I *really* should finish off the half started project of writing my own guide.
I'd say Zero2FirstOfficer and Clive Hughes are about level pegging in their usefulness. Buying a couple of guide books is well worth it considering the financial scale of the project you are contemplating.
It *never* ceases to amaze me how some people do the whole OATS thing without ever buying a guide, talking to an actual airline pilot or appearing on this forum.
Research and planning and pessimism are the three key elements I would urge any Wannabe to arm themselves with. Oh, and a healthy dose of luck is pretty useful as well.
WWW