CPL at 18
Hi Pearcy,
I was in your shoes a couple of years ago, and I understand the urge to just go straight into flying training with all the desires of flying a jet and all that, but this is what I did. Just after A-level, I applied for and got an RAF flying scholarship which kinda paid for half of the PPL(I think these scholarships don't exist anymore) and I managed to somehow find the rest of the money to continue and I passed the PPL. After that, I decided to put things on hold whilst I went to university to do a Software Engineering Degree, just as a back up. You always need a backup in this profession where anything can happen. Something silly can just make you loose your medical and then what are you gonna do???? Even external factors which do not involve you may have an effect on you, things like 9/11 where a lot pilots were put out of work for God knows how long. It is for reasons like these that I would strongly recommend you do something you can rely on in the future, it may not be a degree, it maybe some sort of solid investment in another area other than aviation, just something else. Anyways, to cut a long story short, I finished my degree in 2003, re-commenced my professional training and now I hold a Frozen ATPL, I'm still in my very early 20's. And I don't for one minute regret spending 3 years getting my degree, its given me a good job and allowed me to survive whilst I wait for the job I want(flying one). In any event, goodluck with your decision.
Regards AP