Coop,
There was no mention of it in your postings so this is a bit of a presumption on my part. Take the $50K that HSLD mentioned and spend it on a college education. You can then use your college education to work in the aerospace field, or at the airlines for that matter.
Times are tough and no one here wants to dissuade a young person from their dreams, but you did ask for advice. My degree is in business, but I get to work on airplanes, although I could probably make more as a plumber. Down the road (once you've established yourself financially) you can still learn to fly.
There's a reason (as you said) "so many people tell me it's not a good idea".
Anyway, my 2 cents.
Best wishes to you,
11Fan