Originally Posted by SkyHigh

The rapid price increase of houseing in the US is not a problem with Aviation. It's a problem with all careers because housing costs have outstripped all salary growth in the US. Housing prices have gotten so upside down that it's made the rental market very attractive, especially for higher end houses. I know more than one guy who could afford to own who simply refuse to because they can have the same house with less hassle at 30% less a month.

The fact remains that most people in the US make a LOT less than the numbers you're talking about. Sure, you have some anecdote about someone who's making a bundle doing whatever, but that doesnt' bear out in the overall picture.

I also know that SWA is hiring some very young civilian pilots who are right at the minimums. Just this afternoon I was talking to a friend of mine who was hired in December. His sim partner in training was a 26 year old from the regionals, barely had the mins.

you want to swap anecdotes; in the circles I run in there's more success stories than failures.