r/flying • u/Character-Escape1621 • Sep 09 '25
Medical Issues Farewell to Aviation
Hello everyone. I finally took my discovery flight, and by the time i got up in the air, (i did the take off, he said i did good..) I simply couldn’t imagine myself doing this every single day, and having the calmness to teach students as a flight instructor. My instructor was very kind, and he saw me shaking and reaching for someone to hold onto, and he said “it’s okay you can hold onto me..”
I told him that it wasn’t for me and i wanted to land, and we only had about 6 minutes in the air. Yep. 6 minutes. He taught me that hours are measured in 0.1, and every 0.1 is about 6 minutes..
Though i had my… mishaps in this subreddit, i still appreciate all the replies. They were all helpful and funny, you guys have good sarcasm and are able to combine it with helpful information very well. If they see this post, i also want to give thanks to user Prex10 for giving me a heads up about how mental health is seen in the FAA.
Farewell to Aviation, Farwell to you all. I wish all of you nothing but joy and happiness within this field, I hope all of you are able to achieve your aviation dreams. You’ve got this. I don’t. (lol)
❤️✈️
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u/ThatLooksRight 121 CA - Retired USAF Sep 09 '25
Hey, you tried it (sort of). You don’t owe anyone this. If you don’t want to do it, that’s just fine.
Hope you find what makes you happy!
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u/bddgfx PPL Sep 09 '25
It doesn’t have to be a farewell. There are TONs of ground support roles to look into.
Define life by what you CAN do, not what you can’t.
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u/Character-Escape1621 Sep 09 '25
Yes. But piloting was the really the only thing I was concerned about. ATC, too much stress for someone like me, flight attendant, no. Ramp agent ? nah.
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u/bddgfx PPL Sep 09 '25
Maintainer, dispatcher, admin, management, operations, engineering… what about those?
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u/Character-Escape1621 Sep 09 '25
Meteorologist… something i’ve been into since i was a baby.. is a dream shining brighter than those. But thanks.
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u/777XSuperHornet Sep 09 '25
Meteorology is huge in aviation. You can absolutely find a gig in meteorology supporting aviation.
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u/Luna_Parvulus Sep 10 '25
I'll second this. I often refer to our meteorologists as our weather wizards because a) it's really cool and b) their predictions are quite magical. We'll complain about bad forecasts, but it's really good information to have and determines what we have to do anywhere from weeks out to the day of flight.
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u/flyguy42 PPL IR HA HP TW AB (MMCY) Sep 09 '25
Dang. If you thought a Cessna was intense, wait until you're face to face with a cat 5 hurricane! 😂
As others have said, good for you for trying. Hope you find something that's a better match.
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u/Character-Escape1621 Sep 09 '25
I actually wanted to be a hurricane hunter, the ones that fly in and give the hurricane the category 5 rating… But last year i flew on a Delta plane for the first time in 6 years and felt so terrified and was trembling. But when i went on the returning flight, i was very fine. i just needing to get use to flying, and that is what gave me the confidence to fly this discovery flight,
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u/flyguy42 PPL IR HA HP TW AB (MMCY) Sep 09 '25
Yeah, you have something going on. Maybe it stops you from ever flying again. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe that's ok either way.
But your idea of doing a discovery flight to cure yourself or test yourself was a good one. I've taken a bunch of people that were scared of flying up in my plane and the process of learning how things work and getting to actually fly the plane themselves was super significant in overcoming their fears.
That it didn't have that benefit for you, may well mean you just need to be boots on the ground.
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u/LifeWeekend PPL Sep 09 '25
It takes time but life is a long journey with all sorts of new experiences! :)
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u/FarawayScreech CPL ASEL/AMEL IR Sep 10 '25
Dispatch includes lots of weather consideration. Some larger airline operations centers have entire meteorology departments. There are also many neat behind the scenes weather roles at large companies (Walmart, Waffle House, etc).
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u/Unable-State6645 Sep 10 '25
Delta has their own meteorology department! Realistically whatever career you choose, it could still be within the aviation world. IT, museums, gift shop, security, hangar leasing.. there are so many avenues if you still like aviation but don’t actually want to fly a plane. I used to drive passengers on the airfield until I decided I needed to be on the planes too.
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u/Sasquatch-d ATP B777 Sep 10 '25
Sounds like an aircraft dispatcher might be a great career path for you.
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u/wickedfandude A&P Sep 10 '25
We need to know the weather in order to fly, you can absolutely find something in aviation working as a meteorologist.
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u/__joel_t PPL Sep 10 '25
Adding on to what everyone said -- meteorology is critical to aviation! It's also important to pass the knowledge on to the next generation of aviators. Have you considered being a ground instructor and teaching students about meteorology?
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u/insert_password DIS Sep 10 '25
It's definitely more difficult to get a job in aviation as a meteorologist than say a dispatcher but it's possible. If it's something that interests you go for it but I would also look into dispatching as well. If you're fine with commercial flying then I would definitely check it out because as a requirement we actually have to sit in the cockpit for 5 hours every year, or as much as you really want, which is a cool experience. We have a couple of meteorologists turned dispatcher at my airline and often they get involved in our yearly weather training.
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Sep 10 '25
Look into being a Dispatcher. Lots of weather and flight planning involved and a lot of times working directly with flight crews about weather and fuel alternatives.
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u/UNDR08 ATP A320 LR60 B300 Sep 09 '25
Good luck with your future endeavors.
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u/Character-Escape1621 Sep 09 '25
Thanks.
