Hey guys! I wanted to let you know I just launched an "Insiders" Newsletter where once a week I'm sharing an important lesson I've learned in aviation, links to my latest content so you don't miss out, and links to any other interesting or helpful content I've found. I'm also working on a HUGE project I can't announce yet but I'm going to be sharing more behind the scenes info with Insiders first - Subscribe (it's free) at: airplaneacademy.com/insiders

I'm 43 widowed with 2 little kids. After watching my wife pass away when she was only 39, I realized life is short. Don't wait, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. I'm currently 25 hours into my PPL and in the solo stage right now. I love it and so glad I took the step to learn to fly. I wish she was alive to see me doing this

I am 47 years old with a dream of flying from seeing crop dusters flying as a child . I always thought it would only be a dream . After nearly a year studying and 8 months of flight training . I finally have a PPL. At times I was so overwhelmed. If I can do it , anyone can !

Until you walk into a flight school, you'll be surrounded by people telling you that "you can't." When you finally meet other pilots, they help you know that "you can." Those who love to fly will find a way and will encourage others along the way. The haters will remain jealous and on the ground.

I got started in aviation because I was at an airport as a 19 year old kid, just hanging on the fence and watching planes. A CFI saw me there and after he finished his lesson, he drove down to the end of the runway where I was and introduced himself and invited me to come in and take a $10 introductory flight. (This was 1986.) I went up two hours later in a Cessna 152, N25239 and got the ball rolling. Get off the fence is my message to those that dream about it.

Aviation is absolutely worth pursuing! I am 36 years young and finally got the courage to take the plunge and quit the career that I absolutely hated and went all in and enrolled in a Part 141 commercial pilot program and am currently on my way to finishing up my PPL. Go for it!

When I was about 12 years old I begged my mom to take me to the local grass strip where they were giving airplane rides one Saturday. I paid for my flight with money earned delivering newspapers. I LOVED it. I decided then that I wanted to be a pilot. I found a flight school at another grass strip about 20 miles away and took my 1st flight lesson at age 15, even though I really couldn’t afford it and my parents thought I was nuts. Now, some 50+ years later I have a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, am a retired Air Force pilot, retired corporate pilot, an aircraft owner, and still work full time a flight simulator instructor. I just earned another type rating last week. Aviation has been good to me, all because I took that 1st step to learn to fly.

When I was 16 my dad died and every dream I had of being a pilot went out the the window to stay and save the family farm. Now in my early fifties I'm learning to fly and just went solo last week. With work I could only afford enough time for one lesson a month, and there were times I struggled but I had an amazing supportive instructor in Julie. I still have a while to go, but things get a lot easier after solo. If your heart beats aviation, start the first lesson and if it gets tough, hang in there, it is so worth it PS Thank you to all the aviators who make the instructional videos, they are incredibly invaluable!

I'm 73 and hope to have UK PPL by the end of the year. I've learned to accept that each new level of skill is gaine through a process of embarrassing bungling at first, then getting it right some of the time, then all of the time (well, nearly all of the time). Currently learning to talk with Tower without sounding like a dumb student :-).

I’ve always wanted to learn to fly. I’m 61 years old now and am working on taking my ground school exam this week. And I’ve already started with helicopter ground school as well. I think about all of the hours I would have had in the cockpit if I had started in my 20s, I really missed out. I say to all who want to take that leap. DO IT. If you don’t now, you will regret it later.

To be honest, this is one of the most motivational videos I’ve ever watched, Me myself was crazy about the idea of flying and being a pilot I started my flight training about four months ago and I’m only two or three months away from my first check ride At the beginning, I really didn’t know. How can I figure it out financially I’m only 20 years old On a part-time job But all what I can tell you now is it’s not gonna be hard if you’ll love it My parents hold me a little bit. I saved some money and I took some loans out but I’m 100% sure that it’s worth it. For anyone who is about to start And don’t know where or how look it up and start as soon as you can You will never have the knowledge if you don’t start, just start with a simple step, and all the things gonna start coming together with time.

