Originally Posted by
Sr. Barco
China is a communist country. These factory workers make a couple bucks an hour and the state takes the profits. That's not a valid comparison of conditions in the U.S. (yet).
Ten years ago a zero to hero program cost $40,000 and could be easily financed. That same program now costs $120,000 and is not easily financed. I assume the U.S. is the cheapest place to learn to fly based on the number of foreign students who learn to fly here. Furthermore, when evaluating a career choice who is going to finish college, pay $120,000 for flight school to make $18,000/year to work 14 hours a day and commute to Newark? The gig is up. Other career fields pay well and don't treat you like trash.
+1
Great point. Factors working in our favor over the next five years:
1) Improving economy (though questionable - biggest wildcard)
2) Age 65 rule ending
3) Worldwide demand increasing
4) Higher rest requirements
5) ATP rule - how many ab initio students willing to get 1000-1500 hrs?
6) Lack of available credit
7) Cost of training
8) cost/benefit analysis of starting flying vs other career options
Personally I'm on the 2 year plan. Stick it out no matter what until end of 2013 or so, then evaluate. If there is obvious movement and good positive trend, I'll stay, if not, back to my old business
.