Originally Posted by
norskman2
AP, don't want to discourage you, as you're young and have a lot of enthusiasm. But go into this profession with both eyes open. As you probably know, it's hugely cyclical, and how smooth or rocky your career path will depend as much on luck and timing as it will on determination and experience.
You might sail through as an FO, upgrade relatively quickly, build your turbine PIC and land at a major all within four years. Or your first regional might furlough you or go bankrupt. And the second too. And when you finally get a job at the third one they have an 8 year upgrade. You're rolling the dice (we all are really) and be prepared for anything. Having a degree to fall back is smart, and some pilots don't do that.
exactly what he said - I did the 4 year degree / flight school route and seemed to have my whole path planned out like you were explaining earlier but things simply don't go as planned. I ended up paying lots of dues instructing - accepted a jot at another airline and had it tank before I could even start training. Now I"m flying single pilot 135 cargo *which I never saw myself doing* however I"m having a total blast at what I'm doing and am somewhat glad circumstances led me to this job I would have never otherwise considered. I do yearn for turbine PIC or a jet job though and I"m still working my way up the ladder, its just my ladder seems to be sinking in the mud faster than I can climb it sometimes the way the industry goes. Its all determination AND timing (rolling the dice). Keep your options open and remove the rose colored glasses.