Too young to give in...

   I've always thought it's better to look for a job while you have a current job. Also maybe you could dip your toe into the A/C maintenance/training field on a part-time basis while you hold your other job. Of course there is nothing wrong with 'new beginnings' at any age, some can be harder to make a living at than others though. Then again we all know, some of those on-line courses aren't all that useful in the real world.   JMHO

I have no idea of the market place for airplane restorers but don't let your age deter you from pursueing something you are interested in,  I, myself, retired three times from three different fields and had no problems starting out in something new at any age.  Of course, my first retirement was from the US Army, so I had that retirement pay to fall back on while I was getting established in my next two endeavors.  Your age should not be a deterent if you are looking to a new career in fixing old airplanes.  Go for it.  Is there a place nearby that does that kind of work that you could volunteer at to see if you really like it before committing to a change?

Before you go spending the big money and long time jumping into A&P school, I would recommend a Sportair workshop.  1 weekend, about $300.  For what you're talking about, take the fabric covering class.  Ok, so it's not all that realistic because there's a pro who knows all the tricks showing you a staged project, with everyone in the class helping, but it will give you a good introduction to what's really in a fabric job - quickly and at low cost.  The materials are provided by Aircraft Spruce, so I suspect these classes really cost more than what you pay, so there's value there, and if you find out it's just a bunch of stinky mess with too many details to be worth fussing with - well, that's money and time well spent too.

Also, look up your local EAA chapter.  Go to their meeting.  Ask if you can stop by or visit someone's project.  Then go see as many airplanes-in-construction / restoration as you can.  See if you really are up for the level of detail, tedium, repetitive tasks, endless stuff you don't really like (to get to parts you do like) that go into building / restoring airplanes.

Then again, I met a guy at Oshkosh last year who did more or less what you're contemplating - jumped out of his current job, went to A&P school, and now works for an airline and loves it.  I'm just saying there's LOTS you can do before making such a huge leap though.

Hi Ralph,

Eric is giving you very good advice!  I love most kitplanes and many homebuilt designs, but thanks to Ron Alexander and his Sportair workshop I learned that building is not for me!  If I ever win the lottery I will buy several LSA and Experimental aircraft, until then I will continue to fly our club Archer and TriPacer.

Best of LucK!

Joe

Yes, that was what I was thinking too. I'm going to keep employed where I am and start looking for some opportunites locally to get some hands on experience.

The shop gave me a name of someone I can talk to see if I can get some hands on experience.

Basically use this job as a spring board...if the Good Lord is Willing.

thanks

Ralph