RTJ, I'm no pilot, but I know a little about U.S. antitrust law. A UA and AA merger? Normally, no. The federal government would determine there would be a lack of competition at major markets which would increase prices unfairly to consumers. (Not that I necessarily agree, but that is what the government would say.) Long term, there would be no merger, in my view. Short term, the government might allow some combining of operations or sharing of information that would normally be considered in violation of antitrust law.
As for your piloting interests, the older I get, the more important I see it is to do what makes me happy. The money will follow. If you are very intrested in something and work hard, you can get it.
[ 15 September 2001: Message edited by: Eboy ]