Nope, not acquainted with Charley ... but please extend my thanks for his service.
It is amazing how many Army aviators were trained by the helicopter pilot "factories" of the Vietnam era. I am acquqainted with many and know of some in and from Montana, but there are many of whom I've never become aware.
I am in my mid fifties. I know my reaction timing to stuff isn't what it was 30 years ago. I am in good shape, I run 20 plus miles a week plus weight training. I do this so I can chase sheep. My question is, I really want to try and learn to fly, and is it realistic. What I mean by that is not just showing up and handing over ten grand for school but is it really doable. I have no problem with the mechanical part or the book learning. I have had the head phones when you guys (being in cessnas and supercubs are talking to the tower) and that seems intimadating. I guess I am asking what makes a good pilot, and is it worth a late life goal? or should I just pay (I am an Alaska resident so everything is cheap to hunt comparably to non residents). And learning to fly is more than hunting, it is something as fifty year old man that makes me still feel like a twenty year old with goals but more experience than a twenty year old. Just using this forum for some intelligent advice that takes all that jumble I just laid into account. (I can I afford the the money to try and get my private) I just asking to make sure I can justify doing it...... and it is worth it.
It is intimidating because you are unfamiliar with what they are saying. As a student pilot it is intimidating at first as well. I trained at an airport that was controlled so I got over it fast. Learning in mid 50's no problem, go for it if you have the $ to burn but keep realistic what it will cost to do and keep current after you get your rating. I did it 28 years ago and bought a share of a 172 and use my own plane to get it done. A lot of clubs or part ownerships will not allow students but it is definitely an option to consider. I am no longer current and sold my share of the plane because interest changes. If you do not fly often the savings is not there because you will be paying hanger and ins fees regardless if you are logging hours or not. I do miss it, but not enough to get current. The other thing to consider is most cases you cannot fly anyplace of distance that would have been cheaper going commercial. Just an FYI because some think they will fly all over to go hunting or vacation and find out it is expensive. Look into the local clubs and see what planes they have. Good luck
