With everybody's nose in your business, I see the biz getting more frustrating on a year over year basis.

Absolutely! The regionals are tough, but so is life. I would recommend they minimize their time on Internet b*tch boards and encourage them to focus their energy on networking and strengthening their résumé. In years past I didn't understand it, but (from my perspective) a bad day at a major beats a good day at a regional any day of the week.

A retired airline pilot told me something when I started training that I still think makes a ton of sense. "If you are addicted to flying, can't envision yourself doing anything else, and are willing to make big sacrifices to see this dream come true, go for it. You will make it. If there's any even teeny-tiny doubt in your mind about whether flying is for you, do something else. This career will reward the people who dream about airplanes and burn everyone else."

No... I tell people all the time not to do it. Only way I could recommend it is if you absolutely love flying airplanes and can do it without debt. I love flying airplanes, have no debt, and still question this career. It's kind of an insane industry.

No, I would not recommend becoming an airline pilot.

Use a hammer, it will be less painful than being an airline pilot....

This career burned my dream, slayed my passion for aviation, I count the years, days and minutes to manditory retirement. I doubt I will make it to 60 much less 65. I have watched this job go from a pretty good way to make your way through life, to what it is today.

This is my second career and something that I always wanted to do. I have no regrets about becoming an airline pilot, at all. This job is easier, more fun, and I have MUCH more time off than I ever did in my previous career. If your dream is to make $200,000 with 20 days off, I would like some of what you're taking.

No, single pilot and pilotless aircraft will happen in our lifetime. Not anytime within the next 20 years or so, but they will happen.

No, purely because of the money. You are not properly compensated for the sacrifices of this job. It used to be top 10 highest paying jobs. Plus unless you have a high school or college sweetheart, someone that has pledged their loyalty to you, relationships are tough. Mixed in with the type A personality associated with pilots, divorces are rampant. Lots of 777 captains out there with 4 kids and 4 wives flying for child support. It's tough on family for sure.