RE: Should I get a pilots license?
I make pretty good jing as a toolmaker also. Never gone more than 3 hours without a job offer since 1984.
For those who think getting a trade is not the same as getting an education you are sorely misguided. I can't tell you how many design meetings I have sat in on with guys (and girls) possessing degrees from big schools where they were asking for direction on how to do and make things.
Next time you look at a power plant or the space station think about guys like me cause I made stuff on and in them.
No matter what, it all takes some work and effort either path one chooses.