Unfortunately, as is apparent in every aspect of life, TAX taken off one thing re-appears as another thing. There's no way to avoid it.
I did have all kinds of ideas about taxation - including a realisation that a higher tax bracket was unfair, and so those in well paid jobs could pay less tax by 'opting out' of certain aspects, maybe agreeing not to use the NHS or state schools. Apparently that doesn't fit with the masses. And, in truth, would only lead to higher fuel or beer costs!
But I really can't be shaken in my view that a standard student loan should be available if you're undertaking study. Because that's what ATPL students are - students.
I feel the alternative is to say that they are unemployed people actively training for a job, and should be allowed a "jobseekers' allowance".
Another seriously legitimate idea is, as hinted at by Topslide6, cost of such professional training be, to whatever extent possible, retrospectively refunded by the employer. It's a seriously unfortunate state of affairs when such companies are allowed to profit to such an extent by not having to train their own workforce.
This is without going on to the subject of FI pay - another can of worms. Needless to say, there can't be too many jobs with so few progression opportunities which require such highly qualified personnel to have paid out quite so much,only to earn less than a supervisor in McDonalds.
It's a really good job there's something worth loving about this flying lark, or I fear there would be no air travel at all.