Standto,
a lot of pilots commute on staff travel in order to ensure that they can live where they want to. I fly a lot of the domestic routes and it is a rare day when I don't carry flight crew and cabin crew for BA, virgin, BMI and the likes. When you get into aviation the world really does shrink. So don't be so set on a job in IOM. However I do think you maight be getting a bit ahead of yourself saying that you want to fly for a living and a PPL just won't fulfil you when you haven't even acquired the aforementioned PPL. After all it is only money that limits the size and type of aircraft you can fly for fun. Just ask John Travolta
. I would also add to you that it can be done. I know men in their 30s and 40s with a wife and kids who have gone after their dream and succeeded but it was hard for them. They did integrated course with me at OATS and their children would telephone them every night asking when their daddy was coming home. These are all things you need to consider. Finally - 6 to 8 sectors a day..... easy? Are you mad? 4 full domestics in a day and I'm a zombie.
Tom,
Don't say you would risk your life for the opportunity to fly. No one will think you brave or clever if you come out with this sort of remark. At 17 you have bags of time. I didn't even travel on an aircraft till I was 20.
Peolpe become picky because ultimatley being a pilot is a job, and there IS more to life than just your job. Friends, family, hobbies, home all become important and you are foolish if you agree to sacrifice all of these things for the sake of flying. I wouldn't want to give up my job, but at my BA interview I was asked my reasons for being so keen on OATS and not Michigan. I stated that family support was important to me and that I did not want to spend a year or more in a different continent to my husband. I was duly offered a place at OATS. The poor man who stated that he would train and work anywhere for the opportunity to work for BA was sent to Michigan. His new wife was not very happy and neither was he.
So be enthusiastic, keep trying and remember not to belittle other peoples aspirations. One day you will be 34 witha wife, kids and home. Hopefully you will ahve what you want, and not be in Standto's difficult situation.