I'm 19 years old, finishing my first year of college. My goal is to be a commercial pilot, and there is just so much to think about, I need all of your wisdom and help on this. I have a MILLION questions.

1) Should I go into the force or pay my way through the ratings?

2) if the force, AF or Navy? which one is better, why

2 1/2 ) I dont plan on being single through this journey, (I know its difficult to have a relationship) does the AF accomidate any better for family life than Navy or vise versa?

3) Do pilots coming out of the force have any kind of advantage what so ever?(do airlines generally like them better?)

4) What Should I fly while in the Navy/ Airforce. (can I fly larger plains for airlines, depending on what I fly in the force?

5) Would I rack up enough hours to qualify for airlines when i get out. Does the type of plane you fly make a difference in how many hours you get?

6) I've heard that you have to commit so many years to the AF/Navy once you get your wings...is that true....does ne one know how many?

7) If I decided to pay my way: from ne ones experience how hard is it to pay the loan back to the bank?.........and did you go to college first?

8) From my current stand point, (1 year through college and no flight experience yet), how many years would it take about before I get that job at a major airline?

9) WHAT THE HECK IS PIC TIME?!?!

10) With the industry in its current condition, is it reasonable to think that after 10-12 year seniority i would be making 200k per year?

11) If so where, if not where are the highest paying jobs for pilots these days?

12) Any personal experiences, decisions regreted, decisions celebrated, or advice you can/ want to share as well? (No thank you SkyHigh, I very much know where you stand)


Thanks to ne one who can shed some light on any of these questions. It is so much appreciated!

-cwthomas