[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Ernie,
PM me, I fly for a living. Make sure you know what your son is getting into. Flying for a living isn't what it used to be. The so called "pilot shortage", if in fact it happens, will likely be in the commuter ranks, where Co Pilots earn about 20K per year, and if they're fortunate enough to move up to Captain will top out at a whopping 60 - 80K per year, maybe. Not to mention the fact that those guys are rode hard and put away wet - it's a miserable lifestyle they lead. Think about it - if it's such a great way to make a living would there be a shortage of guys lined up to do it? I got into the game when it was still a good way to make a living, now that it's gone to the dogs it's too late to get out, it's all I really know how to do.

My brother-in-law is a pilot for Continental and his story is the same as yours. He retires in two years if I remember right and he can't wait.