First of all, I don't advise going into $40k+ debt for this career. Why can't you get a job as a mechanic and do it slowly and pay as you go? I think that is the biggest mistake that pilots do is getting a huge loan for a career where the entry level jobs are not paying enough to keep you above water. Find a local FBO and get your private pilot license. You already have your bachelors degree, you don't need a fancy flight school to teach you to fly. You also shouldn't be in a hurry, there are no jobs right now. If you want to become a pilot, do it but find a practical way to get there.
Your girlfriend's friend won't be the only connection to a job. You will meet others as you socialize in the pilot crowd. Apply for whatever airline works for your life. Either you are based close to home, the pay is the highest, or you work the least amount of days. Whatever is the most important to you at the time.
It is a tough time to be in the industry or getting into the industry but who knows how the future will be. Many of the FOs at the regionals will make it to the majors. Not all of them but a good percentage. It just depends on a lot of variables like their age, their hours, and the economy.
I have known a few A&Ps that became mechanics and they are really good pilots.
|