For any commercial pilots, what is one piece of advice you would give to a young pilot?

I would like to add to Michele's good answer. First, let me congratulate you, as I am sure by now you have soloed. Starting an aviation career today is much easier than when I began 20yrs ago. That said, it still takes an almost fanatical amount of discipline and hard work to achieve your goals. You have an advantage over most of your peers, as you have a focus and purpose for attending college. I started a bit later than most (25yrs old) and immediately saw how having definite goals made a difference. There are many flight schools out there. I would suggest a Part 141 school (has an FAA approved curriculum). I would also strongly suggest that you get a 4 year degree at the same time. Again, there are many choices: Emery Riddle, UND, Texas A&M, etc... These are the big schools and they can be very expensive. I went to a smaller school (Southeastern Oklahoma University) that has a quality program, a BS degree program in Aviation, and a more reasonable cost (and scholarships). There are others, but the only other one I can think of is Averett College in Virginia. A friend of mine, who is also a Captain on the Airbus at Emirates Airline, attended there. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much you spent or who your alma mater is, your FAA licenses are the same. What does matter is that you get quality instruction (ground and inflight) and good value for your money.

Remember, anything to do with airplanes is expensive, but there are many scholarships and if my guess is correct, the future may have cadet programs for the major airlines. Many foreign carriers do this for their nationals, but some are considering opening up to expat pilots.

Flying is a hard way to make a living...no holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or weekends (except by luck or good bidding skills). But, I still find it very rewarding and satisfying! Nothing like taking a 750,000 pound airplane full of people, hurling it through the air at 500mph, and getting it back onto the ground again, despite the weather, time or place. Try that in your office cubicle!

I suggest talking to your flight instructor about possible career paths, as they will be more current than I am.

Best of Luck!!

I asked a very good friend who is a commercial pilot to help answer this question and here is what he said:

One of the benefits of being interested in aviation at a young age is just that: You can actually start at a very young age . One can start flying with an instructor just once a month at any age and fly their first solo flight at 16 years old. The first license of private pilot can be obtained at 17. Commercial license at 18, and airline Transport Pilot at 23 years old. This alone would jump start ones career before going to college. Many colleges and universities offer excellent Aviation programs and a bachelor degree. The top airlines today require a 4 year degree.

Today you have to have 1500 hours total flight time to get hired by any airline due to recent regulatory changes. On your own dime that could be quite expensive if one tries to accomplish that in just 4 years. Stretched over many years, the goal is less strenuous.

Pilot pay has been hitting the media quite frequently lately. The regional airline level of pay for a first officer is a tough start for anyone. But the travel benefits and experience is worth it one starts young. Imagine being able to hop on almost any flight and travel the world for practically free.

Once you get to flying for a reputable major airline, the pay and time off is well worth it all. At an average of 17 days off a month reaching almost 19 days off Many have plenty of time to take in a second career part time for fun and even more money such as one in real estate