verticalairborne, an impossible question to answer specific with so little info you are giving us ..
But here are the financially topics you'll have to figure out .. 1: The total cost of the course(s) incl. everything like VAT, fee's, possible fuel surcharge, insurances etc. etc. etc. - it's not only the cost of the course the fight school mention
..
2: I say, add approx. 15% to that cost found in #1 for unforseen expenses and possible extra training ..
3: If you loan some of the money, add in the cost of the interest it will take until the loan has come to a zero after maybe 5-15 years ..
4: Find what income you would have had in your current job/career for the next 3 years, as that is the approx. time it should only take from zero to 500/1000 hours and that income is now gone. Expect not to make human-money that gives you a living as previously, before you've passed 500/1000 hours. So are your current expenses set up for a normal sallery, time to cut down and go back to eat Ketchup on your pasta for the next 3 years
(not Heinz since that is too pricy at this stage) - IF, I underline
IF you after graduation find a CFI/FI job, don't expect a normal salery especially in the states, though you might be able to add a little ground beef on your pasta now. And that goes along as well for other lowtimer jobs out there you will have to hunt for along with everyone else ..
- After 1000 hours, with luck just 500, the right personality, some luck that incl. being open for any oppertunity, things should start to turn around for the better, not working for peanuts and feeling being taken from behind
..
Becoming a pilot is like starting your own business. It takes a lot of effort, time, blood, sweet and tears
(and money) to bring it up and running well. A lot of help, understanding and support from family and friends and expect to live out of nothing for the first 1-2 years after graduation before the real money start to roll in on your bankaccount ..
Or becoming a pilot is like cranking a jetengine. It takes time and carefullness to crank it up before its selfsustaining without blowing it up
..
Just my five cents. Can't afford more right now
..
- madman
NB: Personally, some savings and found a very well understanding bank, who know how the aviation business works for upcoming pilots ..