Finally following my dreams

Rudy26

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Aug 24, 2009, 1:22:29 PM8/24/09

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Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, and hope I'm in the right place to ask these
questions.

At 45, I've finally decided to follow my lifelong dream of flying. I
guess my first concern is, am I too old. I don't want to be a airline
pilot, but cessnas or flying instructor would be nice, so long as I get
in the air.

My other concern is a reoccuring inner ear problem, labyrinthitis. I
know I'll have to get a medical and all, but was wondering if this is
something that could effect a flying career.

Thanks and hope to talk to you guys a lot in the future

--
Rudy26

Ron

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Aug 25, 2009, 2:40:07 AM8/25/09

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45 certainly isn't too old. I started at 55 and am still flying at 75
and enjoying every second of it. I know I'll have to hang it up one
of these days, so I fly with an instructor a couple of times a year
just to make sure I'm really as good as I think I am. :-)

About the labyrityhitis, I don't know. I suggest talking to an aero
medical examiner or go to the AOPA web page and see if there is
anything there. If nothing else, you can ask a question there. If I
were you I'd certainly go for it once you get the medical question
answered. You won't regret it and you are definitely not too old.

Ron K

wildhorsesracing

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Sep 26, 2009, 3:14:54 PM9/26/09

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I started at 45 and just finished this year - I am 47! I am colorblind
and can't fly at night, so your health condition might just limit
when/where you can fly... go for it!

--
wildhorsesracing

Stubby

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Sep 27, 2009, 7:58:52 AM9/27/09

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On Sep 26, 3:14 pm, wildhorsesracing <wildhorsesracing.

I started at 51 and still fly occasionally at 68. I have 4 major
medical problems but the FAA has a "Special Issuance" process that got
me a medical certificate last year and I'm up for renewal right now.
The check medical reports every year now, with a normal 2 year
examination. Work through your AME on this. Mine was extremely
helpful and put me in contact with the Regional Flight Surgeon at the
FAA. But a word of caution: get all the required test results all
ready to send in because there is a 30 day time out on your
application. If you exceed that, you will have to reapply.

brian whatcott

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Oct 19, 2009, 5:44:50 AM10/19/09

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Ron wrote:
> On Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:22:29 +0100, Rudy26

>> At 45, I've finally decided to follow my lifelong dream of flying. I

>> guess my first concern is, am I too old. I don't want to be a airline
>> pilot, but cessnas or flying instructor would be nice, so long as I get
>> in the air.
>>

>> My other concern is a reoccuring inner ear problem, labyrinthitis. ...

>
> 45 certainly isn't too old. I started at 55 and am still flying at 75

> and enjoying every second of it....
> Ron K

I was talking to a Dallas realtor and truck delivery driver this week
end. Used to be a coach/teacher til he burned out. Bill Yerby.
Hard to find a nicer guy. He got tired of watching air shows and
thought he would have some. Got a ticket at 48. He's 55.

Many folks can fly as an avocation, but few can work as pilots, all
the same. If labyrinthitis is a middle ear problem that affects balance,
you might try standing on each foot in turn with your eyes shut.
If you regularly fall over, you might want to think again.
Otherwise, go for it!

Brian W

smittysrv

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Oct 19, 2009, 11:49:33 AM10/19/09

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I'm 57 and own a Cessna 172 and am building a Van's RV-9A (85%
complete). I am getting ready to do my Biannual Flight Review with my
instructor who is 82. I think he would tell you to "gitter done!".

It's the most fun you'll ever have with your pants on.

--
smittysrv