should absolutely go for it regardless
Thats summarised it all.
Ofcourse you say go for it as it isnt your cash and future we are talking about.
greyb33: stay at school, get some good qualifications and when the industry is predicted to grow, get pilot training. Hopefully, by then you will have a degree and quality job to pay for the flight training.
It is not only economical downturn, but the current situation is further aggravated by fuel crisis and airlines entirely depend on a strong economy and low fuel costs. Assess the situation in a years time again.