Kempus,
From what I can tell (+ what i'm planning on doing asap) these things all help:
- Like you say, a spreadsheet come business plan for you and your training is a good idea. Outline the costs involved in detail and exactly how your money will be spent. Include estimated earnings figures and times to getting a job etc. You can also supply the recent figures indicating a turnaround as well as facts like Easyjet purchasing 75 new aircraft.
- Get yourself some aptitude tests done. If you haven't already, do the GAPAN tests as these add weight to your cause. It maybe an idea to do something like the Morrisby test as well. Obviously, if the results come back and say you're an axe-weilding murderer then leave them out. You need to show motivation - turning up at the bank and asking for £40,000 'cos I wannabee a pilot' is going to get you shown discreetly to the door.
I'm sure there's other stuff that I don't know of though. Anyone care to add anything?