Just thought I would provide an update for anyone interested. We got the paperwork straightened out with North Carolina, I did the 4 or 5 meetings that I was required to do (for my state,) took an aptitude test, an "unemployment" test, and qualified for the funds. I got my books, studied like it was a full time job for 5 weeks and then went to training for two weeks at Higher power aviation in Dallas, TX. Great training, school, and people. Completed my checkride last Sunday and got home Monday. There were 3 people in my class total.