Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette
I always said that before I turned 40 I was going to get my pilots license.
I have about 3 weeks to go, and I am not in my 40's anymore. 
So, before I turn 60 I am going to do it. 10 years should be a safe bet, right?
What do you fly?
What is the cost of getting a license now?
I am looking at buying a very nice low wing so I do not have to rent a plane, which I am told will save a metric ton of money.
Are you mountain rated? I would love to fly to Rupert in my own plane. 
I have to look into insurance, storage, overhaul cost, etc, any and all information would be great. |
Wow. A big can of worms that one.
First, continuing at 60 IMO is doable, but will take more time and conscious dedication than before. I wouldn't start fresh from zero anymore in any a/c type. I'd guess 10 grand for a PPL now, which would be the most expensive license/rating. The follow-ons are cheaper, but essential for serious flying. IFR and Nights at a minimum. Please don't do a 'recreational pilot permit'.
I would also choose an a/c type that does not need lots of relatively quick reflexes and adrenaline-charged decisions as others might. And I would first seriously consider whether I was able to fly high numbers of hours year 'round until permanently quitting, to stay current, not limited by personal health and fitness, money, business, other distractions or time limitations.
After the PPL and basic ratings I would limit myself to one capable, modern, forgiving aircraft and get to know it well. Then choose to fly in relatively benign conditions.
For initial training, it's a very good idea to have your own dedicated high-wing, problem-free, low-hours a/c. Take it up when YOU need or want to, and not have to dance around the last 2 free slots in the club rental reserve book, and then have to synchronize that with your instructors availability. And not have 35 years of scum baked onto everything, every bit of plastic threatening to break loose when doing your run-ups, and have the radio cutting in and out on busy final. Maybe you could even lease yours out to the flying club for half the week that you know you won't use it, to pay for maintenance, if you are OK with idea of heavy landings in it by other students. Then use it to build hours and then sell it. A C-172 wouldn't be bad, as its capabilities are well known.
Then I'd gradually migrate into an efficient modern known quantity turbofuel with modern avionics, like a DA-62 diesel twin, or a PC-12. Maybe a Cirrus, but the idea of sidesticks personally give me the creeps. No Mooneys, Pitts, Sukhois, TBMs, King Airs, Bonanzas, WWII stuff, or radial engines.
Not quite sure yet how I feel about seaplanes or modern flying boats like the Dornier Seastar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=628ZPF_0WkY
Most of my non-powered flights were high-mountain dynamic conditions in gliders, which is great if you like action. But if unique is what you seek, there are self-powered gliders with retractable power plants (jet or prop), for when the thermals won't cooperate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_IQIF_VqTE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJV4vcuKww4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeXV5ij4_t4