Pilot's Opinion

[Roger Roger]

I'll won't give you any specific recommendations, but I'll share a little background on myself as well as where it got me.
I got my private certificate in high school (homeschooled, BTW) through CAP.
Went to LeTU (considered by many just one step less crazy than Liberty).
Got all my other ratings, including A&P and CFIs there.
Flight instructed for two years for the school.
Now turn wrenches and fly for an air taxi in Alaska.
The four year aviation degree route worked for me, I checked off the boxes for commercial pilot, CFI, A&P, four year degree, did one year where I was instructing and going to school both part time, made some awesome friends, etc. And yes, I am married and do have a sex life, surprisingly enough.
One thing I will add is that very little of this was in my 10 year plan when I was 16. I didn't want to get my CFIs, I didn't want to get my A&P, I didn't want to go to Alaska, etc. didn't work out the way I planned, and it hasn't always been the smoothest ride, but I wouldn't trade it for anything,

 

[WacoFan]

I got a TriPacer I'll sell ya for less than 1/10th what a used cirrus will cost. For another 5 large I'll throw in dual to get you from Juneau, AK back to wherever home is for you. If you survive the trip without scaring the crap out of me you might even get a private ticket out of the deal.

Convert it to the PA20 and I'm in!

 

[Hacker15e]

To supplement CK's post, I quote Frank who had what I consider to be "the post of the thread".

Just so the OP doesn't get the wrong idea, it's important for him to realize what a big deal that's likely going to be in the future.

Chasing skirts, then later the emotional, physical, and intellectual benefits of having a romantic partner in life, and later the same for having children and a family, will impact your life in ways that you can't even begin to comprehend at age 14.

Each of those three things sent my "gameplan" in different directions than I'd planned when I was in High School.

You may never be a skirt chaser....or you may never be in a long term relationship....or you may never have a family....but those "big kid" emotional desires and attachments are going to shape your adult life, possibly sooner than you think.

 

[WacoFan]

Just so the OP doesn't get the wrong idea, it's important for him to realize what a big deal that's likely going to be in the future.

Chasing skirts, then later the emotional, physical, and intellectual benefits of having a romantic partner in life, and later the same for having children and a family, will impact your life in ways that you can't even begin to comprehend at age 14.

Each of those three things sent my "gameplan" in different directions than I'd planned when I was in High School.

You may never be a skirt chaser....or you may never be in a long term relationship....or you may never have a family....but those "big kid" emotional desires and attachments are going to shape your adult life, possibly sooner than you think.

This is EXACTLY correct. And hence my advice a couple of posts up: Fall in love with airplanes - immerse yourself in Airplanes and learn all you can about them. You will not be able to control "the plan" but if you are really passionate about flying and airplanes - then my way works. If my way is unappealing...and you don't have a love affair with flying and flying machines...and are primarily looking at aviation as purely a vocation because of "pay and time off" then the OP is going to be sorely disappointed I'm afraid.