Much appreciated. I've taken what you said to heart and in light of many other things I've learned along the way in this phase of my research.

I think what I'm discovering throughout this process is that a Highly Personalized Hybrid Training Program with the structure of a Part 141 and the flexibility of a Part 61 combined with a willingness to do the work on my part developing really solid Instrument skills and an earlier than normal introduction to Twins - all underlined by competent Flight Instructor who can take me through Private, Instrument and Multi-Engine, coupled with some strategically placed Sim Training to sharpen rough Instrument edges and build reliable Mutli-Engine emergency procedures, is probably closer to the truth.

I have a hard time flying by the seat of my pants in anything important that I do. I'm going to be RVSM certified, Single Pilot certified in a VLJ carrying family members, friends and business associates. Intuitively, that tells me that right from the word "go," I have to enforce structured Training coupled to flexible and structured Time Building. Having fun along the way is absolutely guaranteed. Looking at the longer term picture, the duty and responsibility that I will have when flying family, friends and business associates seems to require a high level of personal responsibility for making sure the Training and Time Building phases were arranged as optimal as humanly within the context of what both Part 61 and Part 141 can offer. For example, I've just made one final decision.

I have just retired the notion of using ATP Flight School as a one stop shop for Flight Instruction. Though I think it would be a great alternative for others, it would be focused on a goal that is not within my realm of focus. In addition, ATP would not provide the level of in-depth exploration of subject matter that from time-to-time I know I'll need during the course of my Training Phase. There will be times when I will simply need to 'freeze' the training at a specific point until I can grind out subject matter issues I'm having with the help of my Instructor - then hit the resume button on the remainder of the Training. Most Part 141 programs don't have this 'Pause' feature. I'm going to build that into my Training Program and get agreement from my Flight Instructor before implementing it.

I'm not merely trying to get beyond a Written Exam or pass a Check Ride. I need to be sure that I am absolutely comfortable with my knowledge and that I am not relying upon educated guesswork to get me through tough times. Life has taught me that this is the best approach to learning anything new and/or complex. Having superficial knowledge without understanding the WHY behind what you are doing can lead to second guessing yourself because you know at a much deeper level that you've been relying upon foggy guesswork for too long and it may be coming back to bite you. I'm trying to keep myself out of that boat - by learning and knowing the subject matter, cold.

I've already made a commitment to myself that I'm not going to be a Professional Guesser. I owe that to myself and the people who will rely upon me as single pilot in the future. This is my commitment to myself and to them.

Hard work, focus, structure and dynamic flexibility in my Training. That's going to be super critical to getting it done right for me, personally. I'll pay my Instructor whatever it takes to get that level of dynamic flexibility until I am 100% confident that I at least have the fundamentals correct on everything I do in the training regime. I may not have all the advanced concepts down cold, but that will come with more training and time. However, the fundamental basics need to be well understood by me before progressing to the next level. That's just something I've got to have going forward.

This is why I need a custom tailored hybridized 61/141 program built from scratch, geared exclusively for the VLJ and authored by a competent Instructor who sees and understands that goal clearly and vividly. I cannot wander in any aspect of my Training. I cannot simply wing it. I cannot merely go out and just have fun for fun sake.

In short, I've got to get my **** together - and I know it. I get it. I've got real work to do. That's going to require both structure and a high degree of flexibility. I don't bring 20 years of prior experience. So, my focus must be higher at the outset than the guy who does have that 20 year head-start on the process of preparing for a jet.

There will be plenty of time for relaxation and fun. Just not now. It is ok. I'm used to working hard and enjoying it. I won't burn out. I'm on fire for this. I've been waiting for this since I was a kid. Now's the time.

Thanks for your help!