I'm sorry but cab driving nor HGV driving does not entail quite as much as does being an airline pilot. Not denegrating anyone here but it just doesn't. No Scania or Nissan Bluebird that I know of has as many systems as a Boeing or Airbus nor are they operated by a crew in a lethal environment under the aegis of a raft of law and treaty.
If you crash your truck you make the local news on a slow day...
I actually think Blackshift that there is a change coming about in perception. Who wants a JustAnotherDegree and a McJob these days? Prestige and acceptance is turning towards being a tradesman.
Who do you have more respect and reverence for? Your bank manager or your plumber? For me it is the latter. I can find another bank tomorrow but not a good plumber.
It seems that it is quicker to earn and save for an ATPL by following the trade route than by following the graduate route. That is all some of us are saying.
Cheers
WWW