I'm 51 and going for my PPL after many years of thinking about it. I got paired up with a Flight instructor that's half my age which seemed a little intimidating at first. After getting to know him, the age difference isn't even a factor. We bonded over our love of aviation and really enjoy our time together. Your video is so true. Encouragement is such an important part of this journey.

I'm 32 and have never touched the controls of any aircraft. I've recently decided (after many years of thinking about it) to pursue a commercial pilots license with the hopes of getting to a major airline someday. I haven't started yet, I'm just making calls and getting more information this week. Wish me luck

I'm 20 hours away from finishing my commercial in Canada. 41 years old, doing a career change, just blew my commercial written test so my confidence has plummeted. Everytime i keep quiestioning whether it's worth it at my age, but as soon as I get back in the cockpit it all goes away. Re-writing my exam next month and ready for the next steps. Really appreciate this video!!!

Got my private in 1977 and my instrument rating in 2021. In the process of scheduling my commercial check ride now as the written is done! You are exactly right - just keep plugging ahead - even if it takes a while!!

I was lucky enough to be a part of a family of aviators who have been flying for decades, so it was a surprise to nobody when I started working on my ratings in January 2021. I'm glad to say that I passed my Commercial Pilot check-ride this past March at just 254 hours. I'm here to reassure you guys that I'm not some sort of prodigy or genius if you really put in the time and have the passion for flying almost anyone can do it. From my experience, the hardest part of Commerical training is staying motivated while grinding out those hours, especially with a low bank account balance, but once you reach the end and that new card comes in the mail the relief is unbelievable. I'm currently working toward my CFI and I gotta say it's a brand new struggle not just re-learning all the private and commercial maneuvers from the right seat, but learning how to instruct and how to explain things to a student who might be struggling. Throughout my training, there have been times when i thought I wasn't good enough or I wasn't ready to progress, but you just have to remember that not everyone is perfect, and as long as you are improving everything will turn out fine.

You nailed it! This is the reality MOST pilots experience. It took me 8 years from my introductory flight until I got my commercial. My “day job” had been technology but I LOVED to fly. For me it was not confidence that compelled me, but a reluctance to quit. After 30 years of IT work I got my first Part 135 job flying in Alaska. And, I was the least experienced person in the room. I’m going back again this year 😊

I started my aviation journey at 25, initially wanting to start flying when I was 18. Since I didn’t know many people who wanted to fly at that age, especially women, I thought I was being ridiculous to want that when I could pursue something mainstream and safe. I’ve had the craziest ups and downs during my training for my PPL, and these conversations are what keep me sane when I’m doubting everything and having the hardest time remaining confident.

Charlie - this is great. I'm 48, got my PPL last year and my IFR rating this spring. Just started working on commercial...which, much like you, starts all of these questions about "what if". Like you said, one step at a time is a solid way forward while the rest comes into focus. Side note - thanks for offering up your ownership course...that was immensely valuable over the last few months as I was trying to wrestle with some of those questions.

I’m starting my flight training back up this weekend after having life beat me down. I ended up moving to a new town and working for an airline in operations but seeing the pilots taking off and walking around in uniform made me not want to give up. I know life is hard still, but I won’t give up the fight to get in that seat, and you shouldn’t either. We love to fly.

This is SOOO good - and really needed for me. I've been 'held back' because of finances...but even if it kills me (hopefully it won't!) I'm going to get my PPL. I finished my ground school - so now I'm just saving up to go for it! Thanks so much for the encouragment!

I got started in aviation in the late 1970's. I only did about 3 hours of flight training before life got in the way. I'm now 66 years old and still have the goal to be a pilot. It's still on my bucket list and becoming a CFI is still a possibility for me. It's never too late to reach your goals.

