At 37 years old, I've been in corporate aviation since I was 21 years old. I have around 6,500 hours, of which 5000 hours is jet, 1000 hours is turboprop, and of that 6000 hours of turbine, just under 5000 hours of it is PIC turbine.

Growing up, I always wanted to be an airline pilot, but I also didn't realize that companies and wealthy people owned their own airplanes. I've had a great career thus far, progressing up to managing the airplane I now fly (large corporate jet). That said, I am considering the airlines.

My biggest strike is I do not have my degree yet (working on it, but still two years left). So, do I even stand a chance at getting an airline interview without a degree? If so, which airlines do I stand a chance at actually getting an interview at? Any legacies, or am I going to be looking at the likes of Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier, etc?

I've been green lighted at Kalitta Air for an interview, but I need to do a little soul searching to be sure that I am OK with their 16 day on schedule. The type of flying that they do is definitely my cup of tea, and not too different from what I do now.

The other possibility if the airlines aren't for me would be to stay corporate, of course. I am not convinced that too isn't viable -- with all the pilot (airline) hiring going on, my hunch is corporate pay and benefits is about to take a great step in the positive direction.

Lastly, the airlines look & sound great to me, but I do have concerns about pay. I am in the low $200k/year range now, and I think it'll be years before I can see that kind of pay at the airlines that would look at me without a degree.

Like I said, I am pretty green on the airline world. I'd love to be educated, and am humbly asking for your feedback on what has been shared above, and anything else that may come into your mind based on what I've said in this message.

Many thanks!