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Boris Badenov · October 23rd, 2007, 22:40

Consider carefully. Aviation is often a better dream than it is a reality. I'm not quite bitter yet, but I think I'm realistic. I know a lot of guys (er, people) at the regionals, and with very few exceptions, they are not happy little campers. Flying is fun, but everything else you might imagine it will provide, it won't, or won't for a long time (big paycheck, lots of travel, respect of your peers, etc).

If you are absolutely resolute in your desire to go fly, at your age, you're going to have to break some taboos. Go the quickest route possible. Go to a pilot factory, get your ratings, take the bridge program to a terrible regional, and then use your biology (that is to say the fact that you're female) to get a good job just as soon as you can. A lot of guys get mad about the fact that you can do that. Anger or not, though, it's a fact. Use it to your advantage, because from what I've seen, no one over about 30 is very happy at a regional, particularly not as a low-seniority FO. There will certainly be a large number of tradeoffs with your "regular life". For a long time to come.

Forgive me if I come off as a wet blanket. If you really want to fly, it could be a great life. But go in with your eyes open.

October 23rd, 2007, 22:40	#14
Boris Badenov Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Saint Loser, Misery Posts: 776	Re: Is this a smart move?? Consider carefully. Aviation is often a better dream than it is a reality. I'm not quite bitter yet, but I think I'm realistic. I know a lot of guys (er, people) at the regionals, and with very few exceptions, they are not happy little campers. Flying is fun, but everything else you might imagine it will provide, it won't, or won't for a long time (big paycheck, lots of travel, respect of your peers, etc). If you are absolutely resolute in your desire to go fly, at your age, you're going to have to break some taboos. Go the quickest route possible. Go to a pilot factory, get your ratings, take the bridge program to a terrible regional, and then use your biology (that is to say the fact that you're female) to get a good job just as soon as you can. A lot of guys get mad about the fact that you can do that. Anger or not, though, it's a fact. Use it to your advantage, because from what I've seen, no one over about 30 is very happy at a regional, particularly not as a low-seniority FO. There will certainly be a large number of tradeoffs with your "regular life". For a long time to come. Forgive me if I come off as a wet blanket. If you really want to fly, it could be a great life. But go in with your eyes open.