What I would suggest (if you really want this) is to just start. Work on your pilot ratings, at least the private license for now. See if you like it or not.
It doesn't have to be a school with fancy advertisements in Flying magazine or shiny brochures. It does not have to be a college (you have many years before you will need the college degree if an airline career is your goal) or a so called "flight academy". All you need is a good instructor and an airplane. Many flight schools/ FBOs provide that. You will have to shop around.
Many pilots have been in your shoes before. How would I pay for all this? You have a few options:
1. find a job, any job. and work on the ratings in a pace you can afford. two hours this month, 5 hours next month. What ever you can handle financially. Lower your monthly expenses as much as possible. This can get you started right away.
2. Get a loan and pay it later. You'll be able to finish your ratings fairly quickly if you are motivated and study hard. Just remember, this money has to be returned, usually with interest; so spend it wisely.
These are the two main paths for financing your pilot career. Many airline pilots (if not most) today were in your shoes and did not have much money when they started.
One last thing I want to suggest is that you
lower your expectations. Sad to say, but chances are you will not work for a major airline in the next four (or even seven) years. It takes time, lot's of work and money.
let me suggest a fictional, but typical career path:
- 1-3 years: get your pilot and flight instructor licenses: Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-engine commercial, CFI, CFII, MEI.
- 1-2 years: Work as a flight instructor (or build time in any other way).
- start working on your bachelor degree (can take 3 years if credited one year with your pilot ratings)
- 1.5-4 years Work as a regional airline FO. (Company normally pays for Second in Command type rating if required)
- 2-3 years: Work as a regional captain. Gain 500-1000 PIC time on jets before moving on. (company normally pays for type rating + ATP)
- 5-7 years: Major airline FO
- Major Airline captain
totals: 2-5 years to start working as a regional pilot
4-12 years to get a Major airline job.
9-19 years to become a Major airline captain.
There are a few possible shortcuts such as accelerated training schools and airline bridge programs, and they DO work SOMETIMES. You will be guaranteed an interview, but your flying skills may not be good enough yet for the airlines. I know people in my regional airline that were hired with as little as 400 hours after graduating a airline bridge program, but they are the rare exception.
