BOSTON, Mass., Dec. 22, 2025 – Marco Bitran, a Boston real estate investor and volunteer pilot, is making a case for adults to view aviation as a rewarding pastime that fosters freedom, self-assurance, and a sense of belonging, rather than just a profession.
“Aviation began as a personal interest,” says Bitran. “However, realizing I could leverage it to assist people added a deeper purpose to the activity.” Once he obtained his commercial license, he started transporting medical patients with Angel Flight and Patient Airlift Services, demonstrating how a hobby can evolve into a mission.
Why Aviation as a Hobby Is Growing
Federal Aviation Administration figures indicate a consistent increase in private pilot licenses being issued to individuals in their 30s and 40s. Flying, once considered a youthful ambition, is now more frequently taken up as a mid-life activity.
Acquiring a private pilot certificate generally involves 40-70 hours of instruction with costs ranging from $8,000 to $15,000, typically paid over a period of months. Training can be arranged around work and family life, enhancing its feasibility.
“It often comes as a surprise that pursuing flying doesn’t require quitting your job,” Bitran observes. “Training can happen on evenings or weekends, progressing step by step.”
Common Barriers and How to Overcome Them
Prospective pilots often delay starting due to perceptions that aviation is overly complex, expensive, or demands too much time. Bitran maintains these challenges can be navigated with proper planning:
- Budgeting: Create a practical financial plan for training, tests, and gear.
- Family Alignment: Have conversations with family about the time investment beforehand.
- Medical Clearance: Obtain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate early in the process to prevent delays.
- Weather and Patience: Be prepared for cancellations, particularly in New England, where conditions can halt training.
- Instructor Fit: Switch instructors if the teaching approach isn’t a good match.
A Growing Community
Flying clubs nationwide offer cost-effective aircraft rental, guidance, and camaraderie. Bitran emphasizes the value of these groups: “Solo flying is thrilling, but being part of a community sustains your enthusiasm. You gain knowledge from peers, exchange stories, and enhance safety.”
This is evident at smaller Massachusetts airports such as Norwood, Beverly, and Worcester, where clubs serve as gateways for new pilots by providing introductory flights at a modest cost.
Inspiration Beyond the Cockpit
Mainstream media has also stimulated curiosity. The second season of HBO’s The Rehearsal featured comedian Nathan Fielder undergoing extensive training to fly a Boeing 737. Though an unusual scenario, it highlighted the commitment needed to learn flying.
“The depiction was authentic,” Bitran states. “The process involves perseverance, challenges, and hard work. But consistent effort leads to success.”
Start Small
Bitran’s recommendation for interested adults is straightforward: schedule an introductory flight. These brief experiences allow novices to handle the controls with guidance, providing a glimpse of what learning to fly entails.
“A full 70-hour commitment isn’t necessary initially,” he advises. “Begin with a single flight. That initial experience is where the aspiration takes flight.”
Given there are over 600,000 licensed pilots in the U.S. and rising interest in recreational flying, the opportunity to take to the skies is increasingly available.
“Flying provides mental clarity,” Bitran shares. “You gain perspective by rising above the ground, making life’s challenges seem more surmountable. This experience is accessible to anyone with the willingness to begin.”
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, pilot, and volunteer. Following his commercial license achievement, he commenced flying medical patients for Angel Flight and Patient Airlift Services, merging his enthusiasm for flight with charitable work. A Harvard Business School alumnus, he manages his business career alongside family, sports, and a dedication to philanthropy in his professional and personal endeavors.
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