Erik Wyand: Proving it’s never too late to change careers

For Erik Wyand, becoming a pilot was never just a passing idea, it was a childhood dream that patiently followed him throughout adulthood. Like many career changers, Erik built a full life first: a business, a family, and years of responsibility. Yet the pull of aviation never truly disappeared.

“I always wanted to be a pilot,” Erik said. “I originally thought I would be a fighter pilot for the Air Force. But life moved fast with marriage, family, and starting a business, and that dream got put on hold.”

One question that reignited a childhood dream

Years later, as life circumstances shifted, a simple question from an acquaintance reignited what Erik had quietly carried with him all along: What would make you happy?

“The only answer that kept coming back was becoming a pilot,” he shared.

That moment forced Erik to stop treating aviation as a nostalgic thought and start seeing it as a real possibility. With that also came a doubt many adults face when considering aviation careers. At 50 years old, he wondered if he had missed his window of opportunity.

“I thought I was too old to even think about starting training,” he admitted, “but I began to allow myself to dream again about becoming a pilot.”

Discovering the timeline still works

Instead of letting fear shape his future, Erik did the research. He studied training timelines, career paths, and industry demand, and realized something surprising.

“I realized that I could likely work about 11 years as a career pilot with a major airline. I decided to take a chance on myself and my future and go all-in to begin training,” he recalled.

He also saw what many adult students are discovering: aviation needs pilots, and there is more than one viable path available today.

“Don’t wait,” Erik advises. “With the shortages that are around the corner, now is the perfect time to start. Your timeline for becoming a professional airline pilot aligns with the demand that’s coming.”

Training at Acron Aviation Academy

Today, Erik is a student pilot at Acron Aviation Academy, working toward his Commercial Single-Engine License. For him, the most rewarding part isn’t just learning cockpit skills, but the momentum that comes with flying.

Erik credits much of his success to the support around him. “All of my instructors have been fantastic - from ground school to flight instruction and everything in between. Every staff member I’ve encountered has been helpful on my journey.”

That support has been especially meaningful as an adult student balancing training with real-life responsibilities. Erik describes the experience as both thrilling and fulfilling.

The best time to start is now

Many career changers hesitate for the same reasons: fear, uncertainty, timing, or the belief that it’s simply too late. Erik’s journey challenges all of those assumptions.

He didn’t wait for the perfect moment. He chose not to let his childhood dream fade.

“Change is scary, but regret is worse,” Erik encourages.

It’s never too late to become a pilot

Erik’s story proves there’s no “right age” to start flight training. If you’re motivated, committed, and willing to take the first step, a career in aviation is still within reach.

Is aviation calling you back? Take Erik’s advice: don’t wait.

To begin your flight training journey, reach out to our Admissions team via the form below!