Is Virgin Atlantic's new scheme to train-up new pilots with little or no experience any different than up-front payment schemes?

Oh, it's legitimate all right, and over the years other companies such as British Airways have had ab-initio cadet training programs. However, what they do not tell you is that to qualify you'll need to be far above average physically, intellectually, psychologically, and personality-wise. They might train 100 new pilots a year in such a program, but thousands and perhaps tens of thousands will apply for each one hired. While you cannot succeed if you don't try, unless you are a really exceptional individual, your chances of being selected would be about the same as your chances of becoming a pilot for the RAF or winning a major lottery.

FACT.

One of the many ways airlines and flight schools pry money out of your wallet -

No manner how hard you try, count on spending £100,000 to get an ATPL licence -

And an ATPL licence is not necessarily a guarantee of employment -