Captain, the money doesn't sound like much today but back in the mid 80's it was a lot.

When I started I was renting a C-150 for $20.00 hr wet and a whopping $12.00 for the instructor.

As far as it paying off goes I haven't worked in aviation for over 12 years, but I credit my education and the time I spent in aviation for the job I have now, service manager for a major R.V. Manufacturer. While the job itself isn't quite as interesting the $ sure is a whole lot better now