Pilot Chris
Totally agree, although you can also factor in the possibility of a higher end-of-career take home, depending on personal circumstances. This can be good justification for high financial outlay initially when the total career earnings increase by taking the flying option (even when taking in to account the training costs plus 'lost' earnings, which may come back to you with a higher salary later in life).
Normal disclaimers apply; nothing ever guaranteed, different for everyone etc.