Originally Posted by yawdamp

Your motivation is good - keep it up and you'll succeed.

If you haven't, consider college first. Get your BA/BS, then learn to fly (or if finacially able, learn to fly on-the-side while going to college).

When learning, consider best school with least per/$$hr cost. Complete up to your Commercial. Before continuing onto CFI, decide where you want to teach (school with high student load = high log time, money for food). Most schools hire those who they have taught CFI. Also important, ask school if they have any CFI's who were hired into the airlines. (...not school to airline placement schools... see below)

Last, earn your experience. Let me say it again. EARN YOUR EXPERIENCE. You want to be the best pilot, fly whatever, whenever and gain as much experience as you can.

Stay focused and keep the passion. Contrary to the bad vibe posts on this website, being an airline pilot is the greatest job in the world. And as an FFDO - carrying a gun makes it even better!