Hi squitter,
I did it. It was all the time my dream to become a pilot. But there was no chance to start directly. A good job is also a insurance in case you you will lose your pilot license.
When I was 21, I did start as a line mechanic for B-737. With the money I earned, I slowely started the pilots education step by step. There was even a chance to slow down in case the job market is not that good. I mostely worked on nightshift to have the daytime for learning and flying. I spend my holidays in flight schools. Ther was not much sparetime.
After three years I got the chance to convert within the company to a first officer postion. Today I´m captain.
My experiences help me in termes of deep system knowledge, when talking to mechanics about problems and to understand the system of flight operation.
I would do it again. But remember, it´s a hard time. There is actually no time for things beside (girl friend, parties, etc.).
The other mechanics did alot of my work, while I was learning. Needless to say, that we had a big party at the end.
[This message has been edited by Gominder (edited 12 May 2001).]