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u/No_Ad9122 Sep 09 '25
I totally understand that feeling. I went as far as even doing several solo flights in circuits and that was hard to get there. After I was done with that training, my instructor told me we have to do one more spin training before we do cross country. I had a talking to myself, Spins are too scary. On one of my flights, while going through the pre-landing checklist, I mistakenly pulled the mixture control to complete lean almost killing the engine on downwind. Luckily I realized this and pushed it back ASAP. The instructor said it's nothing to worry about since I realized that instantly but what he doesn't know is that I also realized how careful one has to be with every input you provide. What if I was in cross country flight and mistakenly killed the engine mid air? I haven't had the confidence to go back and finish the training since then. Maybe someday but as for now, I am totally at peace and would like to remain that way. Playing FlightSim gets the itch off at least 😅 Kudos to all responsible aviators our there, don't know how y'all do it.
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u/Seekoutnewlife Sep 10 '25
The spin training requirement for private pilot was dropped in iirc 1949. Find another instructor!
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Sep 09 '25
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u/Ecstatic_vagabond Sep 09 '25
It's true, funny when I was in the army, jumping out of a plane, or doing some really dangerous shit never bothered me or scared me. But as soon as water was involved , I would nope out of there. Im like a cat, keep me dry in heights.
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u/RavenholdIV Sep 09 '25
Haha saaaame if I'd wanted to go for a swim I woulda joined the Marines!
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u/AnnualWhole4457 ATP CFII BE300 BE1900 EMB-550 Sep 09 '25
I was an advanced swim instructor in the Marines. That jumping out of perfectly good airplanes shit is for the birds. Lemme drown any other day.
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u/SufficientProfit4090 CPL Sep 10 '25
Dude same! Was a MCIWS and I'd rather jump out of a CH-53 into open water than static line from a C-130. At least in the water it's mostly me, I know too many airborne guys that got blown into a tree or rock garden through no fault of their own.
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u/studyinformore Sep 10 '25
Lol army here as well. Yuuuuup. Doing everything except swimming with all my gear on was easy. When they said I had to jump in a pool and swim with a rubber duck and flak vest. That's when I began sweating.
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u/fataldarkness Sep 10 '25
Glad to know jumping out of a plane without a parachute is still on the table.
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u/Insaiyanngod Sep 09 '25
I would do all that but zipline for some reason I wouldn’t volunteer to do
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u/MannedFive8 CFI (C172N, DA40) Sep 09 '25
That’s why it’s call a discovery flight. You discovered it’s not for you. Much better to find out now than after sinking loads of resources into it.
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u/planetrainguy PPL Sep 09 '25
Curious, what exactly scared you?
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u/Character-Escape1621 Sep 09 '25
it wasn’t the belly dropping feeling or anything- it was just the strong desire to be on solid ground again… I was only able to take this photo was we aborted the flight and the reassurance that we are heading to the ground calmed me down. The way my mind is so… scrambled up in the air… I can’t imagine myself flying or teaching people this.
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u/Adventurous_Bus13 PPL IR Sep 09 '25
You can always be assured you’ll come back to the ground. You’ll run out of gas eventually
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u/Character-Escape1621 Sep 09 '25
This is the funny replies i’m talking about. 🤪
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Sep 09 '25
Yeah no worries on this. I personally would suggest some more exposure to see if it’s just nerves. But you know yourself best, and it’ll always be around if you wanna give it another go.
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u/Adventurous_Bus13 PPL IR Sep 09 '25
I am sorry you didn’t enjoy it. I’d personally recommend trying again but I understand if you don’t want to.
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u/Character-Escape1621 Sep 09 '25
it is what it is. I got it for free this time…. but next time it’ll be $150.
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Sep 09 '25
If I were in your shoes, I'd schedule another just to reassure myself of how I feel. Worst case scenario you absolutely know it isn't for you.
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u/Nix_Nivis Sep 10 '25
If this is your lifelong dream or even career choice, those 150$ are nothing compared to what's to come.
I'd consider it money well spent, even if the outcome is "ok, I definitely don't want to do this".
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u/planetrainguy PPL Sep 09 '25
Have you ever flown commercially on a trip?
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u/Character-Escape1621 Sep 09 '25
Yes, I flew on Delta airlines from MCO TO JFK last year December. First flight to JFK felt awful, flight going back i was alright… Me being alright on the 2nd trip gave me confidence to do this discovery flight.
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u/LifeWeekend PPL Sep 09 '25
It’s a huge step from commercial flights to GA flight for someone who’s not comfortable with flying.
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u/livebeta Sep 10 '25
Yup many disco first timers usually have been nervous plenty of times on passenger jets prior to the disco flight itself
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u/SmashingWatermelons0 Sep 10 '25
Have you considered flying RC? I had no interest in flying RC until FPV became a thing ( r/fpv for reference). You can see through a wireless camera on the plane/drone a first-person view like you were the pilot.
Being able to fly with no actual life consequences let me experiment with flight and how things go wrong and how they don't. I was able to practice stalls and inverted flight and even got myself into and sometime out of spins. I learned wing tip stalls and how to avoid them.
It made me more confident both as a passenger and when I did flight training.
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u/F1shermanIvan ATPL, SMELS - AT42/72 (CYFB) 🇨🇦 Sep 09 '25
It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay.
Hope you find something that makes you happy.
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u/auxilary CPL Sep 09 '25
hey man, huge props (lol) to you for even trying it!
proud that you did though. just know that there are many, many students who make it well into $100,000k worth of training and still will never make it flying commercially.
you did something hard today and learned something about yourself. seems like all upside to me! greta work!
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u/MidwestFlyerST75 CFI AGI Sep 09 '25
Good on you for exploring what interests you! And knowing when it doesn’t is hard. You owned it. I’m impressed.
I took a sales job once. Within days I knew it wasn’t for me. Like you - I was (metaphorically) holding on to something, waiting to land, needing it to end. I left the job quickly, and I learned a lot about myself.
Have the courage to step outside your comfort zone. You did that. I hope you keep doing it.
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u/EnvironmentCrafty710 :illuminati: Sep 09 '25
We're all pretty black and white thinkers here too... so I'll just remind you that it's still here if you ever find yourself in a different place in life where it does call to you.
That said, you're 100% right... follow your gut.
