What is the best advice you can give?

[Hypersonic_Wings]

If you could give your best piece of advice to future pilots, what would it be?

[PGT]

From what I've gathered on this forum, it's staying debt-free and minimizing loans.

[Hacker15e]

Don't hit the ground or anything attached to it.

[JEP]

There's a reason you have two ears and one mouth.

[Flybob37]

"Shut Up And Fly"

[mooneyguy]

If you want aviation to be your career, just DO IT! don't try second guessing if or when the airlines will be hiring! Or if the economy will be bad or good...You either have to be all in or all out, don't halfa** your training, don't be worrying if there will be a job when you get your time!

Find a GOOD mentor with REAL experience! A 50hr private pilot telling you what the condition of the aviation industry is USELESS!

I cannot give you specific advice, because I do not know your exact situation! Your needs are specific to you only!

Once you have made your decision to become a pilot, keep your eyes on the goal. Train hard, don't short yourself trying to take short cuts. I had an Instrument instructor tell me once "the only person you cheat when you sneak peeks while simulating instrument cond is YOURSELF!" you cannot sneak a peek when your in solid IMC!

[BajtheJino]

Do your own research and don't put too much faith in other peoples opinions. Most of them are where you want to be and like to do nothing more than complain.
Not to mention that there is more to aviation than regional airlines.

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by PGT

From what I've gathered on this forum, it's staying debt-free and minimizing loans.

Originally Posted by Hacker15e

Don't hit the ground or anything attached to it.

Originally Posted by JEP

There's a reason you have two ears and one mouth.

I like all three of these.

[Hypersonic_Wings]

Yes, it would be a terrible idea to hit the ground or anything attached to it, haha. Thanks everyone for your words of wisdom. I was asking it as a general question for all future pilots. Mooneyguy you're right about pursuing a career in aviation as a pilot regardless of the condition of the economy, industry, etc.

[cfii2007]

1) Stay away from expensive flight schools...and their shiny brochures.
2) View your career path as a journey to acquire experience, and not just a mad rush to the right seat of a CRJ.
3) Avoid loans and debt if at all possible.
4) Double major....one in aviation, and one in some other field so you can find a job when you get furloughed.
5) Keep your first house and first wife.
6) Consider CFI/CFII/MEI and instructing, flying 135 freight, and then possibly onto a regional airline.
7) Don't work for free.

[Micaoct]

Originally Posted by cfii2007

1) Stay away from expensive flight schools...and their shiny brochures.
2) View your career path as a journey to acquire experience, and not just a mad rush to the right seat of a CRJ.
3) Avoid loans and debt if at all possible.
4) Double major....one in aviation, and one in some other field so you can find a job when you get furloughed.
5) Keep your first house and first wife.
6) Consider CFI/CFII/MEI and instructing, flying 135 freight, and then possibly onto a regional airline.
7) Don't work for free.

Great advice! Especially #2, it's so easy to get dragged into the routine of things and just do everything for the sake of getting done and moving on to the next objective; Especially in a 141 environment. Enjoying the journey is just as important as the destination if not more important. If you rush through training and don't do it for the right reasons your going to be miserable later on. It's important to slow down and realize why we are in it and enjoy it. Don't forget to have fun along the way.

Also realize that everything is a learning opportunity. Going on a solo cross country? Push yourself for perfection and focus on expanding your experience and knowledge.

[skydog]

Stay out of commercial aviation

[cdorsey]

Do not burn any bridges. Keep contact with everyone who you work closely with. Who is below you in seniority today may be above you at the next job. And keep flying.