Originally Posted by atpwannabe

Young man you have so-o-o-o many options. Given your age, my advice and if I could do it over again would be to:

1. Attend a state university
(Acquire as many grants & scholarships as possible; minimize the loans).

2. Learn to fly at a local FBO. (PPL thru MEI).

3. Start instructing once you get your CFI. This will provide addtional finances.

4. Network like crazy. By the time you're 23, you should be ready to take your ATP written and pass. At that point, start calling on the contacts you've made. Also, joining the local Civil Air Patrol wouldn't hurt.

5. And last but not least...Choose your "friends" carefully. Bad company corrupts good behavior.

Best wishes. Blue skies.