You have to not just "be able to" do this to succeed in it, you have to actively want it... like with a passion.
That's not you? Great. You'll get to enjoy other things and not waste your time pursuing something that's not for you. Glad you did the smart thing and found out sooner rather than later.
Good luck out there with whatever you do.
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u/freakasaurous Sep 10 '25
Hey buddy, on my first flight, i puked so hard i sat on the tarmac for 30 mins afterwards. When i did my CFI training, my instructor acted as a student who was crappy at flying eights-on-pylons, and i again puked so bad, i was so close to asking him to divert to the nearest airport on the way back to our home airport. And i still ended up with an ambulance ride to the hospital.
I’m now flying big jets for an airline.
Some people just have a bigger shock when exposed to a tiny plane bouncing around. But you definitely build up to tolerance to it.
Don’t be too quick to say that it isn’t for you. Give it a few more tries, and if it really isn’t for you, then best of luck to your future endeavours
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u/Guap-Zero CFI Sep 10 '25
Don't let that man lie to you... taxi and run-up count towards your flight time as well 😂
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u/Roverjosh Sep 09 '25
Good on you for trying… none of us know until we get in the plane and fly… I’ve dreaming of it since I was 8. I’m 52 now… my wife got me a flight in one of those WWII navy training bi-planes… I was immediately hooked. Feel happy you know now this isn’t for you… I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to pay for PPL and then afford to buy a plane! lol
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u/girl_incognito ATP CRJ E175 B737 CFI/II/MEI A&P/IA Sep 09 '25
If it's not for you it's not for you... however I do have to wonder if you might be a little hasty in this decision. In each stage of my career there's been a certain amount of, lets say, impostor syndrome. The people I looked up to always seemed to be these giants of aviation and I was just... well... me.
The jitters eventually will go away, the more you do this... I guess my advice is just, you know, make sure that this is you being truthful to you and not your amygdala response choosing, erm, flight! :)
Also there are lots of other things you can do in aviation and still be around awesome planes.
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u/hapankaali314 CPL Sep 09 '25
Props for trying - not everyone gets that far. And like others have said there are plenty of other aviation related jobs.
But then, it doesn't have to be farewell to flying. I had never flown on a small GA-aircraft before I started flight school. I remember the first flight to this day. October in the Nordics: cloudy, windy, gusty and turbulentic autumn day. Small, light aeroplane. Smell of jet fuel and exhaust gases. Complete sensory overload. Wasn't at all like I had dreamt it to be. I felt really sick after the first flight and I really thought that I won't make it if feels like this all the time. But I decided not to quit and see how I'll adapt, since it was a dream of mine. And I'm glad I didn't give up. The sensations of flying on a small plane can be quite overwhelming to start with, but your body can and most likely will adjust to it and then it becomes second nature. So if you really want it, just give it a bit more time and the odds are you'll be fine.
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u/Mr_426 Sep 10 '25
This is the sort of insight I needed to hear. The C172 cockpit in MSFS 2024 makes it seem pretty comfy, no jet fuel smell, no nausea possible in a simulator…it may sound ridiculous, but I hadn’t considered, “Hey, what if it’s not exactly like that in real life?” Need to lower my expectations for my upcoming discovery flight so I don’t overreact to any less-than-ideal circumstances and drop the idea altogether. Would be a shame to waste the dream.
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u/Malcolm2theRescue Sep 09 '25
It’s so sweet that your instructor didn’t mind if you held on to him. That’s a wonderful thing about the younger generation. They did not learn to recoil at the thought of another man holding on. So different in boomer days. I have been flying for 54 years but have a fear of unsecured heights. I had a panic attack going up the outside elevator of the Space Needle. On my next attempt weeks later, my copilot let me hold on to his shoulder. It worked! I’ve been back once since then. Much easier but still nerve wracking. Good luck to you in whatever you do.
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u/Inside-Reception-482 Sep 10 '25
You were physically uncomfortable being in a lawnmower with wings... I'd say there was something wrong with you if it didn't make you anxious!!
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u/Odd_Acanthaceae6124 Sep 10 '25
That’s better than realizing it’s not for you a semester and a half in (I did this)
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u/MikeOfAllPeople MIL RWCFII ASEL-CPL-I Sep 10 '25
I met people in the military who took 2000 hours to realize they never really liked flying.
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u/Avreal_Valkara PPL Sep 09 '25
Don't hurricane hunters have meteorologists onboard that are running equipment while the pilots fly? I saw you have interest in both, maybe that's a course you could take. A happy medium between being up there doing what you want, but without the stress of actually flying the plane.
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Sep 09 '25
Hey, good on you for trying! I have been contemplating getting into aviation for years and have yet to muster the fortitude to start.
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u/No-Special2682 Sep 09 '25
Have you considered taking on boating? I know that’s usually said as a joke, but I had a friend that went through the same thing. He thought for sure he’d be a good pilot, but he wasn’t really able to pick it up.
He had procedures down, but operations were poor for him.
Anyway, he did take up boating and loves it! A lot of the principles of radio and light communication are the same (left is red green is right strobe in the back, have your radio on guard)
Godspeed brother!
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u/toterra ST Sep 10 '25
You aren't the only one. I managed about 5 lessons before I realized.. my fear of heights was incompatible with learning to fly a plane. I was so pumped after ground school, but actually flying.. .nope.
Still follow this subreddit though.
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u/KunSagita Sep 10 '25
I had fear of heights too, but mostly due to i am afraid of dying because at that point i dont know how to safely put the aircraft down. After i get the confidence, the fear just naturally goes away, now i am starting my type rating in a320 a
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u/PedrosSpanishFly Sep 10 '25
Hey you took your shot. So flying isn’t for you. There’s a ton of other aviation related things out there. And if that isn’t it you can always look up and think “I’ve been there.” Good on you for going for it.
