The book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, garnered worldwide attention in 1970. Though it was a simple tale of a seagull who loved flying and spent his days peacefully soaring high above the clouds, it tapped into our basic desire to fly. The book had less than 10,000 words, sold over a million copies the first year, and was later made into a movie. The author of the book, Richard Bach, a former pilot in the Air Force Reserves, had been flying since age 17, including work as a stunt pilot. The surprise success of his book confirmed what we already know -- that we have a love affair with flying.

Whether you choose to become a pilot, flight attendant, air traffic controller, astronaut, air marshal, meteorologist, aerospace engineer, or aircraft mechanic, the aviation careers are truly the stuff of which dreams are made. And these careers are attainable with proper training, and upon successfully passing any relevant physical or mental testing.

One of the highest paid aviation jobs is that of a commercial airline pilot, with salaries generally above $130,000. Learning to become a pilot can be expensive; but your investment in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved flight school will usually pay off down the road. You should visit the chosen school, and get a feel for it by talking to instructors and students. The training should consist of both hands-on flying and ground school. In ground school, courses may include meteorology, navigation, fuel calculations, aerodynamics, flight instruments, engines, electrical systems, safety, radio terminology and aviation laws. And a pilot will learn all about the machine he will be flying -- whether it is a commercial or private plane, helicopter, airship, balloon, glider or gyroplane.

Choosing one of the many careers in aviation, in addition to providing tremendous enjoyment, can lead to a generous salary, excellent benefits and desirable travel perks.

Directory of Schools has Aviation School Information and resources on becoming a pilot and the aviation field.