I'm affraid that I must be guilty of some seriously long posts; I just rant on too long... Before I start I shall state that I have not commenced pilot training, other than gliders, so my opinions are based on conversations with pilots at training schools and my own research...
To answer your queries;
1: Be weary of 'cheap' courses, look for the word "PREP" in the course description - another word for incomplete. Look for anything that could imply more money being required.
2: i: Putting proportion of job pay into savings account.
ii: Will/Lottery win anybody? I wish...
iii: Career development loans, to the value of about £8k. Morgage style loans for larger amounts.
iv: HSBC Professional studies loan; I was told by my local branch that provided you could give evidence of acceptance onto a training course and even proof that you can pass it (i.e. Gapan test certificate) then they'll fund 100%. No guarantee, 6 month holiday period on repayments after training finishes. Can give you money in installments.
3: Integrated more expensive - but do all learning at once and good for people familiar with a college like environment.
Modular cheaper, can do at your convenience - within reason. Great for people with wife/kids etc.
4: British European is only one I can add off the top of my head, sorry.
5: Yep, I found that one out with BA. They seem to prefer zero/low hour pilots/wannabes. Does not apply to all airlines.
Hope this helps. Please people correct me if I have made errors, I've been up 19hrs and want to sleep!!! ZZZZZzzz...
Good luck!
SS
[ 13 July 2001: Message edited by: scroggs ]