Hello!
I'm currently 31, married, just had a kiddo, and living in Florida. I have thought about going to flight school for years, but with the previously very low entry-level pay at the regionals, I was always nervous. I know that there is a payoff later in the career, but I had a business that I was pretty comfortable with right after high school. I did go on to get my EMT-Paramedic License, and also have a 4-year degree.

I feel that at this point in my life it would be advantageous to finally go for it. It seems that getting hired would be much more favorable at this time, than in years past.

I guess my question really is in the 18-24 months that it would take to work towards getting my licenses and building my time, would I be missing the boat on an opportunity to get hired potentially with a regional, and eventually work my way or flow into a major?

I'm fortunate that my wife is a nurse and I have a decent income from my current business that would allow me to have the flexibility to work towards this goal full-time. Flying is without a question a passion, but I also want to make sure I put myself into a good position to support my family.

Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!

No you won't miss the boat, There is at least another 10-15 years of fast movement due to retirements. If you get hired at the end of that, your seniority progression will not move as fast. But it will still probably be a good gig.

Starting now, going all in, you could be at a regional in 2-3 years and upgrade 2-3 years later. You'd be competitive for majors within a year after upgrade, or more likely sooner as they run through the available pilot pool.

If you go for flow, that would probably take six years at the regional. So a little longer, but you wouldn't have to sweat applications and interviewing.

If they really get short of pilots, things could move faster.

I appreciate the info! As I'm sure you understand, it is a definite investment in both myself and the career in itself, and to get to the finish line and then be in a situation where getting hired is impossible would be a tough pill to swallow, but one I'm sure others have dealt with in the past.
Thanks again!

Just wondering what your thoughts are on this whole NAI thing and how/if it would likely affect my chances after completing my time? Seems like it's a major unknown..

You need to do a little research on the biz, hundreds of airlines have gone out of business in the last twenty-five years. New ones sprout like daisies. I don't think anyone will disagree, all in all it is pretty much a crap shoot. I went to work for DAL when they had 96 airplanes. Who knew? Best of luck...Stay the course.

I totally understand. I think reading every page of the NAI thread had me a bit spooked. You are right though. I appreciate your feedback!