I tend to be optimistic by nature, and I also found your site a bit of a downer. That doesn't mean it isn't factual, but as others have pointed out there ARE ways to get the training and experience out there besides huge loans and pilot-mill schools.

I grew tobacco and raised feeder cattle to earn money for a private/inst/comm/cfi rating. I squeaked a little money here and there while in college providing Part 61 flight lessons, and later got a job with the University flight department as a CFI. One of my co-workers went to ASA and now has about 10-15 years with Delta. Another roommate is a captain at American, hired after one year with ASA. Yet another flew the King Air in the right seat for the athletic department, joined the AL ANG, and flew F-16s for years and later went to Delta. Another buddy got turned down for AF duty for his vision, and bounced around some engineering jobs before chasing his muse at a variety of GA jobs, ASA, Gemini and later FedEx. I did 14 years active duty AF then bailed in 2002 to join FedEx. Most of us got degrees in aviation, did some military flying and some didn't....but we all eventually got somewhere good.

What defined our (relative) success? First--nobody is this group was trying to shortcut or buy their way into a seniority number at regional, but rather everone had a (somewhat) solid degree and some options outside the mill. I'm not sure a Comair Academy or San Juan grad has the same options, but then again I've seen plenty of those folks who have tasted success as well.

I think if you are planning on anyone else making you rich these days...be it Delta, FedEx, JetBlue, or whoever...you are out of luck. Before you cry in your beer about days gone by, consider what doctors, lawyers, and other professionals have faced in the last 20 years in real income. Most professions have lost ground or at the best are holding their own these days. The "get a number, work 30 years, retire rich" may or may not have been a reality for most folks, but it is even harder to find these days. So...what do you do?

First--I like the idea of a degree (and a passion) outside aviation. Got several friends who have law degrees, some own businesses, etc.

Second--if you like to fly, the Air National Guard/Reserve components offer an outstanding way to fly and serve your nation. I always liked being part of the home team, and the "ANG MEMBER" license plate is a source of pride for me. There are differences in units and missions, but the stability of the ANG and the diversity of flying are a nice compliment to the instability and sameness of airline flying. When the phone rings--you HAVE to go--but I loved my time in the ANG and appreciated what it did for my family.

Third--network all the time. You never know when your fellow crew member, the old classmate, or that guy you worked a few charters for back at that FBO might be your link to a great opportunity.

Finally--don't forget to count your blessings. I spent 10 days on the road over Christmas and New Years, and earlier in the month missed a daughter's birthday. It would have been an easy month to sulk and pout. But I am lucky to have this job, and lucky to have a family I get to provide for, so sometimes a good attitude really does make a difference in how you look at that commute or that delay or any one of the other 1000 irritants on the job.