If you haven't got a plan in your gap year, you will find that it simply eats a great deal of money.
Besides, you say yourself that
I know not taking a degree is a risky option to take, but in my world money doesn't grow on trees
: hence surely maximising your potential earnings takes priority until you have the security of a job.
1) Caution with self-selection for ATPLs unless you have done some aptitude tests, as many will take money from you to train you, but passing the first simulator for a job is a whole different ball game.
2) As I said on the other thread that RT Jones mentions, an awful lot of people have recently had to put aviation on hold - do you want to do that in a lowly paid flying intructor job, or in a graduate job?
On the other hand, don't bother doing a degree you won't work for it - neither convince yourself that as a degree is aviation-related it will be interesting enough to keep you focused, as aero eng is not the same as flying. Do not however underestimate the value of a degree: with your results you will waste your education by foregoing it.
Though your point about UASs is valid, they are not a place to bother going unless you are interested in the RAF as you would otherwise waste everyones' time, however have you not considered gliding clubs perhaps? Don't however underestimate that RAF EFT can be completed with a good degree while at uni, just that you won't have time for any other socialising to do both.
Finally, listen to your Dad, and talk to other pilots here and in the real world who have the wisdom of year. If you don't go to uni, put together a valid business plan of how you would achieve ATPL. And gain experience of your dream before you embark upon it, to make sure that it matches with how you perceive it to be.
Good luck, work for your A-Levels, and make sure you do your research. Remember that you don't have to get into flying at 18 to make it to the top.
Other thread here:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=145649