Yes, I'm another one that did it by distance learning.
Be under no illusions, there's masses of work. I agree that there is a lot of rote learning and that you will need to put in the hours. It is, at least in theory, a 650 hour course and I think it must be said that some of the topics covered are not exactly 100% relevant (I wonder why you have to know the titles of all 18 annexes of the Chicago convention in order to fly a plane).
On the plus side, most of the material is very interesting and if you are motivated, you will enjoy the study. The bit you will enjoy the most is when exam No 14 is passed!
Good luck.