am a huge fan of MSFS2020 both flat and in VR...lots of real life and ex pilots do it in VR by the way in case you've not tried it - can be very immersive flying around with live weather, love traffic and fellow virtual pilots, but I also totally get the appeal of PPL!

Original poster
Muddygreenfingers · 21/05/2023 18:17

saltinesandcoffeecups · 21/05/2023 17:53

According tho the things I want to ban thread you’ll be single-handedly responsible for the downfall of Mother Earth if you do. 😒😉

Go for it! You are super young and while it’s not my thing it sounds like you’ll enjoy it!

Just seen that thread.

Oh dear 😅

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Snowite · 21/05/2023 18:17

*live traffic...not "love traffic" although it can be quite sociable 😁

Oilyoilyoilgob · 21/05/2023 18:20

Omg do it. An absolute dream of mine and I’m a fellow plane tracking geek 😁 Do something that is just for you-imagine getting that license! It would open up so many opportunities. Good luck!

Sgtmajormummy · 21/05/2023 18:20

My nephew is a pilot and while he was building up flying time, DSis did him a favour and got a navigator’s certificate (not sure what it’s called) quite cheaply in her 60s. It allowed him/them to go out more frequently.
Maybe try that as a start?

Missingthesea · 21/05/2023 18:24

One of my friends is doing it in her late 50s. She loves it. She's joined the Association of Women Pilots (I think that's right) and they've been very helpful. She's preparing to take her final exams. Go for it!

amicissimma · 21/05/2023 18:25

Have you tried gliding? Gliding hours can count towards flying hours for a PPL and it can be cheaper and easier to find gliding time.

And take no notice of the male image - just do your thing.

bellocchild · 21/05/2023 18:27

Just remember to factor in annual cost of flying to keep up your licence.

Newusernameaug · 21/05/2023 18:31

SwedishEdith · 21/05/2023 17:51

Do it. I knew someone who did it in her 20s then had a business flying business people on short trips to Europe. Essentially, she had her own airline. Eventually she switched careers to become an air traffic controller.

You’d need a CPL, Commercial pilots licence to fly anyone for money, not a PPL, which is a private pilot licence.
A commercial licence is waaaay more expensive!!

Newusernameaug · 21/05/2023 18:31

Oh and yes 100% go for it!!!

Original poster
Muddygreenfingers · 21/05/2023 18:36

Newusernameaug · 21/05/2023 18:31

You’d need a CPL, Commercial pilots licence to fly anyone for money, not a PPL, which is a private pilot licence.
A commercial licence is waaaay more expensive!!

Show quote history

About 100k apparently.

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Original poster
Muddygreenfingers · 21/05/2023 18:37

amicissimma · 21/05/2023 18:25

Have you tried gliding? Gliding hours can count towards flying hours for a PPL and it can be cheaper and easier to find gliding time.

And take no notice of the male image - just do your thing.

No I haven't, but I reckon I'd love that as well.

Being honest though looking at the local gliding club's website their prices aren't much different.

OP posts:
Original poster
Muddygreenfingers · 21/05/2023 18:38

bellocchild · 21/05/2023 18:27

Just remember to factor in annual cost of flying to keep up your licence.

What do you mean? Like aircraft rental/flying club memberships?

OP posts:
Iafontaine · 21/05/2023 18:45

I would not have the courage to do this so I think you should!

BuffyTheCat · 21/05/2023 18:45

I would love to do this, but can’t justify the expense. If you can afford it, go for it!

Luredbyapomegranate · 21/05/2023 18:48

It sounds like a great idea.

If you have the money why not. You do need to keep up your hours to keep your license though. Plenty of women do it, don’t worry about that.

missmollygreen · 21/05/2023 18:58

Muddygreenfingers · 21/05/2023 18:38

What do you mean? Like aircraft rental/flying club memberships?

Show quote history

You have to do a certain amount of hours flying a year to keep your license

Cuckoosheep · 21/05/2023 19:00

Do it. I'm ex cabin crew and my eldest wants to be a pilot. I know Easyjet have the below initiative (I'll post a link) for women, I was reading about it yesterday! I'm sure there will be other companies doing the same too. Also have look on pprune (professional pilots rumour network). Its full of info.

https://careers.easyjet.com/pilots/amy-johnson-initiative/

Also if ppl is too expensive you could get your nppl. Which would allow you to fly microlights. Its cheaper than a ppl. You can't convert a nppl to a ppl (I think you used to be able too before Brexit or at least some of the hours would count).

You'll need your medical for a cpl. Check before you start that you're likely to pass. Sometimes it's cheaper in other countries to learn too.

easyJet Careers

easyJet Careers

https://careers.easyjet.com/pilots/amy-johnson-initiative

SilverHighlights · 21/05/2023 19:01

Go for it! I’m in my 40s and I’m training for my PPL right now!

ToootToot · 21/05/2023 19:17

There are LOADS of women in aviation both as private and commercial pilots! All the airlines actively hire female pilots, even the big ones in the Middle East, so you are definitely not alone in wanting to fulfil your dream. Go for it, what are you waiting for?! If you’re in Yorkshire by any chance have a look at Yorkshire Aviation Academy, they’ll get you started on your exciting journey.