Thanks B2N2,
I must admit, reading your post cheered me up.
You are absouletly right, no rights no guarantees.
In my case, and I can only speak for myself, the decision to pursue a life-time's ambition weighed up against both risk and safety concerns, has been huge. I wouldn't suggest that anybody does this on a whim.
Just for reference, things I have had to consider:
- taking a pay cut.
- selling my home / self funding £100k.
- moving away from my community. Being away from partner and family.
- returning to study / loss of status from being a high flyer in previous employment.
- safety concerns. No point hurting myself or anyone else.
I have also had to revise my maths and physics as well keep track of the industry, before even being considered for selection, taking the tests and being interviewed.
Satisfying all of the above would have been pointless if a type rating instructor was to say "your eye line was wrong" etc. I line up fine for both A320 and B737 eye line reference points.
I have taken the time to visit training centres and allow instructors to advise me - and I'm talking about full flight type rating sims. So I'm not making my own decisions I'm allowing the pros to make them.
I don't think anyone has a right to become a pilot or anything else - it's a good point, well made. I think the best we can do is try our hardest, research and research and let the experts advise. I think passing selection, finding the funding and being prepared for the impact on lifestyle etc is very important. I don't think anyone is qualified to tell people whether they deserve it or not. A great deal of luck and hardwork is required, but I know that isn't enough.
Chin up, I think we're all grown-ups and get to make our own decisions good or bad. No point getting upset or angry at what other people choose to do.
I wish everyone well.