Becoming an Airline Pilot?

First, a pilot does not have a high end job in terms of pay, but i have never met a pilot that doesnt like what he/she does. every pilot loves flying. What i would suggest is take a few discovery flights in small aircraft to see if you like it first because it is a passion. The student pilot certificate is required to fly solo in a glider or balloon at age 14, but to fly powered solo you need that combined with an FAA class 3 medical. when you have that, you cannot fly alone unless endorsed by an instructor for your aircraft type. Junior pilots often start off on minor airlines doing dinky routes in regional jets. the captains often make 20k-35k per year. after you receive enough TT you can move up, but that wont be until 10 years or so. pilots always complain about pay, but they love their job so much they dont leave. its like the airlines are sucking them out of money because of their passion. They should make more; they fly multi million dollar aircraft and carry hundreds of passengers while working many hours a day and have time away from their family. i wrote an article about pilot licensing a while ago but i cant remember it all. wish i could help more