Adam
I fly for a living,and it has been a great experiance for me. I'm not a book smart person ,but I wish I did go and get a Degree. I started flying full scale my senior year in High school( senior skip day) I learn in a J3 cub in waynesville ohio, so mostly it was seat of the pants flying. I do recommend college if you can because it will pay in the long run. with a Degree you can get a job that pays you very well,with very little work, and thats what you want in life is a (lifestyle). (second) you need alot of support from your parents. Money,room and board, if possible.
once I got my commercial ticket I got a job flying skydivers, which alot of people don't think it is good quality time but it was for me . I flew beech 18's ,twin otter,and casa's 212, etc. this built my multi engine time which also helped in meeting the right people. Plus that helped me understand and learn how to really fly a plane ,because I flew everyday and with alot of different situations. Now I fly for a company in Detriot MI. I have been here for 4 1/2 years. 3 years as a Falcon 20 captain 1 year as a falcon FO and now in the right seat of a DC-9 .I have over 5000 hours and I can only look up and forward,,BUT I do wish I had a degree because the options would be endless.. The reason for the long story is that I don't have a degree,and I didn't go threw the military. I didn't go to Riddle (wish I did). I didn't have anybody give me anything,but I did work hard for my time and thier are alot of options out there if you want it bad enough. Once you read this I mention a degree alot because it is important. but if you don't get a degree you can go a different road. go to your local County airport and get to know some people there. maybe get a job and pump some gas and wash planes for some flight time. I can't tell you how many airplanes I washed and tuged around. And one fast thing is that (it's not what you know it's who you know). Dewey Davenport