I want to start a career in aviation, and have started my PPL through a local FBO...I have saved up the $ to run me through my entire PPL cert (the FBO gaurantees even for over-flight). I am only currently type rated to fly my cubicle at work.

Here's my story: I graduated from college with a Bachelors in Arts in Useless Thought and have spent the last few years in graphic design/web design...its okay, just nothing great. I have wanted to be a pilot since I was 12 and tried to get my parents to send my to ERAU or UND or any of the schools but they told me 'forget it'...

I have decided to pursue a a career in flying. I know what your thinking. "This kid wants to fly the majors and big whooping jets." Well that's not entirely true. I have no desire for family or a wife...I'm probably too ugly anyway, and wouldn't mind living on next to nothing. I want to fly prop planes for low pay...seriously (I mean, I will take higher pay if it comes but I am not asking for it). The only other career goal I had in mind would involve making use of my talents as a jazz pianist, and that pays dick too (in NYC no less). My dream would be to fly for a part 135 cargo outfit or something similar. I currently make around 30k, but most of money is being saved up for flight training. I could certainly stomach $20k or less in some outpost like Billings...I would work at Subway during off time with a smile on my face to make that happen (****, I hang that old college diploma right up there on the wall next to the sandwich board).

The question is a matter of training style...I think the FBO route might be good up through my CIME, and then switch over to something like ATP for my CFI/CFII, and MEI. However, the "Flight Safety Academies" of the world are so attractive with their ab-initio programs that build you up to a CFII in 8 fun months. I harbor no illusions here - I know these places have Marketing Departments which work overtime. However, I just wanted to gauge the feeling on these types of programs...would it be worth it to plunge into $55k or more of loan debt to run through a program like this? The other reason I ask is because I am worried that if I go the FBO route and get my instructor certs, I won't be able to find a job as an instructor. However, if I went with one of these academy-type programs, I could get an instructor position if I worked hard enough?