People take different paths in life and aviation, some work out others don't. I know many guys who work at "the majors" with no degree, and lots who are at the regionals or not flying with a degree. It doesn't mean either one made a mistake! While a degree does help it is not mandantory but it does allow for other potential avenues if the flight side doesn't work out.

Everyone pays for a job one way or another..... We all paid to get our certificates and time. The military guys pay by potentially putting their life on the line as well as deployment time. As mentioned above SWA requires you to buy a type, heck you used to not even get an interview without it.

What needs to happen is regional airline pay has got to increase! This will only be done by the guys now at the regionals demanding it...... The Railway Labor Act really handcuffs our ability to force better working conditions and pay but when the opotunity arrives regional pilots must stand strong! I did my time (over 10 years) flying for the regionals so I know what its like to be treated like the bastard step child and be paid dirt.