Can't believe I am just seeing this thread.
I've been tossing out hints for TexAgs to get an aviation board since I first started taking lessons in 2011.
I came to the dance late in life, just shy of turning 49. I took my introductory flight in May of 2011, Passed the written in June of 2011, soloed in July of 2011, bought a C-150 in August of 2011, got my PP ticket in Oct of 2011. Bought a 1967 C-182 in December of 2011. I've racked up over 800 hours now, most of which were XC trips in the 182.
Passed written Instrument in Feb of 2013. Drug my feet but passed my Instrument check-ride just before the written was about to expire in Feb of 2015. Do this! Opens up your options to fly when it's not quite IFR, improves your communication skills with ATC, makes you a better pilot overall. I never would file a flight plan until after I got my instrument ticket. I started filing almost every XC flight after that, even in VFR conditions.
Passed the commercial written and I was just too busy to seal the deal, as well as scheduling conflicts with instructors and flight examiners. Had to let the written expire, so I'll have to take that again.
Working my way toward getting CFI ticket.
Sold the 182 in April this year. Still have the 150, will use it for a trainer if and when I get my CFI.
About to have access to a 1957 C-182, it is out of annual and the owners are still working some bugs out of it. Hopefully soon, I've been missing my 182 for XC trips.
I regret not pursuing aviation sooner in life. I never dreamed I would find something I was so passionate about at almost 50 years old. If so I'm sure I would have pursued a career in aviation. Have thought about it even at this stage of life,,,,, Spray Pilot, Airline Pilot, Corporate Pilot,,, something! But at this stage of the game (56 years old, retiring from my day job in less than a year) I think CFI is probably going to be how I go forward, and possibly pick up a few little gigs along the way.
TexAgs Pilots,,,, WE NEED TO LOBBY FOR AN AVIATION BOARD!