Took 8 months for my HSBC loan to come through! I joined HSBC last June and my loan application was approved right away. Like the previous posts said 'you got to sell yourself'. I had my PPL and was only two exams away from finishing my ATPL's so I had already spent a considerable amount of my own money and time which showed commitment (or insanity!!) which the bank liked. I guess they want to evaluate how much of a financial gamble they're gonna take with you which is understandable
Hope this helps,
All the best, ScotsRocket