Yes, you could go the FBO route and get just as far. But for a lot of us, it would take too long. Flying and working full time, would lengthen the time to gain the ratings. For those making a career change near or over the age of 30, time is of the essence. So it's a trade off, the money for the shorter time frame. Even if you went to an FBO full time, you would still need to borrow money for the training, and living expenses, so you are still in debt for over $50k. If you are in your early twenties, go the FBO route and save money. Of all the things I have heard about Pan Am, one thing is constant: the instruction is very good.
As I have said in my other post, I am going to Pan Am in 3 weeks. I started posting now, so that other students looking for a school can see how I made my choice, and can follow along with my progress, GOOD or BAD, I will be honest.
Lets see if I have the same bad experience mavmb1 had. From the research I have done, and I have done a lot, Pan Am's administrative problems have been greatly improved if not all together corrected. So if your only beef against Pan Am is the money, your point has been made.
The Turk.