wrote:
In a few months I will begin training as a firefighter. I figured
that becoming a pilot would be a great second career. I haven't taken
any schooling for my pilots license and am just curious if anyone has
any advice they can give me?

For instance: Is it profitable? Is it very difficult to get a loan
for a plane? How long does it take to become a pilot of a six to
eight passenger plane? If I'm using the plane for personal use, is
the gas consumption for a multi engine incredibly high?

Thanks for any advice.

Is it profitable?

Depends on so many variables that it is impossible to tell if it would be
for you. There is an old saying in aviation. "It's easy to make a small
fortune in aviation. Just start with a large fortune."

Is it very difficult to get a loan for a plane?

Relative to other business loans you might get, not really.

How long does it take to become a pilot of a six to eight passenger plane?

Really depends on how much time you can spend each week training.

If I'm using the plane for personal use, is the gas consumption for a multi
engine incredibly high?

For a 6 to 8 pax, yes it is pretty high. Unless you are making way more than
most firefighters our pilots you won't be using your 6 & 8 pax plane for
much personal flying.

One thing you might look into is becoming and instructor. It would probably
work better with your schedule and will allow you to build hours. I say this
because it sounds like you think that you can get your commercial
certificate, a 6-8 pax plane, become a charter operator on the side and fly
around in your charter plane when you are not on firefighter duty and not on
charter flights. It just isn't going to happen unless you have a lot of cash
and don't mind parting with a large chunk of it.