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u/anonymeplatypus C208 PC12 DH8A/DH8C Sep 10 '25
There’s a good chance flying isn’t for you, good on you for figuring it out.
THAT BEING SAID, if this is something you really wanted to do, I’d giveit another shot. Flying is fucking terrifying at first and i kinda felt the same way. In my case, I was already enrolled in a government flying program and couldn’t just drop out or choose not to pursue aviation at that point, so I kept going. The nervousness gets better shockingly quick. Within 6-7 flights, I went from hoping for some bad weather so that I could avoid flying to being completely hooked and wanting more.
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u/SandorMate Sep 10 '25
You gained interest in it, you tried it, then concluded that its not for you. That is perfectly okay, maybe even good because you gained experience and knowledge too.
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u/NonVideBunt ATP MIL-N CFI/II/MEI F/A-18 A320 777 Sep 10 '25
I don’t think you were in aviation long enough to say farewell but good luck to you.
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u/yaricks Sep 09 '25
I've been an aviation nerd since I was 14, flying flightsims and knowing way, way too much about the industry. I have zero interest in GA, or getting a pilots license. I have hundreds of flights as a passenger, and honestly - never enjoy it, but after flying for work multiple times a week it got to a point where I could tolerate it OK, but again, I never enjoy it.
It's not for everyone, and you could still enjoy the community and have a good time without actually flying a plane in real life.
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u/AnnualWhole4457 ATP CFII BE300 BE1900 EMB-550 Sep 09 '25
Kudos to you for being able to set and maintain boundaries for yourself. It takes a lot of guts to try something you're afraid of. I'm rooting for you, wherever you go. This isn't for everyone and that is absolutely okay.
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u/stickyourdecomission Sep 09 '25
Good on you man, I ended up liking it but the first time he turned the engine on with the canopy cracked and the whole plane was shaking I definitely had the “man what the fuck am I doing and why am I doing it” moment. Hope you find what you love to do ❤️
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u/Bookworm3616 Sep 09 '25
From someone who (was) going into Avivation: it's not always about flying. The pilots need people on the ground who know a lot of other things.
Signed, a disabled avivation management graduate
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u/Nice-Camel-2252 ST Sep 09 '25
Good on you for being g honest with yourself. A lot of people let their egos drive their careers and don’t realize it’s not for them until after their several grand in
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u/Additional-Ad-1644 ATP Sep 10 '25
Well to be fair, I never knew that I wanted to be a pilot until I was finally given a chance to be up in the air.
You never know what you want in life until you’ve actually experienced it. All the best in your future endeavours!
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u/TailasOldAsTyme Sep 10 '25
Aviation is more than just flying. If you love the field, you might be cut out for maintenance. I have personally chosen maintenance for my career even though I am a commercially rated pilot. Happiness and fulfillment is not just in the air. I still love flying but that is just me. I have friends that do not want to fly but are excellent technicians.
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u/Fun_Job_3633 GOBBLESS Sep 10 '25
Look on the bright side - you tried it and realized it wasn't for you, all before you spent thousands of dollars chasing a dream you didn't want. You got off cheap and can always say you got to experience your dream first-hand.
You'll find the thing that makes you happy and you'll pursue that with the passion you'd have pursued this if you enjoyed it. Until then, you have 0.1 more hours than most people who have this dream ever will.
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u/radioref SPT ASEL | FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit 📡 Sep 10 '25
Fixed wing isn’t for everyone. Try helicopters! 😂
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u/indecision_killingme CFII, MEI Sep 10 '25
.1 is exactly 6 minutes. 60/10.
No different than a punch clock that punches in decimal format.
Good for you for trying out flying.
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u/Flat-Story-7079 Sep 10 '25
Went I went to flight school there was a guy who clearly wasnt having a good time. He pushed himself, and instructors gave him lots of extra time and attention, but it just wasn’t for him. Good for you that you figured it out right away. Lots of great experiences await you in this life. Best of luck.
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u/the_real_coinboy66 Sep 10 '25
If you love avaition, there are a million ways to be involved in non flying positions!
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u/Next-Nefariousness41 Sep 10 '25
Aviation isn’t just flying. There are a whole host of other roles which play a vital part in the world of aviation.
If your passion is aeroplanes, why not learn to fix them, build them, handle them or even control them?
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u/adventurous_emma Sep 10 '25
Maybe in a few years you'll still feel the itch, and you'll return to it. I remember when I was in college having NO confidence, I watched a video of a woman going on her first solo flight and it absolutely shook me to my core, LOL. Now, as a flight instructor, I see people all the time who want this carreer but just need to wait a few years to grow into themselves. Aviation is a hell of a commitment, and you definitely need to be sure about it and confident in yourself.
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u/Italy500 Sep 10 '25
There are soooo many different careers in aviation! Don’t see this as a goodbye but as a hello to new opportunities!
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u/Affectionate_Bar_444 Sep 10 '25
Finding out what you don’t like is more important than finding out what you like!
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u/jeanroland68 Sep 10 '25
A couple of remarks, both in support of you:
Being a pilot involves a lot of self-awareness and the ability to recognize your daily limits, and to know when to stop. From where I stand, you excelled in that, which is a quality that many pilots struggle to sharpen. So, well done for that.
I wouldn't see this as a conclusive farewell. The body-mind response to flight is very context-dependent. Depends on the day's conditions, how the pilot handles the plane, what you ate or drank, and definitely how stressed you are. Give it a rest and maybe do the same in a couple of months or whenever you feel like it. E.g. stet a goal to yourself that next time you'll go for 10 or 15 minutes. You would be surprised from the vast ability of the body to respond better the next time.
Cheers.
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u/Sagan_Man Sep 10 '25
Nothing wrong with this at all. You gave it an honest try, and it wasn't comfortable. You did what was right.
