When I was a kid I only wanted to do one of two things for a crust when I grew up, it was either Pimpin or Flying. No seriously, either a Truckie or a Pilot. But coming from a somewhat disadvantaged background where money was always short, a headstart in aviation wasn't available and being colourblind seriously limits options as a commercial pilot. After working a few deadend jobs, I started earning decent money and started lessons at Hoxton Park in a Skipper. After a while, money dried up and so did the lessons.
I had done the pre-solo medical and failed the colour screen test. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The doctor informed me to go Sydney uni's opthamalgic department for a Farnsworth Lantern Test to gauge the severity of the colourblindness. Depending upon the outcome, a dispensation may be awarded and Night VFR and Night IFR ratings can still be attained.
I have been for a few more lessons with Schofields at Bankstown Airport a few years ago, but once again funding is scarce. All up I've got about 22 hours in total. It's not much, but at least if I'm on a flight and the captain and co-pilot both have the fish, and I had the chicken, I might be able to get it down. But having crashed heaps of heavies on approach on FSX, I think I'd be making an announcement to the passengers to put their heads between heir legs and kiss their backsides goodbye.
But at least I come good with my ambitions, I'm driving semi's for a living and have at least completed the basics of training. When things become more financially stable and I've got more disposable income, I'll be going back to complete my license.
For now I'm content doing circuits on flight sim.
My favourite aircraft would have to be from WW2, including Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Vulcan, Super Mosquito, Grumann F4F, Bearcat. Really there's just to many to list, there's so many beautifully designed aircraft from that era that still look good today. What I would give for a De Lorean with an operational flux capacitor and choof off back to the end of the war and stash a few of the old war birds in a barn somewhere.