I'd also like to agree with G-SPOT's general sentiments, but for a different reason.
I don't know the industry well enough to know how important age is - although I suspect there's any element of truth in the argument that a 19-year-old with 185 hours is going to have trouble finding a flying job which will pay off the huge debts involved. But there are other things to consider besides age.
I'm a lot older than 19. (Well, not
that much older!
) But I decided to take my time doing my ATPL simply because the market is so appaling at the moment, I just can't see myself getting a job as a low-hour ATPL(f), regardless of my age. If you've got anything else you could be doing with your life, do it, and work towards the ATPL part time. In my case, I'm continuing with my IT career - I don't particularly enjoy it, but it pays the bills, and also pays for my flying. In p.savage's case, I'd say go to university. Get a part time job to pay for as much of the flying as you possibly can, and if you really can't earn enough to pay for everything, then borrow the rest.
Aim to have your ATPL(f) by the time you finish your university course - 3 years. This is a reasonable timescale for doing the ATPL course part time. The general opinion seems to be that in 3 years time the market will have picked up again, and it will be far easier for people like you and me to get a job - regardless of age.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
FFF
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