Mr. Matt...

I don't see myself as a pessimist at all. The data streams are there and all indications, based on numbers from the field, indicate that high-flow oil is peaking. Most pilots are numbers people. When I'm shooting an approach into Aspen, Eagle/Vail, Gunnison, Telluride, etc., I don't like to speculate about the weather. I like to get the weather real early so I can have an idea of what to expect (beyond the TAF) and as a crew we can brief the appropriate approach/balked landing/etc. My approach to peak oil is a byproduct of flying airplanes for a living. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. All the data out there indicates that worldwide production of oil is at or near its peak. The fact that militants in Nigeria can be blamed for our oil prices gives you an idea of just how scarce supply is right now.

I fly airplanes because I like to fly airplanes...It's fun to fly. Its the reason most of us get involved in aviation. What I'm saying is don't get involved in this industry to get rich. I don't think wages have bottomed out yet, it's turning into a 100K dollar a year job at best(for most, not all yet). I have friends who are working in the oilfields here on the western slope of Colorado who are making more money than senior airline captains. And they've only been out in the gas fields now for a few years. If flying airplanes is the love of your life, then please do it. You'll regret it if you don't. You sound like a good guy w/ a good attitude, which is a must-have in this industry. Just make sure you have a plan B, an alternate in pilot-speak.

The Duke...