Hello all,

I’m new to the forum so I'll try not to sound too absent minded. Well a little background... I am currently a firefighter-paramedic who just returned from Iraq where I was a non-mill PSD Medic and firefighter. I have my private and now after seven years of prep. Am ready to take the plunge into the great unknown.
I know what most of you think of DCA. During my tour in Iraq I put up with a lot of BS, both from National fighters, and Iraqis. So naturally I saw right through the initial sales pitch. My questions to you guys are:

1. Being 25 and having no certs. other than a PPL I DCA's program although expensive appeared to be the quickest way to get some decent flight time, and an inside look at what the airlines might be like. (ie. Gripes, lack of flight time, and heavy work load) Besides price what makes the other Flight schools any better? I have looked at both ATP and Flight Safety and was not too impressed. Although the multi time @ ATP was impressive.

2. I have almost six years of college with only an associate to show. This is because Paramedic school is three years, and my fire science degrees an additional two. Should I go ahead and get a BS or will the airlines take my schooling into account?

3. I love to fly and DO realize that the airlines are a very risky industry. I'm lucky that I have a second career that pays pretty well. Especially being a medic in a hospital. So I'm willing to take the risks. To the guys who have been on the flight line for a while, and have weathered the industry I ask. What would you do differently and why?

Thanks again for letting me ramble, I look forward to your responses.


Ben