I’ve learned and experienced that in order to do something new, you have to place yourself in that environment. You can read all the literature on swimming, but until you get in the water, your life/heart experience won’t start or even grow. Go visit your local airport, take a discovery flight, get around other pilots, and allow your questions to become ideas that will fuel your motivation!

I am 72 years of age and I have had the desire to learn to fly since I took my first flight in a Cessna 152 at 16. I love anything to do with aviation. I was blessed to work in the aviation sector for 28 years.

I'm 57, I was working on my commercial and my flight school said "a guy like you is going to have a hard time getting a job". I hang around with pro pilots now and they are more encouraging. It's who you surround yourself with and being realistic about your goals. I wont make any big money but I can still fly and maybe I will be a flight instructor. Now, on to find a different school within an hour of where I live.

It took me going skydiving in a 182 to get the life long itch of being a pilot rolling. Three days later I went on a discovery flight and haven’t looked back yet. I’m currently studying and prepping for my initial CFI rating to help others with their dreams! Never give up on your dreams!! I’m 46 and will be able to fly commercially for the next 20 years!

After dreaming of being a pilot since I was a child, I have my Sport certificte. Over 50 and taking lessons felt strange, but everyone I've met in my aviation journey has been supportive and the love of aviation can be a unifying feeling. Don't wait, if you have the desire to fly, take the leap.

This video popped up at the right time. It does feel good to know we are not alone. Your story along with the other comments reminded me why we push to achieve our dreams. In short, my written test is scheduled for next week and this video gave the motivation I needed since doubts started to cloud my mind. Again, thank you everyone and clear skies!

At 49 I decided to pursue my dream of aviation. I live in Corinth Texas south of Denton. I would live to buy you lunch sometime just to pick your brain. Your videos have kept me going and kept my goals in check. By watching and listening my dream has expanded and the truth you speak to my heart has been far worth more than anything. I appreciate all you do and tge heart you speak with.

What a timely video! I just started my PPL(A) distance learning training today, and you are right, walking into that flight school was so intimidating, but i am determined to make it. I can do it, i know i can, but as the saying goes "focus on the first step, not the whole staircase" and it will all be fine. Let's goooooooo!

I recently got hired to my first airline job. Yes even right now starting the airline career I have confidence issues! What you said about seeing everyone walking around with a lot of intention really hit home with me right now. That is the same feeling I have every time I walk into an airport these days. Seeing all the pilots walking around makes me feel like I do not belong. What gets me over that feeling is seeing or hearing an airplane fly by. Knowing that is about to be me in the sky! (once I find my gate lol) Passion is an absolute must in this industry. You start at the bottom over and over due to the fact you are always learning. I have been a CFI for over 4 years and forgot what this feeling felt like. What keeps the confidence up is the passion for flying. Seeing the world everyday from a perspective so few get see ever in their lifetime. I discovered flying after I went to college. I was the kid that always had to look at the planes as they fly by over head. The kid that on any flight that has their face glued to the window the entire flight. But I never really thought it was a realist career growing up so never pursued it. After a bad break up, I decided it was time for an entire life change. Quit my job, moved out of my apartment and back in with my dad. Took out and loan and went for it! Went full time into the aviation career and got 7 certificates in 9 months at an accelerated flight school. That path is not for everyone! But was the right path for me. I instructed for 4 years after that at my flight school and on the side. If you have that itch inside of you just do it! Have to invest in yourself because no one else will! If you never try you will never know!

You are the best encouragement ,Sir.❤

Love this channel.. Much appreciated

So true. I’m 52 years old and just last year received my private pilot certificate. I consider myself a very lucky and fortunate person but hearing the DPE at the end of my checkride say “ that was a good ride, congratulations” must have been one of the happiest moments in my life. When in doubt, just go for it, the love of flying that will get you there and life will never be the same.

