Do you not think in this day and age it is pretty unrealistic for them to ask for a degree. The cost of Flight school alone is $$$$$$$$$$$ and with university fees going up. Im 17 and all of my friends will be going into university this time next year. I have had to seriously consider whether it is beneficial for me to do a degree and to be honest it is not! It is what 3/4 years of paying up to 6k a year, plus living costs etc. Its alright for people in the south (I actually thinking the southern system regarding University is brilliant!) but for us up north it is just unrealistic!
Plus im doing A-levels in Physics, Maths, ICT andTechnology. They are hard! Do you not think that shows enough commitment and ability to complete the course, (which I know will be very hard and intense).