Accessing the World of Piloting over 50 with Sean Collins

EP 034: What if there was a time machine? How would it change our lives? Would you do things differently if you could? Well, today we're talking about a different take on a time machine. As we're aging, we tend to be a bit more sensitive to HOW we spend our time and WHAT we do with our time. Many times, retirees state the goal of wanting to travel TO places and experiencing new things. But the biggest issue with the destination is GETTING there, especially where we are in Maine in the northeast corner of the country. The time machine comes into play where we might be used to driving to our destination. Perhaps we want to go visit Boston and it's a 2 or 6-hour drive to get there. What if you could get there in 1/2 or 1/3 of the time? What about if you winter in Florida and it takes you multiple full days to drive there? What if you could get there in one day? What about longer trips where you're at the whim of the commercial airline industry and their schedule? Enter the concept of private flights and finding true location freedom in retirement! 

Sean Collins is the Eastern Regional Manager at Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), where he advocates for the general aviation interests for AOPA and its members at the state and local level from Maine to Virginia. He also works to build the general aviation community and represents AOPA at local and regional aviation events. He also has a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings. Join us as we discuss Accessing the World of Piloting over 50 with Sean Collins!

Chapters:

Welcome, Sean! [3:30]

What is it that appeals to people to pilot their own plane and how do they get started? [9:29]

What should people know about being a private pilot as they age? [15:29]

Who can afford to pilot and fly planes? [23:30]

What are some pros and cons of private piloting versus commercial airlines? [41:07]

Just how risky is private piloting? [54:54]

What is Sean’s personal definition of Retirement Success? [1:01:23]

Ben, Abby, and Curtis wrap-up the episode. [1:02:59]