Should I consider becoming a pilot?
I have always had a passion for airplanes. I watch countless hours of videos on YouTube of planes taking off and landing. I would even spend my lunch hour watching planes take off and land at the airport that I used to live by. For that reason, I think I would truly enjoy waking up every morning and working as a pilot.
My biggest issue is that I have always had terrible pre-flight anxiety, especially during takeoff. Once we're in the air, I feel better. I even enjoy the landing.
I think my fear stems from not being in control and putting my "life" in someone else hands.
Anyone have any recommendations?
Take some training flights with a good instructor.
Virtual reality adjustment might help too.
Yes. Do it. Find an instruction that you are very comfortable with.
Yes, go for it. You'll overcome that fear because you'll be the one in control. I assume you'll get a lot of practice using flight simulators.
Have you ever been prescribed medication for anxiety? If so you may find it difficult to obtain an airman's medical certificate.
UPDATE. OK, Good. Then your next step is to go take an introductory flight lesson. If that goes well, then figure out how you're going to afford to become a pilot and what sort of sacrifices you're willing to make to become one.
I've been a pilot for almost 40 years, and still HATE flying when someone else is in control.
Flying is a VERY EXPENSIVE hobby, and even more expensive if you want to train to become a commercial pilot, so you can work and get paid to drive an airplane. Look to your finances first… Do you have the CASH to pay for the training? Figure about $10,000 to become a Private pilot, and around $80,000 to become a Commercial pilot.
No! You sound like you would be a danger to yourself and any body flying with you!
Yes it is nice to dream about it as do 99.9% of the people on this site who claim to be pilots.
In reality it becomes so boring doing it day after day and awfully routine!
If you have pre-flight anxiety (especially during take-off), then the LAST thing you need to consider is ever trying to become a pilot.
You can consider all you like but judging by your post you stand little chance of making it.
The fact that you're asking this question shows that you're already considering it.
" I have always had terrible pre-flight anxiety, especially during takeoff." You're not cut out to be a pilot.
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