A Degree in Physics might give you prior credit and thus the degree might be shortened. However I am not sure about distance learning, but if so I'd do the MSc rather than BSc simply because you can finish an MSc PT in 2 years (with a heck of a lot of work) and the BSc Physics might get you in. A BSc Hons might take 3-4 years even with prior credit.
I'd look at the OU (but don't think they specialize) and obviously Cranfield should be your first choice as the UK definitive all things Aerospace/Air Transport related University.
Welcome to Cranfield University might be worth a look!
rgds
flash