I'm pretty sure that taking flying lessons at 20 is an awesome privilege. Do you not think so? What do you mean "worried" about flying lessons?

I mean they should be concentrating on earning a degree if they are that age because it is a necessity if you want to reach the top of this career field for 99% of future major airline pilots. If they can handle both, fine, but time and money don't allow it for most people. A lot of wannabes here get so focused on reaching for the brass ring that they forget to enjoy the ride along the way.

One of the factors many fail to consider in flight training is paying for it. Yes ATP and others like it are expensive, and do cost more than a local fbo route. However, they offer financing options that fbo's dont. Thats not even mentioning the money you make at the end of your career by finishing faster.

Where is that money (career earnings)guaranteed? Ask an AA guy still waiting for recall how his career earnings are accumulating since 9-11. The only guarantee you get by spending twice what you can elsewhere on training is twice the debt or twice the money no longer in your pocket. Nothing more, nothing less.

That was my original point. Now more than ever, there is no reason to pay that rediculous premium in order to finish up your ratings super fast. So lets say you go from zero to hero in 90 days. Now what? Movement at the regionals is stagnating because the majors have stopped hiring. All those guys doing the "lowly" CFI work aren't going much of anywhere since the regionals aren't hiring and corporate jobs are tough to come by. You might find something in the 135 world flying night cargo but you're gonna need 1200 hours minimum to do that. So now you're sitting there holding several very expensive certificates in your hand and big ol' student loan payment coming due. Now what? Bet you'll be wishing you hadn't spend that extra $30 grand at ATP.

Oh young padwan learner...;)

Throwing your hat in the ring and saying "look at me, I can hold my own with the big boys" is one thing. Realistic earning potential and quality of life sacrifices are another. Being at the bottom of the seniority list ANYWHERE is not fun. And at the majors, where movement tends to be slower, you may be there a looooong time. What do you have to lose? Well you get another trip through the initial training cycle. Another (potentially lengthy) stay on reserve. Another year of probation. Another year of first year pay. The nail-biting experience of being at the bottom of a very large seniority list during an economic downturn. Sorry if I'm not painting the rosiest picture. I'm just hear living the dream one day at a time:D

why not try Air National Guard or Reserves? Assuming you wouldn't mind serving your country; the extra bennies are a lot of flight time, and they pay you to do it; none of this "60k in the hole" bit.

Padwan!!!

Ok...you got me there.:p

But I tell you that timing is everything. As you approach the point of diminishing return, and movement is stagnant, it may not be a good idea to jump to the majors. I'll concede that much. However say, for example, three years from now I have 2000-3500 TT, 1500 ME; 1000 TBP/PIC or there abouts; you doggone right I'm going to take a shot. True, I'll have to endure the initial training cycle all over again but I wanna be holding a line position as quickly as possible. I'm aware that there are alot of variables right now that I don't know about....but it's good to have a plan and be flexible in that plan.

Nothing ventured....nothing gained!!!


atp

heyy guys i am in the navy and i am coming out soon....and i want to go to a flight school in florida! Do anyone know what is the best flight school in florida and how do you become a airline pilot flying for the majors? Can you skip regional airline and go straight to a major?

Erm...there goes your argument for jumping to the majors right there. Without knowing how old you are or how long you would have in the industry, I can tell you that as you get older and your schedule gets better faster at the regional level it can be tough to give up to go chase the "heavy metal". Different things are important to different people. If flying a big airplane a long way is the only thing that will make you feel successful then go for it. If making decent money while enjoying a great QOL flying a smaller airplane and being able to enjoy life and your friends and your family is what will make you feel successful then great.

I also would reevaluate your notions that in 3 years with 3500TT/1000TPIC you would be competitive at the majors. Even before hiring slowed and all these airlines started going belly up and putting hundreds of WAY more qualified guys out on the street, 1000TPIC was nothing magical and many guys continued to toil away at the regionals while doing everything they could to move on. Everyone's situation is unique and change is the only constant in this business. I'm sure your mileage will vary.