Title: From French Horn to Friendly Skies: Musician Pursues Dream of Becoming a Pilot at 67
Live music came to a halt for Patrick Milando during the peak of the pandemic in 2020. As a seasoned French horn player with a career spanning nearly half a century, the closure of Broadway and other musical productions left him contemplating a new path at the age of 67.
Driving through a deserted Times Square, Mr. Milando found himself drawn to the idea of becoming a professional pilot. Despite being too old to fly for major airlines, he discovered a new passion in teaching others to fly. With around 300 hours of flight time under his belt from flying as a hobby, he enrolled in a small flight school in New Jersey to earn his commercial pilot certificate.
Now, at 71, Mr. Milando splits his time between the orchestra pit and the cockpit, sharing his love of flying with aspiring pilots. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the sense of freedom and autonomy that comes with flying, describing it as a life-changing and affirming experience.
When asked about the similarities between music and flying, Mr. Milando highlights the importance of focus and being present in the moment. Drawing on his experience as a musician, he applies the same mindset to his role as a flight instructor, guiding students through challenging situations with a steady hand.
Despite juggling a demanding schedule of eight shows a week at “The Lion King,” Mr. Milando finds time to fly around 15 hours a week, fueling his passion for aviation. Encouraging others to pursue their dreams no matter their age, he offers a simple piece of advice: “Go for it, absolutely go for it.”
As for what’s next, Mr. Milando shows no signs of slowing down. With aspirations of obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot certificate to fly people to the Caribbean, he embraces the idea of constant growth and exploration. Like a shark that must keep moving, he remains open to new challenges and opportunities, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams on your own terms.
