Not done any pilots licences by distance learning, but have done a few other things - up to and including a Doctorate.
Plans will slip, that's inevitable, but here are a few habits that I've found useful:-
- Do something EVERY DAY. However busy you are, even 5 minutes each day ensures you don't lose the habit.
- Put your study plan up in a large visible (to you) place, tick things off as you get there.
- Have a slot in the day that is your usual study time, make sure everybody else around you knows and respects it.
G