(Isstories Editorial):- Boston, Massachusetts Dec 22, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – Marco Bitran, a Boston-based real estate investor and volunteer pilot, is encouraging more adults to consider aviation not as a career, but as a meaningful hobby that brings freedom, confidence, and community.
“Flying started as a passion,” Bitran explains. “But when I saw I could use it to help others, it gave the hobby a whole new meaning.” After earning his commercial license, he began flying medical patients through Angel Flight and Patient Airlift Services, proving how a pastime can turn into purpose.
Why Aviation as a Hobby Is Growing
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Data from the Federal Aviation Administration shows a steady rise in private pilot certifications among adults in their 30s and 40s. Once seen as the dream of teenagers, flying is increasingly becoming a midlife pursuit.
A private pilot certificate typically requires 40-70 hours of training and costs between $8,000 and $15,000, often spread out over several months. Lessons can be scheduled around careers and family commitments, making it more accessible than many realize.
“Most people are surprised that you don’t need to give up your day job to fly,” Bitran notes. “You can train nights or weekends, one lesson at a time.”
Common Barriers and How to Overcome Them
Many adults hesitate to start because they assume aviation is too complicated, too costly, or too time-consuming. Bitran insists those obstacles can be managed with preparation:
- Budgeting: Plan realistically for lessons, exams, and equipment.
- Family Alignment: Discuss time commitments with loved ones before starting.
- Medical Clearance: Secure a Class 3 FAA medical exam early to avoid setbacks.
- Weather and Patience: Expect delays, especially in New England, where weather can ground lessons unexpectedly.
- Instructor Fit: Don’t hesitate to change instructors if the learning style isn’t working.
A Growing Community
Local flying clubs across the U.S. provide affordable access to aircraft, mentorship, and social support. Bitran believes these networks are essential: “Flying alone is exciting, but flying as part of a community keeps you motivated. You learn from others, share experiences, and stay safer.”
Examples abound. Clubs at smaller airports like Norwood, Beverly, and Worcester in Massachusetts have become entry points for new hobby pilots, offering discovery flights that cost less than a night out.
Inspiration Beyond the Cockpit
Popular culture has also fueled interest. In HBO’s The Rehearsal Season 2, comedian Nathan Fielder trained for years and ultimately piloted a Boeing 737 filled with actors. While unconventional, it spotlighted the persistence and discipline required for anyone learning to fly.
“What people saw on screen was real,” Bitran says. “It takes patience, setbacks, and dedication. But if you keep showing up, you get there.”
Start Small
Bitran’s advice to adults curious about flying is simple: book a discovery flight. These short sessions let newcomers sit at the controls under supervision, offering a taste of the journey ahead.
“You don’t need to commit to 70 hours right away,” he says. “Just start with one flight. That first step is where the dream begins.”
With more than 600,000 active pilots in the U.S. today and growing demand for recreational flyers, the skies have never been more open to those willing to try.
“Flying clears your head,” Bitran reflects. “You leave the ground behind for a while, and that shift makes everything else feel more manageable. Anyone can experience that — they just need the courage to take off.”
For adults curious about aviation, visit your local airport, connect with a flying club, or schedule a discovery flight. The path to the cockpit is closer than you think.
About Marco Bitran
Marco Bitran is a Boston-based real estate investor, aviator, and volunteer pilot. After earning his commercial license, he began flying medical patients through Angel Flight and Patient Airlift Services, combining his passion for aviation with community service. A graduate of Harvard Business School, he balances his professional career with family, athletics, and a commitment to giving back through both business and volunteer work.
Marco Bitran
