Hi there,
well, I'm pretty much in the same boat as you are, at least age-wise! And one important thing of advice I can give you, as time is the most critical factor to us, try to get through the theory (assuming you are going for the CPL with ATP theory credit) as fast as possible!!! If you can, go full-time and avoid these "distance-learning-courses" since they're quite frustrating and it's very difficult to stay motivated as a lone-worrier (which you are as a distances-learning student) I speak from my own experience. Distance-learning is quite tempting, because it says "learn anytime, anywhere" but looking back, one thing I'd most certainly do different is choosing a full-time classroom course instead a distance-learning-course, it might not save you money but most likely a lot of time, and finally time matters most!!!
And besides wishing you luck and success, one more thing, here is a must read for you - I can highly recommend it!
http://www.pprune.org/professional-p...ml#post4408362