Lee,
Dont know what your background is, but there can be ways into aviation without debt.. Schemes such as Air Atlantique or Highland airways both offer cadet schemes, where you are not expected to lay out any money, meaning you are bonded, which is no bad thing, you get training, paid while you do it, and guaranteed a job if successful.. although these are few and far between with certain criteria to fill, its worth a go!
many think that the airline pilot goes straight to a big plane, which would be nice i guess.. but there are jobs out there for the CPL/IR who want to build hours while looking for the illusive airline job!
Hope this helps.
B