If you want to go integrated then sure you can save up a load of money to pay for things upfront, but you can also work while learning to fly (although challenging if you have multiple jobs and lots of hours). I am currently working full time while part-time learning to fly as I couldn't fund it any other way and I can't see myself doing this (or any) office job forever. It works because you can manage the amount of flying you are doing based on the current state of your income. I would also look at 0% interest credit cards as a way to manage cashflow as these can work out better than a loan.