You can't be serious. In this economy you want to take out a $45,000 loan with wife and 2 kids? You've got some real good advice here especially from FlyJSH. His analysis is spot on. Fly on the side and keep your firefighting job. You may or may not like flying so why take such a huge risk. When and if the airline industry turns around, try your hands then if you still want to pursue it. But just know it will take many years to make what you are making now as a firefighter.