RyanB said:
Second, I read in a prior thread of yours that you’ve never even been in a real airplane. How do you know that you’ll like it?
I think it was suggested in the other thread to do a discovery flight. I would agree for this situation since Tyrease has no experience in actual flying. It does not require a medical.
Really important I think to get some experience in an actual small plane since some people love it. Others dislike it intensely. It is a personal thing and hard to judge without actually getting in the plane.
A discovery flight at a school will cost about $200 which may be a bit much while waiting to start school, so a few other ideas for getting in the air.
Perhaps some member in the Seattle area will decide to do a $100 hamburger run with the OP?
Failing that, I would suggest checking out the Experimental Aircraft Association. They have the Young Eagles program. While that is aimed at children, I have known some adults who received a first introductory flight that way.
The EAA also has the VMC club which tends to meet once a month. This would be a good way to meet people in the local GA community and start learning about flying and some of the safety issues. The school may also have a local EAA chapter which would be a natural fit.
As to the wisdom of borrowing a lot of money to go to school. This will definitely lock up one’s choices. Hard to comment on in this age, since the Federal government’s massive loan programs have simultaneously made the cost of education skyrocket while also making it possible to borrow large portions of a million dollars. Very difficult to work your way through school anymore at the current prices. But be cautious and aware. Starting in a community college is likely a smart way to minimize costs.