I'll be contrarian to a lot of posts on APC, even some of my own. I think aviation can be a great career, opportunities are going to increase greatly as the boomers retire by the end of the decade; new technologies are coming and financial stability is finally achieved.

BUT,

A couple of cautions:

If you want to fly, don't get sucked into the airline captain myth. There are great careers flying all kinds of planes and missions. The airlines are where enthusiasm for flyng goes to die.

Next, you have to really love flying, not be in love with the idea of the lifestyle. You have to want to learn something everyday; take some joy in nature; enjoy interacting with the many wonderful people. If you think having time off and making big money is flyng, you will be sadly disappointed.

Lastly, learn skills and education that will allow you to earn a living "with your hands or mind". Too many pilots learn too late that their life is completely tied to a business enterprise that must give them an expensive asset to fly. No asset, no work.

GF