On 2007-07-21 19:43:34 -0700, RomeoMike said:



wrote:
.

I need to know if, at my relatively late date it is reasonable to
expect to be piloting my own plane. I am in good health, so I doubt
that's an issue.

But you are still young. Some here have suggested that being a little
older slowed them down in training, i.e.,longer to solo, etc. I don't
know about that, but keep this story in mind:
Someone I know well went to a flight school at age 51 to fulfill his
dream to fly. He asked the very young flight instructor that was
assigned to talk to him how long it generally took to get the PPL. The
kid told him that it usually takes X number of hours, but "older"
people (like my friend) are slower to learn. Well, this guy says
"thanks, but no thanks" and goes to another instructor somewhere else
and completes the PPL in minimum time, then the IA in minimum time. He
goes on to complete the Commercial and a host of other ratings and
endorsements and gains the respect of the local flying community for
his skills and judgment.

Go for it.

Works better if you can find an older instructor. :-)

Hey, he could wait another ten years and learn to fly at 63! Then maybe
some of us would say he is old, except we would still be older than he
is...
--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor