It takes a lot to get an aviation career off the ground. If one could expect to get on with a reputable major while still in their 20's I would say that it was a sound investment.

The reality is that after investing heavily in four years of college, flight school and years of early experience building most will be lucky to have ended up at a regional. The average age of new hires at the majors is now pushing 40.

Over the years, to anyone who has cared to look, the profession of airline pilot has sunk from prevalently well to do down to just OK. In most urban areas in our nation it is becoming common to hear of the 100K firefighter or cop. Pilots use to be rock star rich and had more time off as well.

Every trade has its heyday. Conditions will not improve. In the future the only way to find a real wage job will be to work overseas. Pilots will get to come home for a few weeks every two months to visit their families. I am sure that you will be there to tell me what a good deal that is as well.

I say that it is a poor career choice for most because it is. Anyone starting out today will have plenty of opportunities to fly a jet but it will be at a bus drivers wage, they will have no retirement to rely on and they will have to commute to work. YUK !!!

Call me negative or depressed if you like and I will in exchange call you delusional and unrealistic.

SkyHigh