Having been hanging around airports since 1963 and working full time in aviation since 1966, I was once the kid hanging on the fence dreaming about a life in aviation. I have been so lucky that in my time in aviation I have introduced to so many wonderful people throughout the World with my flying. Friendships that still are good as gold today. I have not seen a group of people who help you as much as my fellow aviators have helped me. Now we forward to todays problems. No fence to hang on anymore, no fellow pilots hanging out at the airport lounge, you can not walk along the T hangars without escort, and the list goes on. Entry level jobs, like it has been said, they have been replaced by automation. Pay is another factor. You have a mountain of debt, but not enough income to live on and pay back your debt. Then add to the fact you must deal with the “new FAA” and rulings passed down. Both of my kids, grew up at the airport as I did, but they too took so much for granted. Just hop in a plane, fly for about and hour and we had several major baseball and football teams to enjoy. An 1.5 hour flight, and we had some of the best ski conditions in the mid west. All we had to do was head to the airport and hop in a plane. I have had the pleasure of seeing about 2/3 of the world in my flying time, but my kids did not get the bug. I look back at this and I see myself in their shoes, hanging around my Dad’s auto shop as well as my Uncle’s auto shop. The last thing I wanted to do was make a living working on cars. Aviation has been great for me, and I wish others could enjoy the aviation life like I have had the pleasure of doing. Sad, but those days are gone.