Motorgliders
Dear PWP - You are fortunate indeed as a 16 year old kid to get such advice to your wide and varied questions.
THere is a little more relevance to my handle than yours I'm afraid....
I can't think of a better aircraft to look forward to flying than the Grob 109b. If you aren't in the ATC you should be.
You will learn so much more in a motorglider than a fresh spamcan PPL - stick and rudder skills, tailwheel, gliding - all these will give you such a good start.
THe 109b - identical to the RAF Vigilant - will fly at 95kts for 700+ miles, sipping only 12-15 litres of fuel an hour - all in wonderful comfort. Gorgeous aircraft.
So - get yourself along to your nearest ATC squadron, bull your boots, keep your hair short, attend regularly and study for all the badges. Before you know it - you will have yourself a Flying Scholarship.
If you go to Uni - make sure they have a University Air Squadron.
I lacked direction as a 16 year old and fell into girlies, motorbikes and booze. I don't ride motorbikes anymore and still lack direction.
Bottie