On Oct 10, 6:24 pm, Jay Honeck wrote:
As many of you know, my son is taking flight lessons. He's past solo,
and into his cross-country flights.

Yea we know. You flood usnet with every little thing that goes on in
your life (G).

He's now toying with the idea of a career in aviation. Possibilities
include:

- Commercial pilot
- Helicopter pilot
- Something on the business side of aviation.

All kidding aside, I can only help you with the first option. Airline
pilots make less $$$$ now than they did 10 or 20 years ago (Not
complaining here, I am sure this is true of many ocupations) . And the
future is bleak. Add to this the complete lack of benifits packages at
most carriers and it is not a career path most airline guys will
recommend.

I need some first-hand experiences, please. Hours worked, what to
expect at the entry level, how much college does your job require,
types of skills required, etc. What kinds of careers are out there
right now? What sort of college degree should a 17 year old pursue in
order to come out the other end with a successful job in aviation?

As far as college; Tell your boy to do what ever he wants but stay
away from most of theses aviation colleges ESPECIALLY Embry Riddle. I
have known many who have graduated from there and I have never heard
anyone say anything good about the place. Their people are ALLWAYS the
last to get hired (This is not a big deal when times are good, but
when thing slow down your boy could be tending bar for years).

Jay Honeck
IA
Pathfinder N56993www.AlexisParkInn.com