Hello,
I don't think you should compare a airline pilot to a GP but rather an airline Captain to a GP.
How long does it take to train a person up to a GP? 7 years maybe??
How long does it take to train a person up to B737 Captain? 7 years..maybe more!!
Both occupations are no more important that the other...if you mess-up people die simple as that. However the financial rewards are a different story.
P1