Given the current turmoil of the airline industry in the US, I would have to say NO! My children, by the grace of the Sky Gods, chose other professions to pursue. Many expat contracts offer good opportunities, commuting provisions, terms and conditions, respectable pay and respect. With proper planning, compensation earned one can allow children to attend top notch non State Unies without the excess baggage of student loans. With what’s happened to the QOL and pay and benefits in the US, many pilots can’t make the same claim, especially if a second family is in the picture.

Those of you in your late 40s with 16 years or greater seniority, still in the right seat, who commute, take a look in the mirror. How many of you still have that robust appearance as you did when you were in your 20s? The pressures from your spouse and children associated with a full day’s commuting to and from your base, after a 5 day trip with 3 day or even 4 days off. Is that what you want for your kids?

Long days are gone for junior F/Os on reserve living 45 minutes from base.

Go ahead, and treat your kids to a private certificate at the local airport. Encourage them to attend a good school. Hopefully they will seize the opportunity, get a good education that will prepare them for the real world so they can earn a decent living.

They can earn the required ratings, and hours, to start the interview process. Hopefully they may reconsider the thought of becoming an airline pilot every time they see the tired and worn look on their parent who is or was a pilot, and say to themselves, “It just ain’t worth it.”.