​hi, i want to be a pilot but i worry a lot about what ifs. like what if i get in and get stuck at a regional for more than 10 years or so. or if my airline goes out of business or i get furloughed. Im thinking if i can get a job at an expressjet or PSA type company in the next few years that the economy and the companies will be strong enough that i wont have to worry about these problems much. i just want to be able to get to a major in time to really move through seniority. basically get an ATP certificate in the next 2 or 3 years and hope to be at a major at most 10 years after that

You describe what has been a normal career for many pilots. If such difficulties would make you hate going to work and kick yourself for ever starting the profession, then the risk may not be worth it.

You will get furloughed.

Your airline may merge, go out of business, go bankrupt, furlough, fire, disappear, rebrand, downsize, etc.

You won't know until you get in the mix. Anything could happen in the next five, ten, fifteen, or twenty years.

Sounds like you want it all now. You can't have it.

As I said at my retirement dinner, "I didn't have the career I planned on, but I loved the one I had." You cannot plan the outcome of your steps, there are too many variables and unknowns. I made it to a "legacy" (EAL), they folded I didn't get back.

gf

It's the best time to get in on the action.

The regional airlines are so desperate they are hiring anyone with certificates and a pulse. You can be the world's biggest a-hole and you'll get hired.

Go get'em tiger!

Completely agree. I'm an old, high time guy in a new hire class and it is great to see young pilots with the motivation to succeed in my class. The time couldn't be better! The opportunity has never been better.

So, quitting my government job and going in debt $60k to chase a pilot dream I've had since I was a tiny kid isn't crazy? With a family a mortgage and a little one on the way. Am I crazy for thinking its worth it? Just to fly for a living.

Chasing your childhood dream isn't crazy. Quitting a good job and going into debt is totally insane, especially with a family to support.

I forgot to add my wife has a decent job and makes some pretty OK money. She can keep the lights on and the mortgage paid.

I'd have kept the job and flown for fun. But, hey...you do you.