Anyone here have their pilots license?

It’s always been a dream of mine to fly recreationally. It’ll take about 20k and a year to make it a reality, just don’t know if the opportunity cost is too great at this stage of my life (<3 years out of school).

I’m thinking this is the best time to go for it as I don’t know when else I’ll have this much free time and lack of real responsibilities.

Can anyone who has (or has not) taken the leap provide their take on this situation?

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, pursuing a pilot's license can be a rewarding experience, but timing and financial considerations are key. A user shared that paying $100/hour for plane rentals isn't something a first-year analyst should aspire to before their first bonus check, but after a couple of years in your career, it becomes more feasible. They highlighted that flying recreationally offers freedom and unique experiences, like trips to the Keys or the Bahamas, which are about six hours of flight time away.

If you're less than three years out of school, the opportunity cost might feel significant, especially if you're still building financial stability. However, this could indeed be the best time to pursue it if you have fewer responsibilities and more free time. The decision ultimately depends on your financial situation and how much value you place on achieving this dream now versus later.

For more insights, you might find this thread helpful: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/marine-officeraviator-ask-…</a">Marine Officer/Aviator Ask Me Anything.

Sources: Marine Officer/Aviator Ask Me Anything, Marine Officer/Aviator Ask Me Anything, MBA Costs $500,000 -- Worth It?, Post Grad Activities, Life after 2 years in Private Equity

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I come from a large family of pilots. Why not join the Air Force reserves and keep your civilian job and rather than paying for training, getting paid to train?

https://thebackseatpilot.com/blogs/flight-training/becoming-a-guard-air…-

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

I shot big guns at Picatinny.  The M60 had one heck of a kick.

My 12gauge was nothing in comparison.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

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