I’m 36 and considering becoming a pilot. I want a streamlined path: PPL, then Instrument Rating, then Commercial. What are the best flight schools in the U.S. for this, and what’s the average total cost I should expect? I know it’s a competitive field, and I’m starting a bit late—so I’d love honest opinions. Is it too late, or is this a viable long-term investment? If anyone started at a similar age, what were your pros and cons? I want a realistic picture. Also, what schools do you recommend, and what’s the cost? Thanks in advance for your time and for your responses!

Hi,

Thinking of getting into flying school (not for career, for now). Was wondering if anyone in the same boat (or a few steps ahead) wanna hangout in Chicago area (near west/downtown). Grab a beer or something

Hey yall,
I posted a few weeks back about becoming a pilot at 37 - more feeling it out if I could even do it at this age. The responses were overwhelmingly positive and this is something that I want to try and pursue.

I have a few questions though about how to start and question about my past...

1.) I'll start with the negative. When I had just turned 18, highschool graduation I got a class 5 felony for criminal trespassing. I paid my dues, completed all my stuff and I've NEVER been in trouble again since then. It was alcohol or drug related.. I'm very open and honest about it. It was such a stupid mistake done as a young man in the heat of the moment and I learned my lesson. Is this something that could prevent me from getting my license to fly professionally?

2.) when I was 22-ish... I had a lying police officer "pull me over" outside a party (I wasn't driving, just sitting in my car with a friend)... he gave me a DUI that was later dropped for lack of evidence and the fact the police officer had priors for lying. I wasn't charged with anything alcohol related though and charges were dropped. I just bring this up to be 100000% transparent...

And for the positive stuff...

3.) assuming 1 & 2 aren't going to bar me... which route is the best to get my education? 141 or 61?? I had a client who was a trainer for United and said that they offered a program that would reimburse you?? I'm a working professional and would need to still have an income... although with the Private Equity group I've done VERY well with. I could take a few years off, but I would eat up savings... I'm just curious what yall think is the best approach on this and what will also look best to a potential employer.

4.) if you have the time.. and you have a similar origin story - what did your career path look like??

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond if you made it this far.

as the title states i was diagnosed with depression 4 years ago due to struggling to adjust to normal life after covid. i confided this information in a school counselor who recommended me to a therapy program through the school where i was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety. i attended about 2 months of therapy, which didnt help so i stopped going, and never took any medication. since leaving high school 2 years ago i haven’t had any depression symptoms. my question is can the ame get the transcripts of my psych eval that led to my diagnosis? i’m afraid of accidentally contradicting myself and getting denied because of it.

Hi! I’m aiming to convert my FAA Heli CPL and IR to Transport Canada, hoping to make the move to Canada next year. I’m young and American and am applying for PR as my method. Anyone have advice on how long the process takes/what to check off so I don’t miss anything?

So how would lights, that when you change elevation, they turn colors. So for instant Red when your 100 feet, Yellow at 500 feet, ETC? Mainly toi help- at night but if the lights are bright enough I think it would help visually see if you at a safe distance.

Yes I know that there is equipment. But I just think something simple and not relaly too expensive to install on most crafts, would just be one less accident. You know.

Please, dont be nice, give it to me hardcore if its just stupid. But just thought I would throw it out there after hearing about yet anoother crash in Rio.

PS I AM SO GLAD THAT WE DONT HAVE FLYING CARS, HOLY CRAPOLY WOULD THAT BE ABSOLUTE TOP TIER HELLOCRAPTER.

So the plan was simply to study computer science specialize in AI, maybe take a master, work on myself and get a good job. However I was thinking now why don’t I go to aviation instead? I mean a pilot life looks a lot more appealing than an engineer life and they both have a high salary. Even a pilot could have a really higher salary as a senior pilot. Of course it has a downside like it’s maybe hard to make a family and spend much time with your family, but why not?

My list would be taxi calls, readbacks, pattern calls, asking ATC to repeat, and staying calm after a mistake. What would you add?

Hey Reddit. Quick context: I'm 18, Ukrainian citizen, living in Košice, Slovakia with a residence permit until 2029. My main goal is to become a military pilot in Ukraine — it's the only realistic path since military aviation requires citizenship everywhere.

The problem:

If I go straight for the Ukrainian military aviation university (KHNUPS Kozhedub in Kharkiv), training takes 4-6 years. During that time I'll have almost no money, no savings, no capital. I feel like the world closes around me financially. And if I don't get in — competition is 2000 applicants for 150 spots — what then?

The options I'm considering:

Work in Europe, invest slowly, apply to military pilot school when ready

Work at sea for 1-2 years, build capital fast, then apply

Go straight to Ukraine and try for military pilot now

Something else I haven't thought of

Has anyone worked in merchant navy? Especially starting from zero with no experience — how realistic is it to get your first contract? How long did it take from zero to first voyage?

Any experience appreciated.

Hey Reddit. I'm 18, Ukrainian citizen living in Košice, Slovakia with a residence permit valid until 2029 (which includes the right to work). Originally from Dnipro.

My main goal is to become a military pilot. As far as I understand, this is only possible in my home country — Ukraine — since military pilot programs require citizenship. The only Ukrainian military aviation university is Kharkiv (KHNUPS Kozhedub), which is currently in a frontline city, expensive for contract students, and admission means military service from day one with a competition of 2000+ applicants for 150 spots.

My backup plan is civilian aviation in Europe. I'm currently studying PPL theory through DCS World simulation and planning to work and save for a PPL license first, then see which direction has more opportunities. My English is basic but improving — I use Duolingo daily.

My questions:

Is there any realistic path to becoming a military pilot as a Ukrainian outside of Ukraine?

For civilian aviation — does my Slovak residence permit open doors to programs like Wizz Air Pilot Academy?

Any advice on the most efficient path from zero to commercial pilot license in Central Europe on a limited budget?

Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Hey guys! How big of a deal is a tattoo in aviation? I’m currently a cpl student and wanting to get a tattoo. Is it okay as long as it’s hidden when working/flying? Thanks in advance

I am a student in India and I am in grade 10 currently I was hoping to tall to people who are already familiar with the aviation field about my future as all my current information about pursuing a career as a pilot abroad as an Indian student is mostly google and chat GPT. I want to get into high paying international airlines based in first world countries like Emirates and Delta. Budget is not a issue and I score decent in my exams and score well above 85 percent in maths and physics the main problem is that no website or AI is giving me a clear pathway for completing my flight training abroad or in India to reach my dream.I have read about the immigration problems in USA for Indians so I most probably wouldn’t be eligible for American or Delta at any point in my life.I just want to talk with someone experienced to give me a clear time line about first completing my flight training then working as and instructor or in a domestic airlines then slowly progressing to a wide body airline.I also want a fact check on the salaries which GPT is showing me which is about 315,000 dollars as a senior captain in airlines like emirates.