Would I let my son follow me in aviation?
Yes. Actually my 16 year old son wants to be an airline pilot. He wants to fly MD-11's for Fedex. We are planning on his degree to be in Aviation Management, and I'd like him to get his A&P as well. It doesn't look like he'll go to Embry-Riddle or UND, but rather a non-aviation college where tuition is far more affordable, and in-state. I explained that he'll work during college, drive my 8 year old Hyundai, and do a 4 year degree in 3 years. He has leadership experience already and is quite self-sufficient, and can take care of himself well.
Some pilots ask me why I would allow him to do this career, when we all know the pitfalls and disappointments that can happen. My own career started well enough, but currently I am floundering here at DL after 16 years, an F/O again after being on the wrong side of a merger, and no advancement likely for years. Now hold on, I am not negative, nor do I hold a grudge against my fellow aviators whose fate was better than mine. I still love flying the jet, the routes, the pilots, the passengers who visit us and want to know what we experience. I hope my son will know the joy of flying I do, and the comeraderie of pilots, plus the places I've seen.
You know, someone probably told the Harbaugh brothers that pro football was a pipedream, go get a real job. Someone told Bob Seger and Ted Nugent that music was no career and you'd starve. I think Rodney Dangerfield starved for decades as a comedian before he made it big. Some of my family members were doctors, and would tell you it's a miserable profession. Great money, but don't forget high malpractice premiums, calls to go to the hospital in the middle of the night, disgusting patients, insurance companies who deny all your payments...
I'm telling you, if you find an easier job than this - call me ASAP.