I always thought flying was super cool but didn't see myself ever getting a license. One day during the pandemic, I was bored (who woulda thought) and lying down in the yard when I saw a plane fly right over me. All I could think about was how lucky those pilots were to be adventuring at that time, and that was all it took for me to get the ball rolling. Few years later with some ups and downs I'm midway through my CPL. It ain't easy but it's worth it. If you don't feel like you're smart enough, I remember my first flight the instructor asked me to name all the parts/instruments that I knew and all I said was the wheels and wings!

Man I don’t think you understand how much this helps I just felt like you were living my mindset rn thank you

Excellent video! I absolutely agree with you. The hardest step is walking through that door. Aviation is such a gift and hope more people can get introduced to it

Charlie, I hear you when you mention all the young kids! Hahaha I'm 57, and wrapping up the three hours with my instructor before I take my check ride for my PPL. My first instructor was younger than my youngest child! Nevertheless, here I am, realizing a life-long dream, and I encourage EVERYONE who thinks they might want to fly to check it out. Look for introductory flights in your area. Your goal doesn't have to be that you fly for the airlines. You can fly for you own personal enjoyment. Get out there and do it!

I have been interested in aviation since I was a little kid. My dad was a pilot and he started training me when I was 16 out of Addison. Sadly, he passed away during that time period and I thought I wasn't able to continue. Fast forward from 16 to 42, and I am finally 20 hours into my Student Pilot and hopefully about to Solo. Even at 42, I am not going to stop with my Private and hope to make aviation a career. As much as I wish I would've pursued years back, I am so flippin happy to be flying. It is never too late to start and don't give up on your dreams. I love flying, I love the learning process and the feeling of not knowing everything.

You're a real one for this. Thank you!

Thank you. This is very encouraging.

Great video, Charlie. Aviation IS worth pursuing!

This video hit me hard. I'm 14 right now and I want to pursue aviation, but there are many people around me who don't get why I want to do aviation. But this is who I am and it is what I want to do for a living. I want to fly planes and I'm going to achieve that goal.

This super hits home. Thanks for sharing man!

Undoubtedly the most wholesome video on YT 🙌 While in high school, I befriended a retired 747 skipper who took me under his wing. He shared countless stories and experiences with me, and motivated me to pursue my passion for flying. Fast forward a few years, as a fresh CPL, I had the great privilege of flying him into a short mountain airstrip in our 207. It was so fulfilling seeing the joy on his face also. No-one has ever hurt themselves by helping others.

Thanks for posting this video Charlie. I wanted to get my certificate my entire life and I waited until I was 50 years old because I didn’t know how to do it.

Thank you so much for this video! It has touched my heart, brought out all the emotions and made me realize there is still so much time. I'm 25 years old, working and just starting my ppl now part time and I felt very overwhelmed with walking into the school and seeing all the youngsters getting a head start on their career and I'm only starting now. I know I'm still young but it's still very overwhelming and demotivating to not be where you want to be. These comments and this video specifically has shared so much light! And I can't thank you and everyone enough for being so vulnerable and motivating!

Out of the blues , suddenly this wild idea got in to me. I remember when I was 11 years old, someone asked me, what do I want to do when I grow up? I said, I want to be a pilot. After listening to you, I'm more than ever encouraged. Listening to you has been inspiring brother. Thank you.

I'm 51 and about to take my private checkride on the way to my commercial ticket. I've had a career that paid the bills, now it's time to have a career that really fulfills. If you notice what's overhead everyday when no one else around you does, you need to go take an intro flight. It will change your life for the better! There is no better time to get started than today. I've never seen the pilot market as hot as it is right now. Find a flight school, take that first flight, and never look back. You won't regret it!

Damn, this is exactly what I needed right now. Thank you

Thanks for the video bud! Very encouraging. I’m into my 30’s now and can’t wait to start my PL course

Thank you for this video! Pilots are always accepted by other pilots anywhere you go… it’s a great family!

Thanks! This is a video I didn't know I needed to hear today. I have been flying for 2 years and been struggling to get time with my current flight school and it has been frustrating. Thank you!

Great video. Needed to watch this.

