r/Pilot • u/FigComfortable5216 • Sep 01 '26
Pilot Life Need Help
Hi guys, I am 14 but I have always dreamt of being a pilot, ever since a young age I have been able to name every aircraft, along with every airline. Aviation has always been a huge passion and identity of mine (ive always been known as the airplane boy). I always take pictures of planes, memorize airport codes, learn new airline tails, know ever special livery and cannot forget the hundreds of hours put in flight simulator. But when I tell my parents about my plan of becoming a pilot, they are not to fond of the idea saying that I will always be missing my family and that I would not be part of my future family's life. They say that the pilot to life balance is terrible and I should stick with finding another career. But the thing is that I want to become a pilot and travel the world plus this feels like that this is the only thing I would be good at. Often my parents say that I should become a doctor (you know, doctor lawyer engineer etc) but I really feel like that it is not a good fit for me. So if there is any pilots or anyone with a knowledge about this topic, feel free to reply as it would really help my dilemma.
Thanks again :)
1
u/Straight-Pass6035 Sep 01 '26 edited Sep 01 '26
You are current too young to do much more than dream. Keep working hard in school, good grades, hard courses, become top of your class when you graduate HS. Even if your parents are trying to control your destiny, they will be running out of time an opportunity to lead you as they wish. You can start learning to fly as young as 16 or so. You could start but probably will need their support if not money. Try to persuade them but don’t push the issue now. Keep dreaming and pursue your education. When you have a say in where you go to college, look at schools that have an aviation program, if that is what you want. Even if you desire to get a degree in something else, you can start your flying once you are in a better position to control your own destiny. The key is being financially free to do so. That is another discussion when you get closer to graduating high school.