To jump or not to jump.
I'm a 300hr glider pilot with a bit of instructing time and am considering taking up power flying if it's feasible to go through to CPL/ATPL and make a living by flying. Anything would do, teaching in spam cans, driving cargo around, chucking nutters out the back with parachutes, bizjets, internal/regional stuff, whatever there is available - I just love flying.
I don't expect there is a fortune to be made doing it but is it realistic to think that I can get qualified, find some sort of work and be able to pay off the training debt while still having enough to eat and pay the heating bills? To be vulgar about it, what sort of wages are available outside of major airlines? That would effect how long it took to pay off the loan, of course.
There's so much negativity on the forums but also when chatting to airline pilots i know that i'm beginning to think i'd look stupid to go for it. It's a massive financial commitment. Is there a living wage to be had outside of a Captaincy on a big shiny jet?
And if so, are there specialist companies who offer loans for training or do i need to speak to my bank manager?
Thanks for your patience with a newby.