Originally Posted by Utah

Soldierboy, to answer part of your question... Assuming you have the money, desire, physical health, etc. you'll be able to become an airline pilot. How far you get in the profession is another matter. This profession has always had its ups and downs. I'd imagine you'd be looking at a regional job in your early forties. Three - five years later you could be in the left seat of an RJ making $70K or more with your retirement on top. Would that satisfy your dream or do you need to fly a Boeing or Airbus to claim success?

I spent 4 years in the Army, then 5 in college, and didn't get to commercial flying until nearly 30. Ten years later now...would I do it over again- Yes. Maybe differently, maybe in something other than 121 passenger ops. Sure beats sitting behind a desk.