Well at least I can say that right now I am debt free of student loans, all my flight ratings have been paid cash. paying as you go is not very efficient to keep consistency when you fly. Crazy how the economy wont even let your own local bank approve you for a loan. I am in a 141 program right now in atlanta, but in the end it's all about the upfront cash. Not to mention its hard to find grants. I have applied for a few but never seem to hear anything.