Excellent question... When finally paid...?
Do not complain about it.
The newer pilot generations got this situation upon theirselves.
xxx
The golden age of airline pilots hiring was the 1960s...
Many came from the military, some others funded their CPL/IR... affordable then.
xxx
Back then, young kids wanted to be pilots, fly air force or navy jet fighters.
There was no interest to be a F/O on DC-3 or CV-440, or even a F-27.
All was "Blue Angels" or "Thunderbirds", and "Red Arrows"...
Teen heroes were fighter pilots, not "airline" bus drivers...
xxx
Do not come to me with your "I feel I must be an airline pilot" because you like it.
If you were a pilot at heart, you would love to be in a FA-18 or Rafale.
I shall venture to say that 99% of pilots joining airlines do it for €€€ or $$$.
I did, and bailed out of the military ASAP for big money.
Problem is, salaries are not as high as they used to be.
As a matter of fact, some "airline regionals" (USA) pay $20,000/yr start pay.
The "poverty level" (in USA) is about that number... for some benefits.
xxx
In the 1960s, airlines had problems finding pilots, so up went salaries.
Then as salaries went up, applicants increased in numbers.
In mid-1970s, started the "buy yourself an ATPL, and/or a F/E license".
And in the 1980s... a type rating, 727 was a premium, then later was 737.
Daddy will pay the bill. Now it is a house mortgage.
xxx
And you guys went on... even buying line training in this day and age.
Started to be 2,000 candidates for 1,000 openings.
Salaries, obviously went down.
Soon, F/Os will buy theirselves passage and ticket for a flight.
Maybe captains might be considered for a salary.
xxx
I would advise you all to stop this nonsense, but I know you will not.
If you cannot be considered to be selected as cadet, money will do.
Welcome to your career at McDonald's, with a fATPL in your pocket.
xxx
I have little sympathy for your financial problems. Sorry.
Airlines would fund fATPL and type ratings if there were no candidates.
And even pay a partial salary, room and board during training.
All I had my mother pay for was a PPL.
xxx
Regretfully, but my opinion.
Happy contrails - and a happy 2009 anyway.