Well even if you know multiple people that have done that, it still does not make it the norm. Not in the big picture that I have seen at least. I guess if you already have a 4 year degree in some semi-related field, have enough money to stop working for 6 months and get all your ratings, then work for minimum wage for years while you build hours, it could be done. There are people who have done it though.
Negative. Last year (before fuel prices went through the roof), the HIGHEST minimums that a regional required was 1000 total time and 100 multi. A few were hiring with just commercial, instrument, and multi ratings; no minimum hour requirements. I'm not talking about multiple people. I'm talking about thousands who got hired in the last few years.
You're right though. It's expensive and not easy because of that. However, you can get your degree and fly at the same time. Of course, that works best if you're just graduating high school. However, if you get your commercial, instrument and multi ratings, you are more than 1/2 way there. Most regionals were giving interviews at 500 or 600 hours total time with 100 multi hours last year. I suspect that next year we will see the same thing.
Flight instructing does not pay well. You will either have lots of students and very little pay (my situation), or pretty decent pay, and very few students. However, right when I got hired, the school I was teaching at could not find enough instructors. Pilots were graduating from college aviation programs and going right into the regionals. It's not that way now, but it will be that way again very soon. What I'm trying to say is, when the economy recovers, you may never need to flight instruct. Get hired by the lowest mins airline around, and in six months move up to a good company.
Is a career in the airlines a stable career? Hell no. If you do it, will you every get furloughed? I'd count on it. Majoring in something besides flying is a great insurance policy. However, if you choose companies carefully, you can minimize your risk. Save money. Plan for it. You'll get through it.
I spent 13 years in another career. I hated every day of it. Now, I love my job. I haven't made this little money since I was about 19 years old (I'm in my 40's now). However, I love my job. I should be making more than what I was at my old job in less than 5 years. Then, my earnings will outpace my old career easily.
It's not easy. It costs a hell of a lot. It's also a great career (best, part-time job in the world). It's worth every cent I spent to get here. It's also not as hard to do as it was when I was graduating high school. Hell, it's not like it was 5 years ago. If somebody's passionate about flying, and can somehow scrape together the money to get through the training, DO IT!
