[Ian J]

Hey, welcome to JC. You're doing yourself a great service by coming here, asking questions, and doing research. Try the search function and the hot topics area for lots on what you're asking.

I can't answer the flight school question - never been to any of those. And you're right, many people will only support their own school while bashing others. The key is finding the nuggets of truth in all the mess.

Plenty of people will tell you about Delta Connection Academy - just from what I've heard from plenty who have been there you're probably best to take that off the list. I'm sure current/ former students will chime in with relative experience, though.

I'd say be very careful with all the loans. A 60k loan on top of a 18k loan while on 1st/2nd year pay WHILE trying to add mouths to your family seems like a really ambitious, if not un-doable plan. Just research current pay rates and compare them with your loan payments. I personally think loans like this are "the devil," but people make them work. I know you don't want to do this, but consider biting the bullet, saving, and paying cash for your training.

Good luck!