I think the question of "The Use of A-Levels" was a little broad and should be broken into 2 questions with 2 totally different answers:
1. Do you need A-levels to fly a plane?
No- who cares. As others have said, you are only as good as your last sim check, etc.
2. Do you need A-Levels to get the all-important interview - especially in this market where there are hundreds of applicants for one position?
Obviously.
Fair enough, once at that interview you could turn out to be someone with the personality of cushion. But the top guy who also has the same licence as you, first time passes blah blah and who you could chat to for a 12 hour flight may never get a look-in, just becasue his/her CV never stood out.
I got sh!t A-Levels.
However, at Uni, I got a Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
Will this get me an interview over other low-hour cadets? I bloody hope so.
Do I have the personality of a cushion? Maybe
Edited:
That fuel question? WTF! - so No. You don't need A-levels or a degree to fly a plane. But it "might" get you into the interview room.