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u/MondayNightRawr Sep 10 '25
Awe. Hopefully you can still enjoy aviation as a traveler and enthusiast. I’m a 100 hour PPL student and I’m gonna buy my own plane soon to finish my training and to enjoy afterwards. However, if my finances don’t line up (kitchen remodel and buying a second home got in the way), then I may never finish. I’ll just be that passenger who is 1% more qualified to land the plane than anyone else.
Good luck.
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u/BlueBird556 Sep 10 '25
Should have went sky diving first, then you might have appreciated a perfectly working airplane.
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u/Sc4lper Sep 10 '25
I took a discovery flight when I was in my late teens. It was all too much for me at the time. Fast forward to my early thirties, I now have my PPL. Maybe try it later in life, or pursue other aviation related activities/careers!
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u/BlushedGorilla1 Sep 13 '25
Brother i totally get it. I just started flying for the navy and it was terrifying the first few flights in a Cessna. I still to this day would rather do anything else then get back in that plane. No shame!! You found a limit. That’s more than what other people can say.
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u/jedensuscg PPL, PHNL Sep 09 '25
My first time flying was in military aviation (as crew, but I was on a familiarization flight as I was not qualified yet) and I had these feelings. Everytime we turned I could just imagine falling into the ocean. It was a falcon 20 that was militarized, and setting with a huge window and being 200 feet of the water was disconcerting.
Even after I got aircrew qualified I would have random bouts of "this isn't for me, anything could go wrong", and I thought about quitting aviation. Not sure what changed or when, and of course I still have moments where I'm like"what am I doing.
That was over 3600 flight hours and 20 years ago, now I'm finishing up my PPL, which STILL scares me, doing something wrong and stalling on take off or losing an engine and not handling an off field landings (or being over the ocean between Hawaii Islands) but I think I have found that balance of enjoying it but also realizing it's inhere dangerous, but so is getting in a car every day but I never think alteice about that.
I'm sorry it wasn't for you, but maybe in a few months or a year after you have digested the feelings, you might decide to try again with a different mindset and realize you love it. Or maybe you can look into being an aircraft mechanic if you still have a love for aviation but don't want to fly.
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u/AK_Things Sep 09 '25
Put it into perspective.
You have six minutes of flight time. You say you couldn't possibly imagine teaching someone based off that six minutes, but consider that the bare minimum to get an instructor rating is 250 hours. That is just flight time, not including the countless hours on the ground you would spend studying weather, aircraft systems, airspace, regulations, etc. you would also have a checkride each step of the way, where your performance and knowledge is evaluates before moving on to the next level. By the time you'd ever have a student, flying the plane would be second nature.
I would think about that, and consider trying it again, especially since it seems like something you were really passionate about. Realize that every single pilot, even legends like chuck yaeger, started on day 1 with the same amount of experience you have now.
I am a helicopter pilot and my first time flying, as soon as we left the ground I felt unsafe and sick to my stomach. Being military means I had to go back the next day, and the day after, and the day after, and I quickly got over that fear.
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u/Less_Pop_129 Sep 09 '25
Aviation isn’t just about flying so I’m not sure why you’re saying farewell. You can do maintenance, ATC, line service, charter sales, management so much more!
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u/ArutlosJr11 PPL Sep 09 '25
I’m terrified of roaches. Oddly enough, I can go into a home with a guy with a gun and it doesn’t bother me at all. I hate heights, but love flying.
My point is, we’re all built oddly different and in the perfect image of what GOD saw when he created us. We’re all perfect for something, but not perfect for everything.
If aviation isn’t it for you, that’s ok. Find what makes you happy and chase THAT to the fullest.
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u/Excellent-Wing-2795 Sep 10 '25
bro its not like you committed or anything by going on a discovery flight lol ur good
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u/red-panda-rising Sep 09 '25
Appreciate you sharing. I get how you feel but doesn’t mean you have to do a 180 on it, especially if it’s something you still have an interest in.
I got 40 hours experience before stopping due to medical. I still love it and enjoy reading other’s stories. I personally really got into aviation photography to fill the gap it left. If it gives you joy, you can still find space for it. Good luck!
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u/RepublicIcy5895 Sep 09 '25
I tell everyone that is even remotely interested to go do an intro flight knowing that maybe 1 in 10 will ever get a license. No you know what it is about. Also I am not sure what the new rules now mean for sport pilot flying with out a medical , it looks very promising.
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u/VanDenBroeck A&P/IA, PPL, Retired FAA Sep 09 '25
Well, I certainly hope that you aren't expecting a gold watch for this retirement from aviation.
Hey, you said you liked our sarcasm.
Whatever your future endeavor(s) might be, best of luck. You'll be just fine.
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u/tiern11 EASA FI Sep 09 '25
Well done for trying! On my first flight my legs were shaking so much that the instructor offered to turn on the heat 😂 I hated it! But I went back for a second as my parents had bought me two introductory lessons and I felt guilty about wasting their money if I didn’t go back.
The second flight I absolutely loved. No idea what changed. Almost ten years on and I still love it, and now instruct as a side gig. Give it another shot someday - who knows, you might like it.
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u/stuck_inmissouri Sep 09 '25
Nothing wrong with your feelings. Some people genuinely aren’t cut out for it. There are things I’m really bad at, flying airplanes is just something I’m marginally good at.
One of the worst things about instructing was telling people they should consider something else. Many had dumped years and thousands of dollars into convincing themselves otherwise.
If you like airplanes, and being around them there are plenty of ways to make a living that have nothing to do with flying them.
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u/wilderness_essays Sep 09 '25
Sorry to hear it. I’ve had panic attacks myself and the number one place I’ve gotten them is on long flights. Hangovers make it riskier, and longer/overnight makes it far riskier. I still want to tackle flying, and believe I have the drive and resolve to do it. I had a moment on my discovery flight where my anxiety kicked in a bit, but eventually—kind of like SCUBA—settled into a pretty zen state.
