an evil Scientist?

yes, with a focus on curing the world of airline CEO's and managers

How did you become 11 years older in 9 years?

doh!!!!! :)

kids? :)

Well, I was 31 actually and with the way my birthday falls that would be how. Picky picky.

Thanks again, everyone. So many great posts with great advice! I'd quote a few but don't know how to use that feature, unfortunately. Overall, it appears I should just focus on getting to a Major when able and be content with whatever age that ends up at. I certainly won't mind what age, I just want the job. But, of course, I'd prefer 30 or circa that time. Until then, I definitely plan on busting my buttocks off so I can eventually sit in the cockpit of an American Airlines jet, getting paid to fly it. Yes, as crazy as it sounds, AA is my dream spot. We'll see what happens.

As for now, getting through college is the goal. How crazy am I for majoring in Flight as well? I'm dual degree for ATC as my back up though, so don't hassle me too much!! (I say that because I've read a few other forums and the debate gets quite heated!).

Quick question: is it possible to go from a Part 135 cargo type of job to a Major or does one have no choice but to go to a Regional? What Regional are you guys/gals fans of?

Thanks again.

Now we HAVE to get an Industry Leading contract... wouldn't want to disappoint our boy P Spence!

Side note... AA was also always my "Numero Uno" in my wish list (this list was active in the mid/late 90s during my flight training when AA was THE airline to be at. Not quite so anymore...) Bases, equipment, and fun guys to fly with... seemed like a great place. Still is, in many respects. The pilot group here is tops. And I was lucky enough to hire on in the middle of the last hiring wave at age 26 after only 1.5 years at a regional (ACA) ... Timing, timing, and luck! That said.. the first Major to hire you is usually the best... however.... you won't know that until you retire from it!

Good luck, see you here soon/
73

I had planned to get to a major (legacy now) by 30. I missed it by 15 years, but now am happy to be here.

You'll most likely need PIC time unless you're very well connected, (or extremely lucky) so whichever one has a shorter upgrade. It might not pay as well as others but you have to ask yourself, "what's my goal". To work for a good regional or try and get to a major as fast as you can. Just try and make it better while you're there. I just wouldn't be the guy to go to an alter ego airline though.