A couple of things:
1. If all airplanes were grounded, you can still study for and take all of your written exams.
Recreational pilot (meh)
Private pilot
Instrument pilot
Commercial pilot
I recommend you study for and take your private and commercial coterminously.
You can also take instrument and instrument instructor close together.
All of the above require a sign off, but companies like Gleim used to provide it upon successful completion of their test review.
CFI, CFIi, fundamentals of instruction and ground instructor don’t require a sigh off.
Your tests are good for two years. How fast will your training progress?
Prior to covid, pilot demand was so high that even Southwest Airlines started an ab initio/zero to hero program. Times have changed. Some people think the market will take five years to recover. Others think it will all change after the election. I’m a little more cynical and think things will recover sooner rather than later.
On the high school /college topic:
Prior to Covid, I completed a four year college degree with a 4.0, 160 plus units at a brick and mortar public school in one year and a summer. This was prior to everyone putting all their classes online. When I was in high school, I completed my graduation requirements in my junior year, started attending college then, and didn’t go to high school my senior year. Many colleges have aviation associates you can attend remotely for little or no cost,and you can decide how aggressive you will be for your bachelors.
Am I saying give up your high school experience? Not at all...but I am saying you have many options to ensure your training doesn’t stop just because you’re not behind a yoke.
How quickly you finish depends on how hungry you are and your scholastic aptitude. Aaaaand... there’s also burnout you have to watch out for.
All your faa test books for your rating tests are free and online. How soon do you want to take your written exams? When will you be ready?
Good luck with your flying career!
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