I'll try and keep this short. Learned to fly in '73. Always wanted to be an airline pilot. Instructed, instructed, instructed, etc.. Get the picture? Finally after 34 years of trying to get in somewhere, I got hired at RAH in '07. I thought "I finally made it, I'm gonna be an airline pilot". Went through all the training up through Sim 6 (145) in Houston. My wife thought I was nuts, did support me though. Three days before training was to conclude for me, I resigned. Stress, no money (I make as much money now in 5 days as I would have in a month at RAH as first year FO). THIS WAS NOT FLYING to me as I had learned and hoped to do the 30+ years prior. Airline pilots were revered back then, respected. Not today! Sadly, I let my "dream" go.

I still fly and instruct on my own time and terms. I have my own business, although, a little slow right now. As stated before, it takes a ******load of luck (I'll catch a lot of flak for that, I know) and knowing the right people and being able to network. I waited a long time for a dream to come true, and then I threw it in the dumpster! I love to fly more than anything. And I MEAN ANYTHING! Going to be 57 in a couple of weeks (no geezer comments, thank you) and I just keep going. Thank you all for letting me rant!