There are actually two types of loan - 1. Professional studies loan and the 2. Career Development Loan. They are both different but are basically based around the same idea i.e. lump sum with deferred payment until completion of course. Unless you are an integrated Bod at Cabair or OAT then forget the 1st option, Cabair/OAT appear to have exclusive rights with that one. With the CDL you can apply for a maximum of 8k and "yes" Atpl groundschool etc is covered. Try the likes of the Bank of Scotland or Barclays for the CDL, thats where I got mine. The process takes a while though, roughly 3 months from initial application to approval. You'll also need a business plan with your application, nothing fancy though, just he facts. I got mine over a year ago, I doubt the process has changed much.