Originally Posted by krudawg

Three Lunar landings and a "flyby" orbit around Mars.....Only kidding.
I flew bank checks for Ameriflight for 9 years and eventually got hired by United.
I paid for all my ratings by working 2 jobs. Bought a Beech Sport that had damage history and put nearly 1000hrs flying all over the place. Sold it for what I paid for it and invested in more ratings. I'm not a trust-fund baby and did it all on my own. It's a lot harder now but back then I think AvGas was less than a Dollar a gallon and I paid $8500 for a beat up Beech with damage history - but it had a low-time engine that was basically trouble-free. I'm told now United is looking for commuter/regional time with at least 4 recommendation letters from a chief pilot or supervisor. I still think a few years at Ameriflight will teach you everything you don't know about aviation. I'm in my last few years before I hang my wings up and I just want to tell all the wanna-be airline pilots - GO FOR IT! It's the best job I have ever had.