Like the other posts, I would say that the options are 1) the armed forces, 2) find the cash.
I took option 2 as I'd have never been picked for option 1.
There is a chance that some kind soul like DK will give you a leg up, but let's face it, these chances are rare. Visit any training school and you will see successful middle aged people, young bucks sponsored by the bank of mum & dad and a bunch of mid to late 20's who have found a highly paid job and are using the money to buy themselves a poorly paid one. (But one they believe they'll enjoy more).
If you exclude the military route, being a professional helicopter pilot is a job you buy and I see no signs of that changing. Quite the opposite.
MikeBantam - Time to get that 4th paper round.