If I may throw a few thoughts in of my own..

I'm a Private Pilot with 115 hours and I've been debating on whether or not to jump into the jungle of the professional aviation world. I've been researching different schools to get a picture of what it would be like. I've also talked to a few friends who are now pilots for airlines. When I tell them I'm thinking about pursuing a career all they can say is, "Why? you have it good. I was sitting in a hotel on Thanksgiving."

I think that you have to love the lifestyle that this profession gives you and be fully aware of both sides of the business. You need a supportive wife//husband who is willing to sacrifice for you or just live the single pilot life. Otherwise, it could eat you alive. If you merely love to fly airplanes then get your degree, Private/Instrument Rating and fly to dinner when possible.

From all my research I have come to the conclusion that this is a very unpredictable and cyclical business. If you really want this and have accepted everything about the airlines, you will most likely get a job someday for a Regional. But at what cost? They are going to be hiring a lot over the next decade, but if you aren't near the top of that class, will you ever get a Major Captain position?

I'm still on the fence about it myself. I flew commercial the other day and thanked the Captain for a good flight and a "go around" that spooked everyone but myself. All that did was make me think of how cool it would be to be in his shoes.

Make an informed decision. Get your degree! Flight train along the way and get your PPL/IFR. You need those anyways to be a competent GA pilot.


Good luck.