Thanks for the advice, Go Pats. It is a really tough decision right now. I agree that a Master's is a good thing and will probably end up staying on and getting it. One question though, will an advanced degree make you more desirable to an airline? I know the majority of the weight is placed on hours and ratings, but what about advanced degrees?
Are they that important in the aviation world?


Galaxy Flyer, you are 100% right, I don't know. But I know that I love flying, love being in the airports and watching the planes, and since I was about 7 years old, have dreamed of flying airplanes. Now, I got talked out of being a commercial pilot in high school (economy sucked, no hiring) for basically the same reasons everyone says to stay away now. So, I went and got my B.S. all the while with flying for a career in the back of my mind. Somehow, I let some professors talk me into grad school and here I am now wishing I was flying. Those reasons lead me to think that aviation may be my calling. I definitely have and will put a lot of thought into the decisions facing me.

Also, I know I hear horror stories of F/Os never getting upgraded and being stuck at a regional. I understand that starting pay is awful. But is it really like hitting the jackpot getting an upgrade to the captain's chair? I am just curious and I know that all of you know a lot more about it than me. I am under the impression, and this is just my assumptions, that right now, F/Os are getting upgraded in about 5 to 6 years. Can you shed a little light on what its really like? I am just trying to know exactly what I am getting into before I make any major decisions. Thanks!