re: 17yo son is wanting to become a pilot. Looking for recommendations on local(Mandeville) fs

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He has mentioned getting his license and then trying to go to Southwest to get training and commercial license?

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not the way this works

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No plans to go to college

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demand is high right now but historically a four year degree has been a requirement for the big leagues and when hiring slows down it will definitely be a requirement

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We have not explored to guard route.

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need a four year degree there too unless you go Army warrant officer route

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No plans to go to college, just wants to get out and start flying.

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If he wants to fly for an airline, he needs to find a way to earn a 4 year degree. Any degree. While no longer technically required by any airline, it used to be, and likely will be again one day. An online degree from an accredited University would be fine and can be done on his own time, and again - does not need to be aviation related.

You may have him look into programs like ATP, which is a fast track program and would allow him to get all of his ratings in a very short period of time. Once he gets his through his CFI ratings, it will likely take 18-24 months to build the time required to earn his Airline Transportation Pilot certificate.

My recommendation, based on the info you’ve provided, would be to knock out his private pilot’s license at a school like the one he’s currently at, and then find a fast track program like ATP to finish the rest. Previously, ATP required 2 years of work history or 2 years of college, but I’m not sure if that’s still the case.

This is all assuming that he has no interest in going the Guard route.

One thing is certain: this industry changes quickly. If he can find a pilot mentor locally who flies for an airline, that would be worth its weight in gold.