Originally Posted by
DreamToFlyy
So Bedrock, do you think with my situation, starting at practically the youngest age I can hopefully being at a regional by 24, is alright for this industry? Someone has to fly RJs for the future of aviation, of course who wouldn't love to be at a major before 30? I will do everything in my power to get to a major asap, hopefully the industry is on a so called uprise and that may be possible, but I am going in open minded about worse cases, stuck as regional FO for 5-10 years or at the regional permanently.
Since your training is funded, you have a lot less to lose. I think things will get better, simply because the circumstances that led to the regional hell-hole have changed remarkably. At 22, the world is your oyster. However, if you are doing this "for the money" you will burn out quickly. Fast paced ab-initio flight training is no joke either. I knew I couldn't do it, and went a slower route. You might find IFR training to be one of the hardest things you've ever done. MS flight sim really can help in this area though, as well as teaching you to fly in general.
It is simply putting the cart before the horse to even worry about which regional you are going to fly for in 3 yrs or so. This industry can turn on a dime. Never burn bridges in this industry as it is surprisingly small, do your level best, print up some cards, and make lots of friends. Work your butt off and try hard to have a fall back for another 9-11 type event.
In the early 2000's we had a perfect storm of black swan events that changed commercial aviation for the worse. 9-11, economic downturn, dot-com bust, bird-flu, airline bankruptcies, age 65 rule, rise of regional jets. This changed the industry for 10+ years. You have to be flexible in this industry. How much are you willing to give up?
I met a guy with a "dream job". Flying heavies overseas for good pay. He is 52, no wife or family, and spends his time with paid companions in Dubai. Flying for a living is a hard life.