Thanks for the great info/insight Rick.

My mentality going into this is similar to what you had mentioned before about training while the industry is bad, in hopes of a recovery by the time I accrue enough flight time.

One huge question I had with the furloughs is that, is there ever an instance where airlines prefer newblood versus seasoned pilots? If the majority of the airliners are looking to their pool of furloughed pilots, are the flight schools in danger of being forced to close down due to a greatly reduced volume of prospective pilot trainees? So in theory, the prime time for possible pilots like myself to enter into the business would be years AFTER the industry’s recovery when all the furloughed pilots have been rehired and retired.

It is odd though, the more I look into aviation (both recreationally and professionally) the more it seems like it may be a bad decision. I love the idea of flying, but I am almost scared to try it for fear of loving it.

Also, what you mentioned about SDFTI is interesting. I visited/toured their facilities on the 21st and they were bragging about their safety record! I will definitely check out the other schools you mentioned. Thanks