Hello

[CarlL-NJ-608]

Hey Adam I have been paired up with you. I took lessons about 21 years ago but money got tight, I have been doing doing computers for about 19 years now. I am tired of them and need a change, I want to return to my first true love,, Flying, But I am married now and my wife is not 100% behind me on this , I want to assure her this is a good move , and a fun ne to boot, how can I reassure her?

[ExpressJet Adam]

Hey Carl and welcome,

I got my PPL back in 1992 but never did anything with it so I definitely know where you're coming from.

Ah, the "Wife Factor", that may very well be the toughest obstacle in aviation (for real). First off she's probably worried about you giving up the security of your current career. The other thing is every woman in this country (I'm not being sexist here, it's a fact) has either read some novel or watched some Lifetime movie about a pilot who had a complete other family somewhere else in the world.

I don't know Mrs Carl but I can tell you what kinda worked with mine. First off I was actually separated from my wife when I got back in avaition (she didn't like the idea at all, but didn't really have a say at that point). Funny thing, once I started flying, I became quite pleasant to be around. My kids saw it, my sister and mother and wifey did as well. I was back to being that happy go lucky guy she marries 18yrs ago. Moral: a happy hubby is a good hubby.

TRAVEL BENEFITS! At the StopOver Store in Houston (a flight crew supply) they sell a t-shirt that says "marry me, fly for free". Again, don't know about your wife, but mine LOVES to travel. It's actually funny, I used to make alot more money and could have afforded to travel as much, if not more, than I do now. But, for some reason, it's seems better when it's free (or almost free). Plus, we have access to the network and it's just so easy to go online and book yourself. So we do and she's happy. And when Momma's happy, EVERYBODY's happy.

Don't know if that'll help? Biggest thing, tell her how you feel and try to explain how important this is to you.

Adam

and always remember, all the flight attendants you fly with are OLD and UGLY.

[CarlL-NJ-608]

The flight attendants are not the issue its the "how can we afford this while you are in school" Its a burning inside of me that I WILL not let go of. My wife is from europe <im getting ahead of myself> but babe I can fly us there... heh I want this more than anything.. I am sooo tired of my job now.. by the way we are from the same neck of the woods Im from Jersey. I took my first lessons out of teterboro.. I was pleased to hear you were out of newark... I hope we keep in touch.

[ExpressJet Adam]

OK, but I'm telling you the flight attendants are in the back of her mind, trust me, I'm old and wise. I actually got my PPL at MillionAir in TEB 20 yrs ago and it was expensive then.

The money issue is huge and probably what keeps many a would be aviator from living the dream. It's not just "how can we afford this while you are in school", it's how can we afford this while you're in school (with no income), then while you're working as a flight instructor (making $2000 a month) and finally as a Regional First Officer (making $19,000 the first year)? Believe me, I'm not trying to rain on your parade or make this seem worse, but you need to have a real view of what you're getting yourself into. That's what's great about this forum, I'm not a salesman, and though I'd love for you to train with ATP, I don't get a "spiff" if you do. I don't know your financial or family situation, but if you don't want to be a victim of AIDS (airline induced divorce syndrom), or end up a homeless person with a pilot's license as a blanket, you need to have a very clear picture of the road ahead. You need to sit down and do the math. You don't have to be wealthy (it helps), but you do need a plan. Honestly it was tough for me, and I ran my saving down significantly. I'll also be making student loan payment for the rest of my life. Was it worth it? For me, without question it was. For you? You tell me.............

Adam