Well i thought i would add my ten cents worth. Im, as my handle gives away, not into the 'airline thing' but more of a helicopter man
. I did however do selection for the forces and passed flight app, i also have a degree, but no A levels. Crank, i think, and this is only my opinoun, knowing that competion is extremely high for these places and the calibre of applicants, think it would be very difficult for someone like yourself to get sponsorship. Please dont take this the wrong way, i have friends who fly for BA and they regularly state that some of the pilots they fly with are absolute morons. I personally think that paper qualification are overated, im sure your all aware that my spelling is crap thats cos im Dyslexic, but im a bloody good pilot, have passed Flight App at RAF cranwell etc..etc..and now well on my way doing my ATPL studies and having no problems, well maybe one or too!!!
However, the airlines need to have some way of selecting future pilots and unfortuantly educational achievments is the only way..crappy but true.. There is of course way more to this argument, more than im willing to go into, cos it would end up beinga bloody essay!!
Look at alternatives, think about getting your ATPL, the main thing ive realised is that its not so much about ability, obviusly that is important, but more about staying power and stickerbility...you just got to get your nose down and do it and i can tell you right now that even after you qualify as a commercial pilot getting a job is going to be the greatest test of all.
Rotormad