[Chewie von Nubbins]

Welcome to the dreamer's club! I am 34 and left my nice comfy job back at the end of March to pursue the same goal that you have. I started in April with 0 hours and am now at 140TT and rising. I got the PPL in June, have the IR checkride next week, and will be finished with all of the Commercial licenses by the end of the month. Then on to the instructor ratings.

It can be done, trust me. But, you are going to have to apply yourself like you have never applied yourself if you want to knock everything out within 3-5 months.

I have never been to the schools that you listed, so I cannot speak for them either. However, ATP was my FIRST choice when I decided to pursue this road. Since ATP does not even mess with VA GI BILL benefits, I ruled them out. Although, I only considered going to a school that could meet the speed in which ATP can produce the results, but accepted VA benefits. This was quite a challenge. ATP takes a lot of heat because they are able to get people in and out of there QUICK. If you are already 32yo, and you want to get there the fastest way possible, I personally believe that you are going to have a hard time finding a better program than what they have. Because of your age, (if I am not mistaken) you want to get there as fast as possible so that you can get to the reasonable wages within the next 3 or 4 years. If you go the FBO route, you will definitely save some money on your training, but you might not get all of your ratings quite as quickly (in MOST cases).

I am still learning and drinking milk around here. There is PLENTY of knowledge already out there within this forum. Definitely use the search function to help you in your decision making.

I will tell you that after I finish my ratings, I will be going to ATP to get my instructor licenses so that I can teach there and get some silly...silly I say, ME time.

Good luck and keep everyone informed.