I do understand where you're coming from. And the financial aspect is why I offered up a lower cost alternative to ATP...by no means the only lower cost choice. However, answer number 1 worries me. Would you have to CFI for 5 years? Probably not. But what about a combo of CFI, to flying checks to flying a small twin Part 135? These are sacrifices that many before you have taken on. I remember flying a 172 and dying to fly a twin. Then flying a twin and dying to fly a turboprop, then a jet, etc. I KNEW it wasn't going to happen quickly but still took the plunge because I knew what I wanted to do and was willing to do what it took for as long as it took(no wife, no kids). Again, what are you going to do if the fast track doesn't happen for you? You mentioned financial sense. There is no financial sense to becoming a pilot these days. You are essentially buying a ~$50K lottery ticket. So I ask you this...Do you feel lucky punk? Well do ya?