And as stated, the banks capped loans for flight students at $80k because so many pilots defaulted on their loans.

Yes, there are other routes to get there, but they will take longer than the 6 years it already takes to get a degree and ratings. And then remember, you need to get to the 1500 hours. So it is a long, expensive road now matter how you get there.

The payoff has to be there. And right now, it isn't.