This video is AWESOME! I am PPL slowly working on my instrument rating. Time to kick it in high gear! Brian Wilson Rocks! Thanks for this video!

Absolutely fantastic video Charlie, thank you so much for posting. I really needed to hear this.

Great vid, thanks!

I'm going for a discovery flight this afternoon, and I'm shopping for a ground school now. I appreciate the encouragement and insight from videos like this!

Awesome videos dude. Not just the knowledge, but the encouragement. I've wanted to fly since I was 16 so I joined the Air Force but my career took a different route. Now that I'm retired I'm chasing my passion. Can't wait to start. Thank you.

Man i needed to see this. Great video

A beautiful life lesson in general -- applicable to everything one aspires to achieve. Thank you Charlie! 🙏🏼🤗💙

Wow litterly just what I needed, you have no idea!

Thank you. Good topic. Good job

Everything about this video is spot on. I love it!! Every student pilot needs to see this

Oh wow you're awesome! So supportive and kind. I'm 30 and deciding to fly this week! I'm so excited to start a new life and career. Can't wait to fly!

Well-said. Nicely done.

You are my "Bryan" !!! Thank You for the motivation !!!

This is such a great message and you seem like such a genuine person! Thank you for your great content. You are so motivating and encouraging!

Appreciate your wisdom with this video your intention crossed exactly where it needed to with me

Great video Charlie. I can relate to you on this one. I am currently working on my PPL, and am about to solo. I have days that my self confidence is low, but my instructor is good at boosting it back up. The aviation community is amazing and most everyone is eager to accept us newbies. Like you said, we all love aviation. Keep up excellent work Charlie, safe skies 🇺🇸🛩️

I thought this video was a bit silly at first watch. Until clicking away and mulling over on it. Your words actually exposed the exact vulnerability I think I had and that I was brushing off and not admitting to. Thanks for making this. I'm going to go and have a long overdue chat with a potential flight school.

This is the most realistic life advice you can get, and a lot of people need to hear it more often. Great Video and good luck with your commercial.

What a great video! Thank you!

Great video! I am right where you were explaining. Man I felt like you put to words a lot of things I am/was feeling. Thanks for the content and I took love to fly.

Love the honesty in this video! I was super nervous to call my flight school for the first time to book a discovery flight, and nervous walking in the front door. Now it's my favorite place to go. Currently 6 hours in to my PPL.

Love this video bro

Bro. I think I needed this more than you may ever understand. Thank you. Awesome video and message. I’m on it!

Thanks for sharing. I was emotionally touched by your motivating story, which was another nudge in the right direction for me to start back up.

Thanks I needed this :)

When I started I was terrified- despite being something I always wanted to do, but shelved for life events. So far its been one of the most rewarding things in my life.

I got my Helicopter pilots license in 2000 and it was 22 years later i got my fixed wing to continue my education and now I’m gong to start for my IFR and then the multi engine. Keep up the great work and being truly transparent and honest, continue your quest for bettering yourself it motivates all of us.

The struggle that happens in training is a real thing, but the reward is one of the best feelings you'll ever experience. I wish I could get everyone to fly.

Thanks for making that video. I've just booked my exploration flight, while I was wachting your video.

Something I learned very quickly in aviation is that it is a very humbling experience. I had the same feelings when I first started, but once I recognized how humbling it is, and that I will always feel like this, it's something I can live with. I'm doing my PPL right now, and I'll be in the same position as you when I come to do my instrument, then my commercial, then a twin rating, then ATP (assuming I get that far), there's always a whole bunch of people a lot more skilled and experienced than you, no matter how skilled or experienced you are. It's the same thing every single pilot has gone through, and something that all pilots know you're going through, so nothing unique, and nothing to feel ashamed of. I'm taking a small hiatus right now as I kept screwing up and was beating myself up about my progress and my fuckups, my progress is very good and the fuckups I made I fixed and weren't anything that hasn't been done before, but I need to de-stress and get it clear in my head for a while. Taking the pressure off has helped a lot. (As it goes, I do have a goal in mind which helps. My dream gig would be flying a Caravan in the Idaho wilderness. I'm a self-funded PPL student pilot truck driver from England, so that will likely NEVER happen, but it gives my instructors some idea of what motivates me, and what I would like to work towards. Maybe one day I'd love to land a 737, but I don't want to be an airline pilot... I can get the same kicks by hiring a training sim for a few hours once in a while.)