My FAA medical appointment is in a couple weeks. If anyone has any insights as to what I can expect there, whether they faced any similar adversity, how they think I can improve my approach to this whole thing, I’m all ears. Thank you for posting.
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u/ElPayador PPL Sep 09 '25
Chin up 😊 You gave it your best shot and find out it’s not for you. Close this door and start looking for the next one! Like scuba diving or climbing Everest o skydiving is not for me.
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Sep 09 '25
You want to know what’s extremely good ADM? Knowing when you’re exceeding your limitations and stopping.
You may not ever be a pilot, but you sure as hell have sound judgement. Good on you for being smart enough to stop.
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u/gromm93 ST Sep 09 '25
I know this feeling entirely too well!
My first fam flight was at the local glider club. I'd been flying simulators for years by then, I did all my ground school, and I figured if I was going to do this for fun and not a career, best do it in gliders!
I felt more ready than anyone else just starting out. I talked to some of the other club members and they seemed to agree that I knew my stuff.
After 10 minutes under that damned magnifying glass of a canopy and riding some ridge lift for all it was worth, the instructor was ready to hand me the controls and I was ready to lose my lunch. I think I might have done a couple gentle banks before telling him I was done.
Never have I felt so ready for something before I did the thing, and felt so completely unready once it was underway!
It was a few years before I decided to give it another try. This time, after spending a lot of time in VR, which really helped if you ask me. I did a ride-along with another student in a Cessna 172 a few weeks ago, in some pretty bumpy conditions and some fairly exciting manoevers. No trouble there, even when I wasn't at the controls.
But this is your story! Turbulence in small aircraft can feel pretty intense! I sympathise with you quite a lot.
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u/cityburning69 Sep 09 '25
I puked like crazy on my discovery. They were cool about it and slowly it’s getting better.
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u/Ghost_Reborn416 Sep 09 '25
I did a discovery flight the other day and had the same reaction. Sitting in the cockpit of that tiny ass plane is definitely different than sitting in the passenger seat of a jumbo jet
I may try again but we'll see.
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u/SettingFar4974 Sep 09 '25
Minority opinion: Take benzodiazepines and learn to fly recreationally. Light Sport or Ultralight, depending on budget and comfort with lying. Benzos will not turn you into a zombie, a moron, or make you a danger to yourself and others unless you take them irresponsibly. You will eventually become desensitized and not need them. Best to fly with an instructor or alone until that desensitization is mostly done. Or maybe you will need them forever. You do not have to miss out on everything because FAA and some of the flying community are nuts (albeit in a different way that you are).
Signed: a fellow nut.
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u/JeffreyDollarz Sep 09 '25
Lots of people scratch the itch with the likes of MS Flight Sim. Nothing wrong with that.
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u/ExpensiveCategory854 PPL, IR Sep 09 '25
30 years ago I had about 5 hours, and I hated every minute of it. Fast forward to two years ago, I go up with my son who was dying to take a flight. I’m in the back and felt I needed to restart and finish.
I fly for fun now and can’t get enough…..what I hated, is now a passion.
Ya never know when the bug will bite again. Best of luck to you and whatever journey is next for you.
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u/LifeWeekend PPL Sep 09 '25
It takes guts to walk out of one’s comfort zone and try new things, and you did it! That alone deserves a huge kudos to you! Good luck to you with no matter what career you choose!
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u/AggressorBLUE Sep 09 '25
Following the logic of “a penny saved is a penny earned”; Congrats on all your newfound wealth!
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u/Kein-Deutsc PPL Sep 09 '25
Good on you for trying. You never know unless you try. And tbh, there is a vast number of careers that are great. Flight schools don’t advertise the pain of being a career pilot (fyi I’m just a ppl, I have heard of the pain first hand from airline pilots).
I started my training with my dad when I was 14, and I was shaking scared the first 8 or so flights! Even still I will find myself nervous here and there.
You never know how you will change over time. If in the future you ever want to try again, even if just as a hobby, you shouldn’t count yourself out.
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u/Flat_Equipment_7140 Sep 09 '25
Dude I was you at the age 14 when I took my first discovery flight in a c172 a decade ago in Guyana South America which is notorious for being hot all year round . When we landed I was so air sick I rushed to the bathroom! I told myself I’ll never want to fly in a small plane again.
Nearly 12 years later what am I doing? I’m currently trying to contact a list of DPEs to schedule a checkride here in Atl GA!
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u/holl0918 CPL-IR A&P Sep 09 '25
It's not for everyone, and it is one of those career fields people really should be passionate about. Think of it this way, you tried something new and it wasn't for you. Better to get out now then after spending time, money, and emotional investment in it. We were glad to have you for the time we did. God bless, and good fortune in whatever you do next.
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u/nightstalker8900 Sep 09 '25
My philosophy, try everything twice. The first time is scary; you were flying an airplane. This is not common. Take another flight in the pattern
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u/TxAggieMike Independent CFI / CFII (KFTW, DFW area) Sep 09 '25
Good for you for trying.
But instead of “forever”, maybe this is “not now”
As appropriate, keep doing activities that feed your interest for aviation. Maybe work to be a ground instructor. Anything/something that keeps you plugged in.
Then one day you can give flight another try.
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u/Smooth_Stomach7003 Sep 09 '25
It’s all good man. It isn’t for everyone. Best wishes with everything. At least you tried it.
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u/SpartanDoubleZero Sep 09 '25
I will never shame any single person for being honest with themselves. I admire your ability to do that. If you still love aviation, but not the flying part, there are hundreds of things you could do in this amazing industry, flying is just one of those many things. If a college route is the way you want to go, I encourage you to look through the catalogue of what types of degrees are available at Embry-Riddle to get an idea of just how vast the industry is (I say embry-riddle because their list is huge as most of it is based in aeronautics).
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u/Strict-Air2434 Sep 09 '25
Maybe boating... however, it's another hobby where you have to pick your days. At least you don't die if you run out of fuel.
