Getting into this industry is now a process of self selection. You essentially wake up and decide one day that you want to be a pilot and so long as you have the required cash then a savvy marketing person at any FTO will gladly relieve you of an enormous sum of money.
In the past there were less jobs, fewer airlines to boot and a lot of jobs came through sponsored schemes. There were also avenues into civvy street for experienced military flyers. Whichever way you did it there were selection processes where your ability and aptitude were tested to ensure you were a "fit". Of course there was always the self improver route as it was called and the majority of these folks tended to go instructing before landing their first job. Back then the cost of self funding was huge in relation to earnings though which was itself a natural deterrent.
Last edited by potkettleblack; 26th Jun 2008 at 16:41.