How did you stay motivated?

Bozzles

Bozzles

New Member
Been a while since I've been on here... there are a few reasons for that. Main one being, there's only so much talking one can do about something that they themselves don't actually do yet! I never liked being a wannabe ha.

I was wondering how did you guys stay motivated? Not getting through the flight training bit. That's the dream for me. That's gotta be the easiest bit. I'm talking about the looong bit before flight training. The years and years of wanting to fly and just not have the $$$ to back it. The days when you are working another job trying not to look up at the skies knowing you've got years and years to go before you can finally step into a flight school and embark on a flying career. Always wondering IF it will every actually happen or if you'll just end up being one of the many "Oh I wanted to be a pilot BUT.......", guys out there. (No disrespect to them as I know many factors could be involved such as medical/family issues.)

Also, I aint moaining about my current situation in life. I feel pretty blessed to be making enough to be able to save towards my dream of becoming a pilot.

It just feel like it's taking and is going to take ages! And saving money for something that is so far away is pretty tough. For me anyway...

Cheers for you contributions in advance!
 
@Bozzles
I am in your shoes as well. I am currently working a job I don't much care for in order to save up the money I need for flight school. I have wanted this forever but I've never been comfortable with that amount of debt. I also had a medical issue in my way that could have ended my career before it started, but luckily that has been resolved forever.
The only thing I am able to do is keep a clear picture in my mind about where I want to be in life. That plus I have a few friends currently doing the type of flying I hope to one day do, so I make sure to talk to them for inspiration and motivation as well. One other thing that I've done is go flying every now and then to keep the feeling fresh on my mind.

I would be curious to hear what others have to say as well. What have you done so far to stay motivated? How long do you think it will take you to get started?
 
I went a couple years where I flew very little. I totally understand the frustration. I still tried to get out to the airport and burn some money every couple months, even if I knew it wasn't adding much to my training. That kept me motivated. Also, network, stay active on these boards, come to NJC next year. Beyond the knowledge you will gain, the support and friendships you will find through this community will help motivate you.

Additionally, always be working on something and find someone to keep you accountable.Your writtens stay good for 2 years (I believe.) Set small goals for taking your writtens, then study for, and take them one at a time if you are confident you will take that checkride within the next 2 years. My best friend kept me accountable...when I would take one written and would be so excited to have passed, she would just say, "congratulations...now what's the next goal, and the deadline?" Once I had the money I knocked out 6 ratings in 7 months. The day will come for you. The money will finally hit that magic number you have in your mind. Be ready to fly when it does.
 
Instead of getting frustrated, start studying for written exams. If I'm not mistaken, they are good for 2 years. When you're 1.5 years from starting, take the private pilot one
 
I don't know your situation but I'll tell you what worked for me.

I worked as a police officer with that rank, newly married with a young child and no real disposable income. I got promoted to Det with work and study. As a Detective I was assigned to fly as an observer with a domestic marijuana eradication mission. I was hooked.

In my case I told my wife I was going all out for the next promotion, the raise was going to flight training. In a few years, after studying my butt off and working hard to get good evaluations, I was promoted. Instead of saving enough money for training, I started training. Granted, the money didn't come in as fast as I was spending it in the air but I never let myself get past about $1000 in debt. I worked a lot of overtime as well. This took longer and probably cost more than doing it your way but this method is what kept me motivated and moving in the right direction.

I never wanted to outright leave police work to fly, it was always a plan for flying to be my next career. I wanted the security of the pension.

Once the basics were over, PPL and IR, I took the rest of the training a little at a time, paying as I went. During this time I routinely flew for pleasure as well. (just enough to keep current). Networking all the way. (Network, Network, Network) sound familiar?

Shortly after I retired I had my CMEL, CSEL, IR. I worked at a less than desirable corp outfit as a contract SIC to get experience with part 91 corporate flying. They even sent me to initial on their Turboprop.

That put just enough on my resume to get me the job I have now. It ain't a legacy 121 but it's a good outfit flying with good pilots and really nice passengers for a decent wage. Then I self studied and took my ATP written, my employer paid for my check ride during my last annual training. So now I have the ATP and I'm building TPIC.

This was the only way it would work for me, I had to take positive steps toward the goal that were more tangible than just saving up for it. If I were you I'd try to get a part time job or some OT and fly an hour or two a week to get started. Maybe a parti time job at a local FBO? I don't know your situation but I know I could not do this they way that you are proceeding, I would lose my motivation. The positive step also starts you networking. My contract position came to me in a phone call from a CFII I had done some favors for in the past, what goes around really does come around.

Downside? I might be too old before I get enough experience to really get into the larger aircraft. My career will likely end with a small or mid sized jet. (but don't bet on it) I also probably spent about 10%-15% more hours and money than it would have taken me to do training the way it sounds like you are doing.

Upside? I have a modest pension from the first career and earn a decent wage here. I'm flying very regularly for both work and pleasure and enjoying myself.

For me it boils down to moving in the direction of where you want to be!

Best of Luck to you and if you have any further questions you'd prefer to PM, have at it!
 
On the other hand, maybe you just need to channel your inner 'hairy armpitted lesbo rocker, Paula Cole' . If you don't wanna wait....Don't! Dump your girlfriend, get a second job and make some moves. I don't know anything about your situation but where there's a will there's almost always a way.
 
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Perspective is key. For me learning to fly and stay motivated was easy.

I had just recovered from an accident that left me unable to walk for nearly three years and I almost log a leg. After hearing a doctor say there was nothing more he could do and I might never walk again I decided how things would go.

I set my goal and started down the path to it. The vallies between my flight training peaks paled in comparison to what I had previously dealt with.
 
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