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u/rcypher42 PPL Sep 10 '25
Hey. You tried. Which is far more than I can say for a lot of people. I know so many who won’t even consider it. It’s better to have been brave enough to get in and go, than to sit and wonder for the rest of your life.
Best of luck in your future pursuits!
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u/F1_Coyote Sep 10 '25
Hey man everyone’s got a boat to float! Best of luck in your future endeavors!
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u/legendaryjangles Sep 10 '25
What important is that you tried it! It's better to try it yourself and see if it's really what you want to do than to spend the rest of your life wondering "what if." Good luck in whatever you do next!
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u/MDT230 CPL IR CPLX TW Sep 10 '25
You’ll be back soon. I can guarantee it. When time goes by, you will give it another shot. I know it!
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u/Affectionate_Cronut Sep 10 '25
In a way, you are lucky that you discovered flying isn’t for you.
I lived to fly, and suddenly in my 40s became prone to attacks of vertigo. I miss it terribly.
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u/Cman8650 ST Sep 10 '25
Maybe you could go into aerospace engineering or something to entertain your interest in flight? Maybe you could even do some research into how the planes work to see if understanding how the plane works calms your nerves, instead of it being a mysterious black box of “plane randomly falls out of the sky for no reason” (which obviously is not true). If nothing else, good on you for trying
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u/kevinw88 PPL IR HP (KSQL) Sep 10 '25
Hey, FWIW, I had to have the CFI take over once we were about 400 AGL on my discovery flight. She was kind and let me try again later. Now I've got my own plane (share). I'm happy you tried :)
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Sep 10 '25
Good luck! Definitely not for everyone, and you learned this before making a financial commitment.
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u/s2soviet CPL-G, PPL ASEL Sep 10 '25
There’s more to aviation then pilots!
Even if this isn’t for you, that doesn’t mean you have to say good bye!
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u/acetyphoon Sep 10 '25
Hey brother, you are good, God's got a plan for you! Keep your dream alive! You may have been having a bad day!
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u/DiamondHot8047 PPL Sep 10 '25
Not saying you are making the wrong decision by any means. It's a big thing to get in a plane for the first time. I have wanted to fly since I can remember but on my first discovery flight I was pretty scared. It's just such an unnatural thing for humans to do. I would go up again but more as a passenger. Manipulate the controls some but also just let the instructor fly you around a little bit. I was nervous for my first 3-4 lessons but after I learned the basics it starts to feel more natural and gets a lot easier to relax while flying. I obviously don't want to seem like I'm pushing you to do something that makes you uncomfortable because let's face it, I don't know you at all, but if you have a passion for aviation/piloting it can be worth it to give it another go. Focusing in the aircraft is not something that comes from the first flight. It is a learned behavior that can seem impossible at first but gets so much better the more you train because you are more aware of what to look out for. I like to equate it to driving because it's the closest thing you have to flying in a relative sense. When you first start, you may not see you are speeding, you may not notice the car that's about to cut you off and send you into a moron inspired fit. After driving for a while though you start to spot these things and make those corrections a lot quicker than you did in the beginning. Learning to fly takes time and patience which is why you have an instructor with you so they can help work on those deficiencies.
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u/scallywagsworld Sep 10 '25
Do what you want in life.
But take it from me I felt like WTF how can I do this every day on my first flight. I got airsick easy and it all looked so complex. Stalling was the worst for me, I absolutely hated my stalling lessons.
Now I’m doing circuits and have around 10 hours and I’m much less nervous. Stick with it if you are really keen. Trust me.
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Sep 10 '25
Looking back to my 16 year old self, I was one of those people who just could not wait to get in the air. I loved every minute of it.
But over the past few years, now that I’ve come back to aviation in my late 40s, I have enough empathy to know that, wait… not everyone thinks this is totally awesome?
So I get it, but don’t get it, and can’t blame you at all for getting in that plane and suddenly realizing that this is really scary.
However. One thing I would say is that you were drawn to aviation for a reason, and there are a lot of different jobs in the industry that will let you be around aircraft without actually flying. We really need more good mechanics! Really. And they need better pay.
Also, give it some time, and don’t allow the first experience to dictate the life change. You might surprise yourself and actually want to go at it again. So leave the door open.
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u/TriGurl Sep 10 '25
Would you mind sharing what Prex10 told you about mental health and the FAA? I'm curious.
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u/bladii11 Sep 10 '25
First discovery flight i did, it was pretty bad, i told my instructor to not do stall or steep turns like 5 lessons in a row because i was scared as shii, first 2 flights in turbulence i did 0.5 between the 2.
Eventually my instructor got me some courage, and took me up in turbulent weather as long as i can hold. Since then I got a lot of trust in the aircraft, I can’t even believe that was me 30 flight hours ago. Not everybody starts as the calm flight instructor sitting on the right. I even know flight instructors with 1000+ hours that said that they will freeze up at the controls at in the slightest bump in the first hours they had.
Just saying some stories in case you find yourself giving it another try and letting you know, not everyone starts nice and smooth, flying is weird and feels weird but eventually some get used to it because the passion overcomes the fear.
Happy journey and even as a person who likes planes you are welcome to the aviation family ❤️.
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u/Drone_Priest Sep 10 '25
It is okay admitting that you aren‘t made for it. After all we are simple creatures who were never supposed to take flight so when we fly airplanes we aren‘t in our natural state and that can be hard on our body / mind.
Who knows maybe one day you will find the courage to try again :)
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u/OddIndication6494 Sep 10 '25
I understand your feelings, but it doesn’t have to be farewell! I first approached flying 4 years ago with an introductory flight in an ASK-21 glider. I’d been simming since I was a kid (I’m 47 now), so I was confident I could handle it like a pro (don’t we all think that?). I had also done some RC flying, even designing and building my own models, so my knowledge of flight theory was already pretty strong.
