Dave,
I'm 29 and I'm going for it!! Don't talk like that. If you want it bad enough you should just organise your life accordingly. It's painful for everyone. I certainly don't think I'm too old and airline pilot mates of mine who are following my progress don't think the fact that i'm fast approaching 30 is an issue.
Just remember that getting into debt is not good but neither is waking up every morning going to the office wishing you were elsewhere - that's a lot worse! You've also said this! Just do most of the flying in the States and the debt no big deal on the grand scale of things i.e A FULFILLED LIFE !!!
B