Caution
Silicon Chip
Balpa reported that over 1100 type rated airline pilots positions were lost after Sept 11th in the UK and at that time many people had been unsuccessful in their seach for a position. One would have to add in the many jobs lost in Europe onto this figure.
Things have improved a little since then but there are many still many out of work. I met many on a recent seminar who all fell into this position.
Unfortuntely the JAA ratings now allow pilots from all
over the EU to occupy positions formally only available to
UK pilots ; the cost time and difficulty levels have also increased
and as a flying instructor you would be paid the national minimum wage. £10 per hour - There is little demand at the moment
Things have improved since September 11th but with the US stockpiling oil and planning a war and the fact that the stock market is in turmoil I would act carefully.
The chances of getting into an airline diminish as one gets older
however I know of one getting his first position at 53. This is rare.
He had circa 5000 hrs - years of toil at the bottom of the food chain.
At the end of the day its time and money - you nead to commit a lot of both in this game to be successful and many run out of one or both at all stages ......
Just adding a note of caution..