Tom,

There is some really good advice from a few of the posts here. If I could add something to the conversation it would be one thing:

Make as many contacts as possible.

The first Part 135 job that I got was because of who I knew. The simple act of networking is the one single thing that is going to drive your professional aviation career. The second job that I got was in part because I had a good friend already working with the company. Thats not to say that you do not still have to be a good interviewer and have the skills to perform the job.

Obviously not knowing anything really about you and whether or not you are comfortable walking up to pilots sitting in an FBO some where and ask them questions I would suggest that start earlier rather than later. I can say from personal experience that I wish I would have taken advantage of asking more questions and getting email address to stay in touch. The point that I would like to make here is that most pilots that are sitting in an FBO are bored. Unless they are having a bad day or are just not social most pilots would love to talk to you and discourage you from getting into aviation.

If you walked up to me today and you asked me if you should get into aviation, I would tell you to do something other than be a pilot. Your more likely to find a job where you are making enough money to either rent an airplane or join a flying club. Remember a passion doesn't have to be a career.

Also if you are single stay that way. Even if they say they understand and they are willing to make it work, this will change. I found this out shortly after I started dating my wife after I explained before we started dating that my career is time consuming and I will be away.

Some questions to ask yourself:

1. Is aviation worth giving up some of your relationships?
2. Do you want to make very little for many years of your life?
3. Are you going to go into debt to make a dream come true?
4. Are you ready to live with your parents until your in your late 20's because you cant afford anything besides a crash pad in some major city?
5. Does an aviation lifestyle fit your picture of the best QOL you can have? (When it comes down to it take happiness over the desire to be a professional pilot)


Hope you have found the answer or suggestions you were hoping to find.

Cheers,