Whilst some may say that right now is not the right time to start pilot training, the managing director of a leading central-england flying school disagrees whole-heartedly!:
"During recent months we have been observing a significant improvement in recruitment oportunities within the airline industry. Simply by observing the fleet grwoth plans for the "low-cost" carriers and the sharper focus from mainline carriers coupled with planned pilot retirements, A PILOT SHORTAGE IS NOT FAR AROUND THE CORNER!
Bearing in mind the fact that it takes at least 18 to 20 months to train an ab-initio pilot to become a First Officer, opportunities for graduates from quality training courses in 2004 should be extremely attractive. WITHOUT QUESTION, THIS IS EXACTLY THE RIGHT TIME TO COMMENCE TRAINING IN READINESS FOR THIS EXPECTED DEMAND FOR TRAINED PILOTS."
There's optimism for you. Food for thought though!