Jamier - nice on on joining the RAF, get involved in RAFGSA gliding, and get posted to Halton at the RAFGSA center, the guys there are earning 30k to teach gliding and fly tugs, they are getting 100s of hrs for free whilst still earning a good wage and getting engineering qualifications for civvy street as well! A few of them are going to do ATPL route.
To everyone else, save save save. I work 7 days a week, study every night. It is possible (96% average in first 8 exams). If you dont get a job, but you have come out with no debt, you have given it your all and when your 80 yrs old on your death bed you will know you have given it a go.
Yes its dire out there, but so are most industries at the moment. But its not worth it if you are planning to get a loan to do it.