Originally Posted by TonyWilliams

Pretty much what Sky said... which will you be? He suggests, as I do, that for whatever large number of folks who start an airline career (this is "Alrline Pilot Forums"), not many will be in the left seat of a transcon heavy for an overnight in an exotic location for a stable airline (that won't fail) with a 9 day work month.

Even in good times, it's a gamble. In the past ten years, the odds have gotten longer. Almost without exception, those who are most critical of Sky's message are themselves successful so far in their flying career.

Will the future be better or worse? Lots of moms and dads are still sending Johnny and Sally to a six figure school to pursue a career that isn't what it was. Many of those will fail to reach that left seat; moreso than perhaps anytime in the past generation, in my opinion.

Others, I'm sure yourself, have a different view based on your experiences. Give me a call in 30 or 40 years and see who was right.

It's not rocket science; it could go either way. Like Sully and Schiff, and many other retired career airline pilots who did have a pretty good run, they are not overtly encouraging their sons and daughters, and even steering them away from the career.

I would only suggest that a solid PRIMARY career be established (degree, work experience) before embarking on this one.