Hold it, just checking crystal ball..................
Ok, got it.
Twenty-five past ten am on 30th February 2003 is categorically the best time to begin your training (you read it here first). It must be true; my crystal ball said so. However, wait a minute..... my economic advisory team is advising caution and are suggesting that a poll is carried out to see if a multi-year study is required to determine the terms of reference for a commission which could objectively assess the statistical probabilities that the best time to start training is, in fact, determinable in any shape or form. This commission would report in, ooh, about 2035. It's answer is confidently predicted to be 'Perhaps'. Or, possibly, 'Maybe'. Or, and this has less support, 'Maybe Not'.
More seriously, but with no greater guarantee of accuracy, here's my opinion. Just like the warning you get with investment products, economic conditions can go down as well as up - often with little or no prior warning. Economic experts have conclusively proved over the last fifty years that they can reliably predict absolutely nothing at all! Yes, we may well suffer a war early next year. Yes, Western economies look set for a 'double-dip' recession, at least in manufacturing. Yes, the UK property market (and possibly the US also) is getting more and more likely to experience a 'sharp correction' (nice term for losing your shirt - again!). However, aviation has survived and even prospered in similar conditions before, and will again.
Many of you - perhaps most - who start training will never succeed in achieving a RHS in an airliner, for a whole raft of different reasons. That was as true in 2000, when things were arguably the best ever for wannabes, as it is now. But some will succeed, whatever happens. The trick is to be the one who succeeds - and that is almost totally within your own control. Remember that no-one owes you a living, and that you have to go and get what it is you want. I should say, at this point, if you want an easy life, look elsewhere! Don't be one of the whingers; get off your arse and get on with it. Start networking, get yourself contacts within the industry. Use 'friends of friends' etc. Don't wait for an airline to come knocking at your door.
All this advice has been given many times. Many complain that they've tried it - even to the letter - and still failed. Well, that's life - but while they failed, some succeeded. Will it be you? Only you can answer that. When should you start? When you believe you're ready for the challenges I've hinted at above. Not before then, but not a minute after.
It's your call!