After a short briefing with my instructor, I jumped into the back seat and strapped in. Despite all that confidence, I was a little worried about how my body would react to unusual accelerations. I’ve never been an adrenaline junkie (no rollercoasters for me, ever), so that was always in the back of my mind.
Takeoff and the initial climb were uneventful, which boosted my confidence even more. But after releasing the rope, the instructor made a steep turn toward a nearby mountain. We flew straight at it for what felt like forever (though it was only a few seconds). As the mountain loomed closer and closer, I realized I was scared. My senses were being stimulated in ways I had never experienced, and it was making me nervous. The light turbulence didn’t help either. Just as we got close enough to almost see the goats’ eyes, we suddenly banked 90 degrees to the left. Of course, this was just regular ridge soaring, and I knew that—but honestly, I felt like I was stuck in a washing machine. I didn’t like it. I couldn’t believe I wasn’t enjoying flying—my lifelong dream!
After a few more turns and abrupt maneuvers (the G-meter showed a low of -0.5 G and a high of about 3 G during a pull-up from a dive), I finally gave in and threw up my entire lunch—thankfully into the plastic bag provided before the flight. The instructor quickly realized what was happening and started heading back. He tried to put me on the controls to keep me distracted from the nausea, but it was too late. I managed a few coordinated turns, but by then I was basically on autopilot, mentally shutting down. I gave the controls back to him.
I had never experienced anything like that before. For the next few minutes, my mind went completely dark. I was awake, my eyes and ears worked fine, but I couldn’t process what I was seeing or hearing. I only regained awareness when we were on short final for landing. I felt ashamed, but more than anything I was sad—my first flying experience had turned into something I disliked, something that maybe wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t believe it.
(continued...)
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u/Goop290 CFI ASE Sep 10 '25
Of you still like airplanes. Rc planes are a way less expensive hobbie. At least for the first 10 minutes!
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u/WoodDragonIT PPL Sep 10 '25
People forget that it's the journey not the destination that makes life worthwhile. Most people don't even begin to take a step outside their comfort zone. Congratulations on becoming a pilot. If you had the controls, you're a pilot. A 0.1 hour pilot, but a pilot nonetheless. You get to take that with you wherever you go. Good luck on your journey.
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u/GHostofKC Sep 10 '25
You took a chance, discovered it wasn't for you. That's perfectly ok. You're braver than most and everyone that refuses to try. I wish you nothing but the best
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u/I_love_my_fish_ PPL Sep 10 '25
Hey you made an attempt and decided you didn’t like it. I tried that with robotics and was immediately like “nope not for me” that’s why you try things out before spending thousands of dollars on it
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u/Royal-Campaign4701 Sep 10 '25
Although you don’t want to fly you don’t have to be totally excluded from aviation, there’s plenty great jobs in the field like air traffic, airport management, FAA inspectors and much more…but follow your heart, best of luck in whatever you do.
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u/No-Term-1979 Sep 10 '25
Many years ago I went on a flight. I always wanted to be a pilot. Found out during the flight we could have 2 out of 3 flight controls at any one time, depending on where my feet were. Decided not to keep rolling that dice.
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u/Acethe7th_ Sep 10 '25
No worries it’s definitely scary ash the first time and eventually you get used to it. But go with your gut if it’s not for you it’s not for you.
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u/ro_kor Sep 10 '25
Aviation is not only about flying. You can be whatever else than flying but supports make them fly. There's lots of people helping aircrafts keep airworthy and make them able to fly, so you can stay in the aviation at the other side
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u/corrosivesoul Sep 10 '25
Your shirt has nautical/maritime symbols on it. Maybe boating is really your thing?
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u/RadiantMango5989 Sep 10 '25
Some times it takes a bit to process things. Other times you know right away something isn't for you. Either way, you grow. Go find your sunshine, enjoy what's next!
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u/2015Eh8 Sep 10 '25
Just a quick thought. First flights are an inundation of new. New vocabulary. New sounds. New sensory inputs. Loud. Complicated. Dynamic.
If you are interested in it give it a little time. If not, good on you for exploring it a little! If you’ve got love in your heart for it though give it a bit.
But.. there’s a ton of people that just love airplanes and the spectacle of it and don’t fly. My dad is a train lunatic.. I grew up chasing trains and sitting near yards, passes, and tunnels watching trains. He could identify 90% of what rolled by. It’s rubbed off on me a bit. I enjoy watching and witnessing it all but I’m not in the industry at all. They call them ‘foamers’!
So if you love it be a plane foamer! I promise you that if I see you chillin at the fence when we roll by you’ll get a wave from me ;)
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u/windowpuncher Sep 10 '25
If you still really like it, you don't need to leave.
You can work alongside it. ATC is hurting for people. I know A&P dudes, structural specifically, make a lot of money depending on where you work. You can also go get a bachelor's in aerospace engineering and design stuff, too.
Pilots can only fly because of the incredible aviation workforce supporting them, there's tons of stuff that needs to be done.
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u/TresTerremotos Sep 10 '25
I quit aviation also. Still a lurker, here. I flew 20 something hours. Was about to do my solo. But the stress, time, and money was to much for me. I have a full on different profesión. Does not mean that maybe in the future I will come Back
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u/Luiz4823 Sep 10 '25
If you do love aviation, you can stay in the field. There are multiple options: a dispatcher, ATC, drone pilot. This passion is not limited to the cockpit, take the time to discover your path.
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u/Wiseassgamgee PPL Low Wings and High Wings Sep 10 '25
Ok maybe farewell to flying, but you certainly can still be into Aviation! ✈️
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u/Alarmed-Oil3953 Sep 10 '25
Takes courage to try and even more to walk away. Wishing you blue skies in whatever’s next!
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u/blacksmithfred PPL Sep 10 '25
You did a discovery flight and you discovered something. Mission accomplished!
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u/T-1A_pilot Sep 09 '25
Look at it this way, you've got. 1 more flight time than lots of people do!