I’m 73. Got my PPL 50 years ago. Life got busy. Haven’t flown in 35 years. Just passed my airmen’s medical. Checking out flight schools to get recurrency training. Yes, a little hesitant to get back in the groove, but looking forward to it.

Maaaaaan I SO needed that! After having a huuuge time gap between my PPL and CPL due to money issues 😅 I finally resumed my flying practice this year and had been struggling with some "basics" and the feeling of that confidence dropping is sometimes overwhelming. Anyways, I am glad to hear that other people do struggle and each in your own way. It humanizes our field and help us to keep going thru 🛫

You can do it my friend, commercial was my favorite rating! Go get it!

"Dad, thanks for watching." - Man... that got me. Good on you for appreciating your dad.

Nice video, thanks for sharing. For me over the last 25+ years it's been a real joy every year to taking a vacation with my wife and traveling some 500 or 600sm and only have to commit 3 or 4 hours in my 182 vs. stuck on the road driving all day. Plus the views up there are really special esp in the fall and in places like New England.

This video is important for s lot,of people! Please keep making content to try and get people to take a step and start.

I just watched this video and I want to say thanks for making it. I have been on the fence about flying again, I haven't flown in years for various reasons, but this is so encouraging. I will definitely look into going back up

Man I needed to hear that! Thanks! I’ve been in a weird position where I haven’t been able to fly as often as I like and my confidence has been going down. I’m also still waiting to start up on instruments training but the VA has been having an issue with the school and not knowing when they gonna be up and running again has kinda put me down. This video has brought me up looking forward to the next flight hopefully sooner than later.

Greetings from Norway! Great video. Just a few months ago I enrolled in a flight academy in Oslo to pursue my dream of having a PPL , which I`ve had since I was 20 years old. A lot has happened since then. I am scheduled to take the written exam before Christmas and my first flight lesson in two weeks. Its never to late to fulfill the dream. I turned 50 in may!

When you get started, don'nt stop.

Yes yes yes! I am 28 about to turn 29, have a 1 year old and have my 4th, 5th, and 6th flight lesson scheduled this coming week. I’ve dove into my ground training and I am not looking back. You got this!

Great job with this !! We all love to fly and we want to share it when we can. But we all have this little bug of doubt sometimes when we get ready for that next step we may want to take. Flying is so versatile, not everyone has to go to airlines. People can get their PPL, buzz around their area at the speed that makes them happy. You summed up some thoughts and feelings very well. To anyone out there .... find your speed, as others have said, the flying group will work to help you just because we all love to fly !!

Loved this video. Definitely have had my low confidence days more than high confidence days during the training. I'm almost some with my PPL. It's the biggest endeavor I've taken on. Just getting started.

Love your stuff Charlie! I took 27 years away from flying…got back into it. Knocked out my instrument rating and now working on commercial! It’s never too late!

I'm 32 and I've just scheduled my discovery flight for next Sunday. Can't wait to get started flying!! Great video, thanks for sharing. Very encouraging.

I came across your channel today and started watching a number of your videos, but this one hit me right at home. I’m 55 and took my intro flight on my 16th birthday. Flying was something that always intrigued me and wanted to do. But life got in the way on more than one occasion. I’m currently cleaning up my maneuvers so I can complete my checkride for my PPL before the end of the year. It was refreshing to hear someone say in their video that its not always easy and they struggle either with confidence or life being in the way. Then reading through some comments of others my age and just learning or getting back into flying definitely moved my confidence meter back higher.