Hello this is my first post on the site. I am very interested in becoming pilot I am 25 years old and work in sales for a national real estate firm I do very well (top producer and board member) but this is not something I cannot do forever. I have enough money saved to pay for the school in cash (I’m extremely blessed) I would start right away however I am 360 pounds (former d2 offensive lineman) I read online that you need to be max 250 & I am working w doctors to lose the weight it won’t be easy but that’s how committed I am to pursuing this career and changing my lifestyle for the better. This leads me into my question what can I do now for the next 12-18 (besides losing weight) to set myself up for success? I’ve read that you should take as many written exams before going to flight school such as the par etc but if I take those now and can’t enroll for perhaps another 12 months would the passed test expire? Would it be wise to find a mom and pop school without a weight limit (if that exists) to get my private pilot license? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated I have already lost 16 pounds in the past 15 days I’m making progress but it’s a journey but so will be the path to the airlines. Thanks for reading my message any feedback is welcome!
Brian,
This obviously is entirely up to you. As you said, I’m sure you can find a school out there without the limit but most people find going the mom and pop route very expensive and frustrating.
That said it’s money isn’t an issue and you’re that far out, why not give it a shot? If you find a good school and it works out, great. If not cut and run before you waste too much time and money.
Adam
Brian,
The weight limit is a safety issue. Typically you’ll find most Cessna and piper aircraft have similar weight limitations. If a school has a plane and instructor they can accommodate, that’s great!
As for what you can do in the meantime, we recommend starting the enrollment steps with you’re about 6-9 months from starting. The written exams expire if you’re not taking the associated checkride within 24 months of passing the exam.
Hannah