Originally Posted by
cfii2007
I think someone getting started in aviation should focus on being an "aviator" and not an "airline pilot." There are MANY avenues that will allow you to fly, military, corporate and 135 just to name a few. These are much more stable than the airline industry. Professional flight instructing will probably continue to be in demand, and in many cases offers good pay and lifestyle.
Sound advice however, I think it is difficult to justify the cost of training and education unless you have SWA, UPS or FedEx as your immediate goal.
Just the other day I was checking out the expense of a college education listed on the local public university web site and it estimated modest costs of $72,000 in tuition, books, fees and room and board for four years of college.
I also was quoted an estimate of 70 to 75K as what the average student will pay for all the ratings at the associated flight school on top of the regular college costs. As such the total is a staggering $142,000 to graduate from a university flight program ready to work as a CFI.
Seems to me that if this venture is going to justify itself on a financial basis that part 135 or instructing isn't going to cut it. However if someone merely wants to enjoy the adventure of aviation then who cares if you make any money at it or not.
Skyhigh