Justin,

All the above advice is spot on as far as the industry these days. The only thing I would add is, if after you tour Flight Safety, see if you can get a (Discovery) flight I believe it's called to see how you like being in a plane. If you decide that a flying career is what you truly want, then the next step is getting the best training for the money.

Two bits of advice that I recieved when I was in your shoes that I'll pass on to you.

1) Flight Safety is a great Flight School but it does come a a rather high price. If your family can afford the costs up front thats great no prob. However, there are many flight schools in your area that offer flight training at significantly lower prices.

2) MULTI ENGINE TIME IS EVERYTHING!!!! Get as much as you can!!! Most professional flying jobs (but not all) involve operating twin engine aircraft, wether it be a light prop, corporate turbo prop, regional jets etc.., you get the picture. Many of the first companies that you will fly for are looking at you multi-engine flying experience.., the more the better. 100 hrs ME time is usually the minimum so again the more the better! Look for Schools that offer a multi engine flight training program. ATP and Ariben Aviator come to mind.

If you haven't done so already, take a look at the "Airline Profiles" link on the right side of the APC home page. Look at the hiring minimums for Cargo, Part 135, Regional Carriers. It'll be difficult to find because few are hiring right now but they are there.

A good example I drew at random was Compass Airlines
They are a regional Jet Carrier that operates the Embrear 175. As you scroll down the screen look under the "Hiring" Tab and you might find this type of info...

Minimums:
1,500 TT : (Means 1500hrs (TT) TOTAL flying TIME required)

1,000 ME: (ME means Multi Engine Time required)

Eligible for ATP: Basically means that you need to have passed your Airline Transport Pilot Written Test.

Current class 1: You have a current Class one Flight Physical

Again this is just an example but it gives you an idea of where you need to be in order for this carrier to even consider you as a hiring candidate. There are many other carriers who's hiring mins will vary higher or lower so look around, do your research. Once you begin flight training, you'll learn much more about the industry from other students/Instructors and so on.

Finally, you should pursue a NON-AVIATION 4 yr degree (ART perhaps). This way if the flying thing doesn't work out or a furlough come's along.., you have a back up profession to fall back on ; ) The 4 yr degree also fills the "Degree" square in your resume when you are looking for jobs at the Major Carriers years from now. In any event it's a good thing to have to be competitive for hiring.

Another great website that I received tons of great advice was "JetCareers.com" Best of luck to you, Justin! If you have any other questions feel free to PM me, I'll be happy to answer them. Take care.