Also, let's have a sensible talk about the allure of a flying career vs the reality. It will be a very expensive mistake to make, paying for the licences, only to find the job is less rewarding than hoped for. Being 'forced' to take stock in the downturn, along with building experience via gliding and ppl flying in an affordable (whilst recognising the financial sacrifice) will be good for him. If all of that and the hour-building seems to be, 'just a drudge en route the prize', he may be in for a shock.
CG